Point Calimere

2 daysBest: Nov–MarForests#blackbuck#birding#beach

Spit sanctuary for birds and blackbuck

Why this weekend?

Blackbuck herdsMigratory shorebirdsSethu samudram views

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The day-by-day plan

Day 1 · The sanctuary
- Blackbuck walk
- Flamingo deck
- Salt pan stop
Day 2 · The cape
- Kodiakkarai lanes
- Ramar temple
- Return

Geography & terrain

Point Calimere lies in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, 280 km from Chennai and 30 km from Vedaranyam — the coastal sanctuary of the region, its blackbucks, the flamingos and the salt pans set on the Coromandel's cape.

History & culture

The sanctuary's story runs with the 1967 wildlife era — the coastal sanctuary of the Point Calimere and the blackbuck's home of the 1967 listing, with the sanctuary's modern role as the birding stop of the Tamil Nadu circuit and the home of the flamingo flocks and the 1967 park and the Ramar temple legend; the sanctuary's history of the Kodiakkarai village and the 21,500-hectare sanctuary, gives Point Calimere its coastal character.

Where to stay

Budget

₹1,500–3,500/night

Mid-range

₹3,500–7,000/night

Comfort

₹7,000+/night

Things to do

Coastal sanctuaries
Blackbuck grounds
Flamingo waters
Salt pans
Shore temples

Eat & drink

Dosa with sambar
Chettinad chicken
Idiyappam with stew
Banana leaf meals

Getting there

Fly: Chennai (MAA) / Coimbatore (CJB)
Train: Chennai Central & Madurai junctions
Road from Chennai: varies by district — 50–500 km
Getting around: Autos, local trains, city buses

Budget snapshot

Total: ₹10,000–18,000 (2 days)
Per day · Stay: ₹1,500–7,000/night
Per day · Food: ₹600–1,000
Per day · Transport: ₹1,200–1,600
Per day · Activities: ₹2,500–2,900

Month by month

Jan · Best: 20–31°C · None rain
Feb · Best: 21–33°C · None rain
Mar · Hot: 23–35°C · None rain
Apr · Hot: 25–36°C · Moderate rain
May · Pre-monsoon: 26–35°C · Moderate rain
Jun · Monsoon: 24–32°C · Heavy rain
Jul · Monsoon: 23–31°C · Heavy rain
Aug · Monsoon: 23–31°C · Heavy rain
Sep · Monsoon tail: 24–32°C · Heavy rain
Oct · Good: 24–33°C · Moderate rain
Nov · Best: 22–32°C · Light rain
Dec · Best: 20–31°C · None rain

Practical info

Language: Tamil (English understood in tourist spots)
Best window: Nov–Mar
Connectivity: good 4G in towns
UPI/cards widely accepted; keep small cash for hill and market stops

Practical tips

The season (Nov–Mar) holds the birds
The binoculars ask the packing
The walks ask the sun care

Frequently asked questions

What is Point Calimere?

The coastal sanctuary of the Coromandel.

What is there to do?

The blackbucks, the flamingos and the pans.

How long is the visit?

Two days.