Tamil Nadu, India

For bird watchers and animal lovers, Tamil Nadu has a lot to offer. It has 12 bird sanctuaries, five national parks, and 8 wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the prominent bird sanctuaries are in Vedanthangal, Karikili, Vettakudi, Pulicat, Karaivetti, and Vellode. The major wildlife sanctuaries are at Mudumalai, Mundanthurai, and Point Calimere.

Pichavaram is an ecologically rare zone, 16 km from Chidambaram, where you can cruise through the backwaters of the mangrove forests. Pichavaram is an all-season destination and would be of particular interest to ornithologists. You can find rare species of birds in the 1130 hectares of mangrove forests - spoonbills, storks, cormorants, herons, watersnipes, and pelicans. Pulicat is another ecologically sensitive region. Pulicat Lake is India's second largest saline water lagoon. Located 40 km north of Chennai, Pulicat Lake is a breeding ground for rare birds. The best time to visit this place would be from December till April. The lake supports a rich biodiversity of fish, prawns, crustaceans and plankton that form the principal source of food for the birds!

Mundanthurai is a delightful sanctuary that is home to several endangered species like the tiger, macaque, sambar and chital. Two other major wildlife sanctuaries are Mudumalai and Point Calimere.

Yercaud, Tamil Nadu, India

Yercaud is a quiet hill resort centered around a lake in the Servaroyar hills. The mild climate, combined with breathtaking views, makes Yercaud a must for tourists. The nearest rail station Salem, 32 km away, is served by a number of mainline trains. The Yercaud Express is the most convenient train connection from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. There are frequent buses from Salem to Yercaud. Taxis and autorickshaws are easily available at Yercaud for local travel. Boating and water sports facilities are available in the lake.

Gorgeous botanical gardens, a horticultural farm, and a heritage that dates back to 1800s and speaks for itself are the other attractions in Yercaud. Sterling Resorts has its accommodation in the hill station, Rock Perch. Club Mahindra has its own facility in the name of Lake Forest Hotel, Yercaud. Some of the other hotels that are there in Yercaud are: Clifton Inn, The Regent Hillside Resort, Grand Palace Hotel & Spa Yercaud, Golden Nest Resorts, GRT Nature Trails Hotel, Ahith's Home Stay, Classic Cottage, Grange Resort, Wellington Hill Resort, Star Holiday Resort, Hills Resorts, Star Holiday Inn, Kongu Resorts, Yercaud International, Silver Holiday Cottages, Hotel Shevaroys, Golden Lake View Resorts, Ponkailash Holiday Home. 

Kiliyur Waterfalls is a major attraction in Yercaud. The water from this waterfall flows into the Yercaud Lake and falls 300 feet into the Kiliyur Valley. It makes for a spectacular sight.Another tourist attraction in Yercaud is the Servaroyan temple. It is a beautifully carved cave temple. It is famous for the festival organized by the locals in the month of May.

The Horticultural Farm in Yercaud is home to 5000 varieties of plants. This garden is also sometimes called the Green House. It also has orange trees.