Stay Near Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary | Blackbuck, Birds & Nature Getaway | Ananta Vihara, Thirukolur

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Stay Near Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary — Blackbuck, Birds & Nature Getaway | Ananta Vihara, Thirukolur

Nearby Attractions, Temples
May 21, 2026

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, established in 1987 to conserve the endangered blackbuck antelope (Antilope cervicapra) and its scrub forest habitat. Spanning 1,641 hectares on an isolated hillock surrounded by thorn scrub vegetation, it serves as one of the few remaining natural refuges for blackbucks in southern India.

Vallanadu is the southernmost place in India where a natural population of Blackbuck exists making this sanctuary a truly unique and extraordinary wildlife destination found nowhere else in South India. Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Vallanadu Village of Srivaikundam Taluk, in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu situated on an isolated hillock, approximately 16 kilometres from Tirunelveli town.

For wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts visiting this sanctuary, Ananta Vihara in Thirukolur just 20 km away is the most peaceful and perfectly located homestay base in the entire region.

History & Establishment

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified as a protected area on 28th September 1987. One of the key motivations behind its creation was the conservation of the blackbuck antelope an endangered species whose population had drastically declined due to poaching, habitat loss, and rapid agricultural development across Tamil Nadu.

The whole plain area of Tamil Nadu used to have large numbers of Blackbucks in the 19th century. Developmental pressures, poaching, and agriculture cornered them to just four places Guindy National Park in Chennai, Mudumalai sanctuary near Masinagudi, Point Calimere sanctuary in Nagapattinam, and Vallanadu in Thoothukudi

The Star The Blackbuck (Indian Antelope)

Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra) is the only representative of the antelope family in India. Due to extensive poaching and habitat loss, blackbuck populations have been reduced drastically. At the beginning of the twentieth century, thousands of blackbuck could be seen in several parts of India.

As of the 2023–2024 census, the sanctuary supports a thriving blackbuck population of approximately 300 individuals up from 260 the previous year showing encouraging signs of successful conservation.

Blackbucks have a regular habit of coming out of the scrubs and grazing in wastelands on the eastern side of the sanctuary. They can be seen best only during early morning and late evening hours at specified vantage points making timing your visit essential for the best wildlife experience

Wildlife What You Can Spot

Diverse and colourful wildlife exists in the natural surroundings of this sanctuary including Blackbuck, Spotted Deer, Macaques, Jungle Cat, Mongoose, and Wild Hares.

Key wildlife includes a thriving blackbuck population alongside around 300 spotted deer, 150 sambar deer, mongooses, black-naped hares, and various reptiles including vipers and rat snakes.

Birds A Hidden Birdwatcher's Paradise

Jungle Crow, Crested Hawk Eagle, Sparrows, Stork, Heron, Peafowl, and Horned Owl are some featured creatures one can spot here. In the winter months, birds from northern countries can also be spotted making a visit to this enthralling place even more rewarding

The Famous Peacock Farm

The place also has various farms amongst which the peacock farm is the most famous amongst tourists. Here one can relish the surreal sight of peacock dancing a truly unforgettable natural spectacle!

How to Reach

From	Distance	Mode
Tirunelveli	~16 km	Bus / Taxi
Thoothukudi	~35–40 km	Bus / Taxi
Srivaikuntam	~8 km	Auto / Taxi
Ananta Vihara, Thirukolur	~20 km	Taxi / Own vehicle

Nearest Railway Station: Tirunelveli Junction (~16 km) Nearest Airport: Thoothukudi Airport (~40 km) Bus Route: Buses from Tirunelveli on the Tirunelveli–Thoothukudi highway — alight at Vallanadu stop Route: Tirunelveli → Thoothukudi NH → Vallanadu turnoff (on east side of highway) Best Access: Hire a taxi from Tirunelveli or Srivaikuntam for comfortable flexible access

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