Nanjarayan Tank Bird Sanctuary

Nanjarayan Tank Bird Sanctuary in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, is a freshwater lake covering about 126 hectares, located near the villages Neruperichal and Sarkar Periyapalayam. It was restored around 400 years ago by King Nanjarayan, after whom it is named.

The lake depends on rainfall, runoff, and the Nallar River for water and plays a crucial role in irrigation and groundwater recharge for surrounding agricultural land. It is home to rich biodiversity, including around 191 bird species such as Indian darters and Indian cormorants, as well as butterflies, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and plants.

The sanctuary provides essential breeding and feeding habitats for both resident and migratory birds, and also supports other wildlife like the Indian flapshell turtle. Managed jointly by the forest department and local community groups, it is Tamil Nadu’s 17th bird sanctuary and an important ecological and cultural resource near Tiruppur city.

The sanctuary combines natural beauty with significant conservation value, serving communities while protecting diverse wildlife in a peaceful setting outside the urban industrial area.