BLOGS 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 Most Recent Posts All Posts Nava Kailasam Temples Nava Tirupathi Temples Nearby Attractions Temples Stay Near Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary | Blackbuck, Birds & Nature Getaway | Ananta Vihara, Thirukolur Stay Near Kazhugumalai | Rock Cut Temples, Jain Heritage & Ancient Wonders | Ananta Vihara, Thirukolur Stay Near Sri Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy Perumal Temple | Tirunelveli’s Hidden Gem A South Tirupati Explore More Category Nava Kailasam Temples (9) Nava Tirupathi Temples (9) Nearby Attractions (10) Temples (8) Tags Adhinatha Perumal Temple Agasthiyar Falls Agasthiyar Falls Papanasam Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve Alwarthirunagari Ananta Vihara Thirukolur Aravindalochanar Temple Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple Arupadai Veedu 2nd Temple Banatheertham Falls Bhoomipalagar Perumal Budha Sthalam Tirunelveli Budhan Sthalam Chandran Sthalam Chevvai Dosha Parihara Coastal Village Tamil Nadu Dakshina Gangai Devapiran Temple Divya Desam Gothaparameshwarar Temple Guru Sthalam Guru Sthalam Tirunelveli Holy Cross Church Manapad Homestay in Tirunelveli Homestay Near KMTR Homestay Near Krishnapuram Temple Homestay Near Kutralam Homestay Near Manapad Homestay Near Nava Kailayam Homestay Near Nava Tirupati Homestay Near Papanasam Homestay Near Tiruchendur Homestay Near Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple Irattai Tirupathi Jupiter Temple Tamil Nadu Kaarkodaga Kshetram Kailasanathar Temple Kodaganallur Kailasanathar Temple Murappanadu Kailasanathar Temple Rajapathy Kailasanathar Temple Sernthapoomangalam Kailasanathar Temple Srivaikuntam Kailasanathar Temple Thenthiruperai Kalahasti Equivalent Tamil Nadu Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve Kasinivendan Perumal Keezh Kailayam Final Temple Keezh Kailayam First Temple Ketu Dosha Parihara Ketu Sthalam Ketu Sthalam Tirunelveli KMTR Kotha Parameswarar Temple Kunnathur Krishnapuram Temple Tirunelveli Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy Temple Kuberasthalam Lord Vishnu Temple Tirunelveli Madhurakavi Alwar Birthplace Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Temple Manapad Beach Manapad Thoothukudi Manimuthar Dam Manjolai Hills Mars Temple Tamil Nadu Mars Temple Tirunelveli Mayakoothar Perumal Temple Mercury Temple Tamil Nadu Mundanthurai Wildlife Safari Nadu Kailasam Naga Dosha Parihara Nammalvar Birthplace Natham Temple Nature Trek Tamil Nadu Nava Kailayam 3rd Temple Nava Kailayam 4th Temple Nava Kailayam 5th Temple Nava Kailayam 6th Temple Nava Kailayam 7th Temple Nava Kailayam 8th Temple Nava Kailayam 9th Temple Nava Kailayam First Temple Nava Kailayam Stay Nava Kailayam Tirunelveli Nava Tirupati 2nd Temple Nava Tirupati 4th Temple Nava Tirupati 7th Temple Nava Tirupati 8th Temple Nava Tirupati Divya Desam Nava Tirupati First Temple Nava Tirupati Homestay Nava Tirupati Nava Kailayam Srivaikuntam Nava Tirupati Nava Kailayam Thenthiruperai Nava Tirupati Yatra Nayak Architecture Temple Nigaril Mugil Vannan Papanasa Nathar Temple Papanasam Dam Papanasam Temple Papanasam Tirunelveli Papanasanathar Temple Pilgrim Homestay TN Ponnammai Sametha