What to expect
Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird Sanctuary
A 5.93 sq km protected wetland notified in 1998, spread across the Melaselvanur and Keelaselvanur village tanks in Kadaladi taluk. Considered the best heronry in Ramanathapuram district, it hosts breeding and migratory water birds from October to February, including the near-threatened spot-billed pelican, painted stork, Asian openbill stork, herons, egrets, ibises and spoonbills. Surveys have documented over 100 bird species at the site.
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Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird Sanctuary
Place
Practical guide
Plan Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird Sanctuary
Typewildlife
Nearest baseKadaladi
Best timeOctober to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta
Time neededAbout an hour
EntryFree
Nearest town/baseKadaladi
DistrictRamanathapuram
Place typewildlife
Time neededAbout an hour.
A 5.93 sq km protected wetland notified in 1998, spread across the Melaselvanur and Keelaselvanur village tanks in Kadaladi taluk. Considered the best heronry in Ramanathapuram district, it hosts breeding and migratory water birds from October to February, including the near-threatened spot-billed pelican, painted stork, Asian openbill stork, herons, egrets, ibises and spoonbills. Surveys have documented over 100 bird species at the site.
Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird Sanctuary is planned from Kadaladi, one of the travel bases in Ramanathapuram district. Use Kadaladi for stays, food and local transport, then plan this place as a focused stop.
Visiting
Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird Sanctuary — at a glance
TimingsOpen daylight hours; early morning is best for bird activity
Best timeOctober to February, the migratory bird season
Entry: Free
Getting here
How to reach Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird Sanctuary
Nearest town Kadaladi; nearest railway Ramanathapuram (~36 km); Madurai Airport (IXM) ~85 km
Bring binoculars; birdlife peaks in the breeding and migratory season. No formal ticketing.
Getting there
How to visit
- Base yourself in Kadaladi or nearby in Ramanathapuram, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel.
- If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
Timing
Best time
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
Weather in Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird SanctuarySeasonal guide
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Where Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird Sanctuary is
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Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird Sanctuary — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird Sanctuary?
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
What are the entry fee and timings at Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird Sanctuary?
Entry: Free. Timings: Open daylight hours; early morning is best for bird activity. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird Sanctuary?
Base yourself in Kadaladi or nearby in Ramanathapuram, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel. If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
How much time do I need for Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird Sanctuary?
About an hour.
What else is near Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird Sanctuary?
Nearby you can pair Valinokkam Beach (12.1 km), Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary (13.9 km), Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary (15.1 km), Uthirakosamangai Mangalanathar Temple (22.9 km).
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