karikili bird sanctuary

karikili bird sanctuary

Karikili Bird Sanctuary is located about 86 KM from Chennai in Madurantakam Taluk of Chengai Anna District, this is one of the most tranquil and beautiful place near Chennai. Spread over 61.21 ha, this comprises of two rain fed irrigation tanks. The water enriched by bird droppings results in increased yield. Beginning with the open billed storks, the birds start arriving in Sept-Oct. Karikili is a haven for ducks and waders. Pin tailed ducks, Garganey teals, common teals, Shoveller, Little Grebe or Dab chick, Herons and Egrets are the other avian visitors. 

Karikili Bird Sanctuary is a place of lush greenery which has huge number of birds. It is a conservative forest of barringtonia and acacia nilotica. Among the many getaways around Chennai is Karikili Bird Sanctuary. This small sanctuary is home to a number of avian beauties, especially migratory ones.

Karikili Bird Sanctuary is one of the famous bird sanctuaries located in Kanchipuram District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated close to the small town of Padalam and is almost 86 Kms from Chennai in Madurantakam Taluk of Chengai Anna District. Chengalpattu is the nearest town from Karikili Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is one of the most beautiful and tranquil place to visit.

Flora

Dry evergreen scrub and thorn forests characterize the vegetation here and the two rain-fed irrigation tanks of this sanctuary help with plant growth. Interestingly, the bird droppings that fall into these tanks enhance the fertility of the soil on which their water is used.

Fauna

It is considered as place of ducks and waders. This sanctuary is well-known for the cormorants. , Egrets, Grey heron, Open-charged stork, Darter, spoonbill, White lbis, Night herons, little grebes and Grey pelican.  There are many migrated birds can be found here like Garganey blue-greens, Common blue-greens, Shoveller, Pin tailed ducks, Stilts, Sandpipers, etc. here fledgling birds like Coots, Moorhen and Terns can likewise be seen.

Karikili is spread over an area of 61 hectares and is the perfect place to spend a few days in peace. It is barely accessible by public bus, but with Chengalpattu as the nearest town, there are other means of making your way to it. If you are around Chennai between November and February and are looking for a quiet space to which you can retreat for a couple of days – bird watching in Karikili is just the thing you need.