Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary

Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary lies in Tirunelveli district in the far south of Tamil Nadu and covers more than 320 acres of wetland. Each winter it fills with migratory birds, many of which nest here after long flights; flamingos, painted storks and pelicans are among the visitors, and bar-headed geese arrive from as far as Siberia.

The sanctuary is notable for the bond between the birds and the people around it. Villagers guard the colonies closely and give up firecrackers at Diwali so that the noise does not drive the birds away. Walking trails run beside the water and give close views of the flocks, so binoculars and a camera are worth carrying. There is no shop at the sanctuary itself, though bird-themed crafts are sold in the markets of Kanniyakumari.