Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary

Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, spans approximately 21.47 square kilometers along the coast where the Palk Strait meets the Bay of Bengal. Established in 1967, it aims to conserve the blackbuck antelope, an endangered and endemic species.

The sanctuary is well-known for its rich biodiversity, including tropical dry evergreen forests, mangroves, grasslands, and saline swamps. It hosts large congregations of migratory waterbirds, especially the greater flamingo, along with various other birds like spot-billed pelicans, sandpipers, storks, and pelicans, attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The area is also home to mammals such as wild boars, macaques, and chital deer, and reptiles including olive ridley turtles. Its coastal and wetland ecosystems provide vital breeding grounds for fish and other aquatic species, supporting local fishing communities. Recognized as a Ramsar site of international importance, the sanctuary is an important stopover for migratory birds traveling along the Central Asian Flyway from Siberia and Europe during winter.

Despite threats from habitat loss, pollution, and unregulated human activities, conservation efforts and community awareness programs help protect its ecological balance. The sanctuary also holds cultural significance with several Hindu temples and sites such as the Ramar Padam shrine that attract pilgrims. The best time to visit is from November to February when migratory birds are most abundant.