Best Places to Visit in Thiruvarur – Temples, Sanctuaries & Cultural Sites

1.Vaduvoor Birds Sanctuary

Close to Thanjavur (25 km) and Thiruvarur (30 km), the Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary is an unknown treasure for bird lovers and nature lovers. Squished around the beautiful Vaduvoor lake district, this sanctuary was established in 1999 and since it has been a premiere bird watching destination for Tamil Nadu. Home to serene waters, rich wetlands and seasonal avian visitors Vaduvoor presents a lively interaction in the midst of the birding landscape of South India.

A Seasonal Spectacle

It is in the affluent winter months of November and December when over 20,000 migratory birds migrate into Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary from all corners of the world. The lake itself is literally awakened by a flurry of wings and salacious bird calls, and a kaleidoscope of color with flocks mounting into the sky against a bidond seed of quiet water and horizon. It’s a dream come true for photographers, ornithologists and adventurers in search of an alternative nature experience.

Tourist Facilities and Accessibility

Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary is vested with essential tourist amenities, which makes tourists spend quality hours in the place:

Watch Towers: Two watch towers located strategically in the sanctuary provide a bird’s-eye view of the lake and it is easy to see the birds without disturbing them.

Overnight Stays: Simple accommodations facilities are accessible to the guests in the vicinity, which will allow them to be present at the early morning or late evening activity of the birds – the best time for observation and photography.

The sanctuary is easily reachable from road and for a day trip from Thanjavur or Thiruvarur it makes a good add on to a cultural, temple trip in the region.

Why Visit Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary?

• Birdwatcher’s Delight: A place you must visit if you are interested in avian life, it has vast variety of species.

• Seasonal Spectacle: The arrival of tens of thousands of migratory birds in winter is the feast of the eyes and ears.

• Peaceful Nature Escape: Free of hustle, outside the noise of the city, sanctuary provides a tranquil, reusable environment.

• Ideal for All Ages: Whether school kids, amateur or professional, all find something to carry home with them.

2.Udayamarthandapuram Birds Sactuary

Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary is a Reserve in Thiruvarur District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is declared as a protected area in December 1999. A number of birds is found here. Geographic location of Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary 10°26’59’N 79°27’58’E. Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary spreads about 0.45 sq km area and is being fed by an irrigation tank with Mettur Dam water and also by the northeast monsoon from August to December. The tank is dry during April and August.

During the months of February and March one can view purple-moorhen and openbill storks here. Other migratory birds in the sanctuary are covered with white-ibis, Indian reef heron, white-necked stork, grey-heron, coot, night heron, purple-heron, little cormorant, spoonbill and darter.

Between September and December, the numbers of birds occupying the sanctuary increases to about 10,000. The best time to visit this sanctuary is November and December.

Flora

The Sanctuary is a habitat that comprises lily patches, reed brakes, aquatic grass etc.

Fauna

Some varieties of birds can be seen here from September onwards. Many Purple Moorhen and Open bill storks are found in February and March. Many migratory birds such as Coot, Grey Heron, Black headed Ibis, Night Heron, Purple Heron, Little cormorant, Darter, Spoonbill, Indian Reef Heron and White necked stork also visit the sanctuary. Approximately 10000 birds gather here during peak season November –December.

During February and March, the sanctuary has a significant number or purple moorhen and openbill storks. From September months, birds arrive in sanctuary. Bird population peaks at November- December up to 10000 gather when seasons peak. Regular congregation of many Openbill storks (a distinct feature of the Sanctuary) takes place during February – March.

• Wildlife Viewing:
• The best time to tour the sanctuary is november.
• The sanctuary is available for visits any time in the year.

3.Muthupettai Mangrove Forest

The marshy land in Muthupet is majorly existing attraction in this region. This beautiful place is evergreen with all the mangrove forest trees in a sprawling 120 sq kms area. It is beautiful for the tourists to witness the vast stretch of backwater with the mangrove forests all over the region. In addition to the deep rooted mangrove trees, there is a variety of trees which grow there, Thandal, Thillai, Narikanthal, Neermulli, which also contribute to the beauty of the lagoon. There are seventy-three colourful types of fish in this lagoon. Tourist can go to Thalaimunai Mangrove Forest through a motorboat. It is an hour’s from the Jambavanodai point close to Muthupettai.

A wooden walkway 162 mtrs long has been developed in the interest of tourists to enjoy the mangrove forest. The rainy months November-January are the time when a large number of birds migrate to here from all over the world. Eighty other migratory birds flock to this place after a great distance of travel. The birds are of Siberia, Russia, Iran and Europe. Among them the noted variety of birds are the heron, egret, flamingo, the painted stork, pelican, teal and tern. This migration of these birds is also a marvelous spectacle to the beauty of this district.

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