Karikili Bird Sanctuary.
Vedanthangal gets the entire bird-watcher footfall (Asia's oldest protected bird sanctuary, declared 1798 by the East India Company). Karikili 8km west is its twin: a smaller 60-hectare tank also winter-flooded, hosting cormorants, painted storks, white ibis, openbill stork, snake birds — but with one-tenth of Vedanthangal's visitor count. Birders use Karikili as the late-afternoon second stop.WHY NOBODY KNOWS
Declared a bird sanctuary 1989 (Vedanthangal: 1798). Tank-fed wetland 60 hectares with watchtower + 1km earthen embankment around the tank. Peak season Nov-Feb when migratory birds (cormorant, painted stork, openbill stork, glossy ibis, garganey, pintail) congregate around the central island. Entry ₹15 / 50 paise for binoculars hire / open dawn-6pm during season, partially closed Apr-Oct. Combine with Vedanthangal in a single day for the complete site.
