Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary

Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary is a large brackish water wetland and protected bird sanctuary located near Marakkanam in Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu. Declared as Tamil Nadu's 16th bird sanctuary in 2021, it covers about 5,151 hectares and is the second largest brackish water lake in South India after Pulicat. The sanctuary is notable for its extensive reed beds, shallow waters and seasonal congregation of migratory waterbirds, including flamingos, pelicans and ducks.

Visitors can expect a vast, shallow brackish water lake with reed beds, mudflats and open water surrounded by agricultural fields and salt pans. The sanctuary is primarily a birdwatching site with viewing points and watchtowers for observing migratory waterbirds such as flamingos, pelicans, herons, ducks and waders. There are no intensive tourist developments; the experience is nature-focused, quiet and best enjoyed with binoculars during early morning or late afternoon.

Kazhuveli has long been a significant brackish water wetland on the Coromandel Coast. It was declared as Tamil Nadu's 16th bird sanctuary in December 2021 vide G.O. Ms. No. 153, Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department, covering 5,151.60 hectares to conserve its biodiversity and protect habitat for resident and migratory waterbirds.