Chennai is one of the essential metropolises in India, and most people do not associate as a place with wildlife. But you will be surprised to know that Chennai is located in such a geographical location, that it is quite close to some of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in South India. That is why in this blog, you will get to know about the wildlife sanctuaries near Chennai is excellent details. If you are a wildlife lover, you should, at least once in your life, go to Chennai to explore the wildlife of Southern India.
5 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries Near Chennai
The wildlife sanctuaries included in the list are not all located in Tamil Nadu, but some of them are located in the neighboring states of Tamil Nadu. All these parks are situated from Chennai at a distance where you can travel quite easily by trains, cars or buses. Though you must keep a few days in your hand to explore these wildlife sanctuaries comfortably.
1. Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary – 565 km From Chennai
2. Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve – 681.2 Km From Chennai
3. Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary – 223 Km From Chennai
4. Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary – 428.8 Km From Chennai
5. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary – 566.4 Km From Chennai
1. Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary
Srivilliputhur wildlife sanctuary is quite famous all around the world for being the home to a unique species of a giant squirrel out there. They are quite rare in the world, and this wildlife sanctuary has been successful in giving them a beautiful home amid the lush greenery of the forests in Tamil Nadu. If you visit there, you will be able to view these Grizzled squirrels from the watchtowers located in different parts of the woods. Apart from the squirrels, the sanctuary is also home to different species of wild animals, including sloth bears, black leopards, Macaques, and many more.
The distance of the wildlife sanctuary from Chennai- 565 kms
Location: Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu 626125
Suggested Read: 18 Romantic Places In Chennai For A Quixotic Day Out With Your Love
2. Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Kalakad Mundanthurai is one of the few tiger reserves in India that is home to over 73 tigers. It is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries near Chennai, with an area of over 895 square km. The forest lies in the confluence of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and can be reached from Chennai by trains or cars quite easily. Apart from tigers, the wood is also home to some other wild animals, including sloth bears, leopards, hyenas, and others. It is one of the few biodiversity centers in India. If you want to explore the area more exhaustively, you should stay in the dormitories, which are situated all across the reserve.
The distance of the wildlife sanctuary from Chennai- 681.2 kms
Places To Stay: Hotel Gowri Sankar, Hotel Ambai Grand, Vastuka Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat, Anantya Resorts, Thankaiya Lodge
Location: Ambasamudram – Papanasam – Upper Dam Rd, Papanasam R.F., Tamil Nadu 627551
3. Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary
Sri Lankamalleswara wildlife sanctuary is located in Andhra Pradesh, but the best way to go there is by taking a train from Chennai. The refuge is situated in Kapada, and it is quite beautiful. It is home to one of the most endangered species of birds in the world, Jerden’s Courser. Apart from the bird, the wildlife sanctuary is also back to different categories of animals, namely sloth bear, panther, wild boar, gazelle, fox, antelope, and many more.
The distance of the wildlife sanctuary from Chennai- 223 kms
Places To Stay: Convention, Hashmi Residency, Ysr Residency, Sridevi Palace, Pratap Residency
Location: Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh 516505
Suggested Read: Scuba Diving In Chennai Will Allow You To Shed Your Inhibitions Amidst The Shallow Waters!
4. Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
This is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries located in the heart of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The said sanctuary is home to several wildlife species which can be easily spotted while taking a tour or exploring the various parts of the sanctuary. We would recommend the visitors to plan your trip accordingly as the climatic conditions here are usually dry and erratic however it also experiences uneven rainfall. Visitors can witness cotton, tobacco and sunflowers getting cultivated in the agricultural land which is known to border the said sanctuary. It is very reputed and recognised for being a safe home to several wildlife species such as foxes, jackals, jungle cats, sloth bears, blackbucks, short-toed snake eagle, Russell’s viper, Indian cobra and many others.
The distance of the wildlife sanctuary from Chennai- 428.8 kms
Places To Stay: HOTEL DR INDRAAPRASTHAA, Dkr Regency, Sai Priyanka Comfort Inn, Hotel Rajavihar, Mourya Lords Inn Kurnool
Location: Rollapadu, Andhra Pradesh 518405
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5. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is very well located in the north western side of the Nilgiri Hills, Nilgiri District about 150 km away from the Coimbatore city in Tamil Nadu, India. The said sanctuary is known to be home to several wildlife species which is considered to be endangered and vulnerable, to name a few we can start with an Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, gaur and Indian leopard.
There are more than 250 species of birds in this massive yet very amazing sanctuary where the visitors can even spot the critically endangered Indian white-rumped vulture and long-billed vulture. To make a note of, this sanctuary is currently under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.
The distance of the wildlife sanctuary from Chennai– 566.4 kms
Places To Stay: Cottages Amidst Mudumalai Forest(3Meals Incl.) , Tiger Tracks Holiday Resort, Sandalo Castle Resorts, Shepherd Stays
Further Read: 49 Tourist Places Near Chennai: Reasons To Look Forward To Your Weekends In Chennai
All the wildlife sanctuaries near Chennai that are provided in the list are quite crucial to the ecology and sustainable development of India. These places have been protected by the Government of India pretty extensively, and they are quite well-maintained as well. Hence, to explore the magnificent forests of India, start planning your adventurous trip to Tamil Nadu right now.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wildlife Sanctuaries Near Chennai
What are the most popular wildlife sanctuaries located near Chennai?
Several wildlife sanctuaries are located quite close to Chennai. Some of the most important ones are Rollapadu wildlife sanctuary, Ranganathittu bird sanctuary, Indira Gandhi wildlife sanctuary, Nagarjuna Sagar sanctuary, and many more. Where is wildlife Nagarjuna Sagar sanctuary located in South India?
Nagarjuna Sagar wildlife sanctuary is located in the Srisailam area near Hyderabad, and it can be reached from Chennai within six hours at most. What is the distance of Chennai from the Ranganathittu bird sanctuary?
Ranganathittu bird sanctuary is located around 463 km from Chennai. You will be able to reach there within seven to eight hours at most if you travel by train. How many days do you need to explore Chennai?
Chennai can be explored quite exhaustively within three to four days quite easily. If you plan to explore the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, you will need more than fifteen days. When is the perfect time to explore Chennai?
The right time to visit Chennai is between October to February because it is a hot and humid state, but in the said months, the climate is comparatively colder.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
