Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird Sanctuary

Melaselvanur-Keelaselvanur Bird Sanctuary is a community-managed bird sanctuary in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu, covering the villages of Melaselvanur and Keelaselvanur. Notified in 1998 and recognized as an Important Bird Area, it protects seasonal shallow wetlands and scrub that host resident and migratory waterbirds. The sanctuary is noted for large breeding colonies of herons, egrets, pelicans and painted storks, and for its model of local community participation in conservation.

Visitors can expect a rural wetland landscape with shallow seasonal tanks, scrub and open water surrounded by agricultural fields. The sanctuary offers open viewing areas and watchtowers for observing large congregations of waterbirds, including nesting colonies during the breeding season. The setting is quiet and natural with minimal built infrastructure, suitable for birdwatching and photography. Access is via village roads and bunds around the tanks.