Tamil Nadu’s varied climate and geography make it one of the most biodiverse places in the world. For instance, there are about 2,000 wildlife species that are native to the state and at least 1,559 species of medicinal plants that can be found here. Thus, it should come as no surprise that it is home to three important ecological regions: the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, and the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. These zones are dotted with five national parks, 17 wildlife and bird sanctuaries, and plenty of hiking trails that will delight every single nature lover. In fact, the Forest Department recently put together a comprehensive list of 40 trails across 14 districts under project “Trek Tamil Nadu.”

　　Here’s a helpful list of the top national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that you must visit in Tamil Nadu to spot an incredible variety of wildlife.

　　Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

　　The second largest wildlife sanctuary of Tamil Nadu is a lush green paradise where a variety of flora and fauna thrive. This tropical evergreen forest is located in the Tirunelveli district and boasts over 150 types of plants and animals like Bengal tigers, leopards, sambar deer, Indian pangolins, sloth, mouse deer, flying lizards, pythons, pit vipers, great hornbills, grey-headed bulbuls, Oriental bay owls, and broad-trailed grassbirds, among others. The best way to immerse yourself in the landscape of the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is by trekking the forest trails. There are two new routes here that you can choose from: the Karaiyar to Moolakasam trek is moderately difficult while the Kallar to Korakkanatharkoil trek is suitable for experienced hikers. Consider going on a guided trek to get the most out of the experience.

　　Gulf Of Mannar Marine National Park

　　The wonders of the land may be well-known but there is another world waiting to be explored just under the waves that lap the shores of Ramanathapuram district. Made up of 21 islands in total, the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park includes estuaries, beaches, and mudflats that make the region stunningly beautiful. Spread across an area of 560 square kilometres and hugging the coast of Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Rameswaram, and Kanniyakumari, visitors will find algae communities, sea grasses, coral reefs, salt marshes, and mangroves here. Around 3,600 plant and animal species have been identified in the waters of the park, including endangered species like the sea cow, dugong, whale shark, and hawksbill turtle, as well as six different types of mangroves. Take a glass-bottomed boat to see the 117 types of hard coral species which give the national park the moniker of “underwater tropical rainforest.”

　　Mukurthi National Park

　　Some national parks are more than just sanctuaries and havens for wildlife; they are stunning and spectacular destinations that offer a breathtaking retreat in more ways than one. Mukurthi National Park is just such a place. Located in a tranquil setting in the Nilgiri plateau, it is one of the most visited national parks in Tamil Nadu thanks to its enticing fauna, jungle adventures, hiking trails, and stunning flora. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located within the Western Ghats biosphere, was specifically created to conserve the Nilgiri tahr, a significant species of the region. The park is also home to the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, jungle cat, wild dog, barking deer, leopard, parrot, vulture, eagle, and a host of migratory birds. Visitors can choose to walk newly established trails like the easy-to-do Cairn Hill trek, the moderately-difficult Karikayur to Porivarai trek, and the highly-difficult Parsons Valley to Mukurthihut trek, among others.

　　Point Calimere Wildlife And Bird Sanctuary

　　An exceptionally beautiful strip of land, the Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary was created in 1967 for the protection and conservation of blackbucks, an endangered and endemic species that are found in the region. Located on the southeastern tip of the Nagapattinam district, the sandy coast of the sanctuary is covered in saline swamp and thorny scrub around the backwaters. Here, you will find wild boar, macaques, chital, plovers, terns, teals, and migratory birds like the greater and lesser flamingoes and spot-billed pelicans. Due its location on the coast, the sanctuary also offers rare glimpses of the underwater wildlife. As you wait patiently, you will be amazed by sightings of dolphins jumping out of the water and turtles walking on the shore.

　　Mudumalai National Park

　　Just 55 kilometres from Mukurthi National Park lies another reserve that is one of Tamil Nadu’s most picturesque—Mudumalai National Park. In fact, this national park shares borders with Kerala and Karnataka and overlaps with other national parks, including Bandipur, Nagarahole, Wayanad, and Silent Valley. In Mudumalai, 55 species of mammals, 227 species of birds, 50 species of fishes, 21 species of amphibians, and 34 species of reptiles have been recorded, including many endangered ones such as elephants, tigers, gaur, and leopards. Around eight per cent of the total bird species in India can be found in this region, from yellow-crowned woodpeckers and blue-bearded bee-eaters to Indian robins and brown boobooks. The floral diversity is equally vast, with 498 plant species, including 154 tree, 77 shrub, 214 herb, and 53 vine species, having been discovered here.

　　Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary

　　Further south from the Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is the haven of Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary. This serene and biodiverse place is crucial to the region's ecological balance. Like its northern neighbour, this sanctuary was also formed to preserve and protect the blackbuck population, who roam freely in their natural habitat. Keeping them company are macaques, jungle cats, vipers, black-naped hares, sparrows, crested hawk-eagles, jungle crows, peafowls, herons, and so on. Joining a safari is the best way to experience the wonders of this beautiful place.