Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary

Introduction: The Delta's Haven for Openbill Storks

Situated in the Tiruthuraipoondi taluk of Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, approximately 115 kilometers (a 2.5-hour drive) east of Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) and 45 kilometers from Thanjavur, the Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary is a protected wetland reserve. Officially designated as an international **Ramsar Wetland Site**, this 45-hectare (110-acre) sanctuary revolves around an ancient freshwater irrigation tank fed by the Muringalu canal system of the Kaveri Delta.

As a key stopover along the Central Asian Flyway, Udhayamarthandapuram is renowned across South India for hosting immense congregations of breeding **Asian Openbill Storks** alongside thousands of other migratory and resident waterfowl every winter.

Key Attractions & Avian Highlights

The sanctuary features dense submerged acacia groves, earthen bund walking tracks, and rich deltaic bird diversity:

1. Submerged Acacia Forest & Nesting Canopy

The central feature of the sanctuary is its vast stands of partially submerged **Acacia nilotica** trees. Growing directly inside the irrigation tank, these aquatic tree groves form a protected, predator-free canopy where thousands of migratory birds construct nests and rear their chicks.

2. World-Famous Asian Openbill Stork Haven

Udhayamarthandapuram is famous for hosting one of the largest breeding concentrations of **Asian Openbill Storks** in Tamil Nadu. Nesting begins as early as September, with peak feeding and chick-rearing activity visible through the winter months.

3. Major Migratory & Resident Waterfowl

In addition to Openbill Storks, the sanctuary shelters diverse avian species:
* **Storks & Pelicans:** Painted Storks and Spot-billed Pelicans.
* **Ducks & Swimmers:** Eurasian Wigeons, Northern Pintails, Garganeys, Spot-billed Ducks, and Cotton Teals.
* **Ibises, Herons & Waders:** Black-headed Ibises, Glossy Ibises, Eurasian Spoonbills, Grey Herons, Purple Herons, Night Herons, and Little Cormorants.

4. Lake Bund Walkway & Viewing Watchtowers

A paved walking path runs along the earthen bund of the lake. Multiple elevated **watchtowers** built by the Forest Department allow visitors, researchers, and photographers to view nesting colonies without causing disturbance to the birds.

Key Highlights & Attraction Summary

• 45-Hectare Ramsar Wetland Site: Globally recognized bird sanctuary located in Tiruvarur district.
• Asian Openbill Stronghold: Major regional breeding center for thousands of Openbill Storks.
• Acacia Submerged Canopy: Dense aquatic tree groves offering safe nesting habitats.
• Lake Bund Path & Watchtowers: Shaded walking track equipped with observation towers for birdwatching.

How to Reach Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary

Located near Tiruthuraipoondi in Tiruvarur district, easily accessible via road and rail corridors.

By Road from Trichy, Thanjavur, or Tiruvarur (Car, Bus, or Taxi)

Driving from Trichy via Mannargudi or Thanjavur takes roughly 2.5 hours (approx. 115 km). Driving from **Thanjavur city base** takes about 1 hour (approx. 45 km). Driving from **Tiruthuraipoondi town** takes about 20 minutes (approx. 15 km). Regular state transport (TNSTC) buses operate daily from Tiruvarur, Tiruthuraipoondi, and Mannargudi up to Udhayamarthandapuram village.

By Rail & Airport

The nearest railway stations are **Tiruthuraipoondi Junction (TTP)** (approx. 15 km away) and **Mannargudi Railway Station** (approx. 30 km away). The nearest airport is **Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ)** (approx. 115 km away).

Best Time to Visit

Peak breeding seasons, water availability, and daily operating hours govern optimal travel planning.

Operating Hours, Entry Fees & Best Season

The sanctuary is open daily during the migratory season from **06:00 AM to 06:00 PM**. Entry fees are nominal (approx. **₹25 for Adults** and **₹10 for Children**; basic camera charges apply).

Optimal Visiting Strategy

The best time to visit Udhayamarthandapuram is from **November to February** (Asian Openbill Storks arrive around September–October, with peak duck populations arriving by November). Plan your visit early in the morning between **06:30 AM and 09:30 AM** or late in the afternoon from **04:00 PM to 05:30 PM**, when birds actively return to feed their young.

Things to Do at Udhayamarthandapuram

• Observe Openbill Stork Nesting: Use binoculars to watch Asian Openbill Storks rearing their young inside acacia tree canopies.
• Walk the Shaded Lake Bund: Enjoy a peaceful morning stroll along the paved perimeter track surrounding the tank.
• Climb the Observation Towers: Capture wide-angle and telephoto photographs of bird colonies across the water.
• Combine with Delta Landmarks: Pair your visit with **Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary** (35 km away) or **Muthupet Mangroves** (30 km away).

Essential Rules and Visitor Guidelines

• Maintain Quiet & Silence: Avoid loud talking, shouting, or playing music—excessive noise frightens nesting parent birds and disrupts chick feeding.
• No Drones or Flash Photography: Drones and flash photography are strictly prohibited inside the sanctuary area.
• Bring Personal Optics: Carry personal binoculars or telephoto camera equipment for optimal bird identification from watchtower viewpoints.
• Preserve Wetland Environment: Single-use plastics are strictly banned—dispose of all food packaging and water bottles in designated entrance bins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary located?

It is located in the Tiruthuraipoondi taluk of Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, India, about 15 km from Tiruthuraipoondi, 45 km from Thanjavur, and 115 km east of Trichy.

2. What bird species is this sanctuary most famous for?

It is most famous for hosting huge breeding congregations of **Asian Openbill Storks** alongside Painted Storks, Pelicans, and migratory ducks.

3. Is Udhayamarthandapuram a Ramsar Wetland Site?

Yes, Udhayamarthandapuram is officially designated as an international **Ramsar Wetland Site** for its ecological importance in waterbird conservation.

4. What are the operating hours?

The sanctuary is open daily during the migratory season from **06:00 AM to 06:00 PM**.

5. How long does a visit take?

A typical visit takes **1.5 to 2.5 hours** to walk the lake bund, climb watchtowers, and observe avian species.

Conclusion

Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary stands out as central Tamil Nadu's essential deltaic avian refuge, where Ramsar-designated freshwater tanks, submerged acacia nesting groves, Asian Openbill Stork breeding colonies, and peaceful watchtower bunds converge. From observing Openbill Storks to enjoying quiet morning walks along the lake, Udhayamarthandapuram delivers an unmissable nature experience. Bring binoculars, plan a visit between November and February, start early by 07:00 AM, and explore Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary!