Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu and covers an area of about 223 square kilometres. It was established in 1962 and is one of the oldest sanctuaries in the state. The sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats and is home to various flora and fauna.
The vegetation in the sanctuary is mainly tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. The shelter is also known for its bamboo groves covering much of the area. The refuge is home to several species of animals, including tigers, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, bison, and wild dogs. The sanctuary is also home to several species of reptiles, including king cobras and pythons.
One of the highlights of the sanctuary is the Kalakkadu-Kanyakumari Wildlife Corridor, which connects the Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary with the Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary. This corridor is an important habitat for several species of animals, including elephants and tigers.
Several trekking routes in the sanctuary offer visitors a chance to explore the forest and observe the wildlife. The refuge is also home to several waterfalls, including the Manimuthar Falls, a popular tourist attraction.
The best time to visit the Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary is between November and March when the weather is pleasant and the wildlife is more active. Due to the heavy rainfall and flooding, the sanctuary is closed during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September.
Places To Visit Near Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary:
Located within the sanctuary, Manimuthar Falls is a scenic waterfall cascading down from about 25 meters. It is a popular spot for picnics and trekking.
Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary:
Located about 30 kilometres from Kalakkadu, Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary is another popular wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. It is home to several endangered species of animals, including tigers and leopards.
Located 90 kilometres from Kalakkadu, Kanyakumari is a popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
Thiruvalluvar Statue:
Located in Kanyakumari, the Thiruvalluvar Statue is a massive 133-foot-tall stone statue of the famous Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. It is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the ocean.
Padmanabhapuram Palace:
Located about 40 kilometres from Kalakkadu, Padmanabhapuram Palace is a beautiful 16th-century palace that was the seat of the erstwhile rulers of Travancore. It is a popular tourist attraction known for its intricate woodwork and traditional architecture.
Located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, about 85 kilometres from Kalakkadu, Kuthira Malika Palace is a beautiful palace built by the erstwhile rulers of Travancore. It is known for its unique architecture and exquisite mural paintings.