Theri Kaadu: The red sand desert in South India, a standout destination for wanderlusts!

Highlights: Theri Kaadu- An insight into the only red sand desert in India  Formation of Theri Kaadu is known to be 20,000 years old, with marine sediments dating back to the Quaternary period Locals recommend not to stay in Theri Kaadu at night ever since tales of mysterious disappearances of people surfaced!  Climate, Vegetation, and Wildlife in the Desert Travel guide to Theri Kaadu desert Other places to visit near Theri Kaadu

Theri Kaadu, or The Theri desert or The desert of Waste, as called by the locals, is a vast land with red dunes located in Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts of Tamil Nadu. The striking red dunes of the desert make it a standout destination, gaining attention from visitors at large. It can be called a ‘nature’s wonder’ of geology and ecology, where the red sands of the desert are due to the high concentration of iron oxides [1]. India is not only home to the Great Indian Desert or the Thar, but there is also another one, the Theri Kaadu, which offers the ultimate desert environment down in the South.  Theri Kaadu is a Tamil word that translates to sand dune and forest respectively. So, basically, it refers to a desert-like forest landscape [2]. The red sands, sparse greenery with clear blue skies make it something like an otherworldly landscape which is a destination of intrigue, curiosity, and fascination among the visitors. It is relatively small and localized as compared to Rajasthan’s vast sand dunes.

Formation of Theri Kaadu The desert of Theri Kaadu is known to be around 20,000 years old when Earth’s glaciers existed in their full volumes (the last glacial maxima) and sea levels were 100m lower than what we see today [1]. 

This led to the sea shelf exposed, with winds from the Bay of Bengal carrying sands from the shelf and the Western Ghats, resulting in the formation of dunes [2].

The 500 sq km dunes as visible today are due to erosion and constant shift in southwest winds [2].

As known through geological studies, the dunes belong to the Holocene age, formed around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago [2]. 

The bottom layers are rich in quartz and other minerals, showing past sedimentary processes. Marine sediments are known to date back to at least the Quaternary period [2].

The archaeological research suggests that human settlements might have existed around the desert, owing to the traces of pottery and iron tools, and weapons found in evidence  [1] [2].

The desert: Climate, vegetation, and wildlife The fan-throated lizard is a native species in Theri Kaadu (Image source: Encyclopedia of Life) 

Theri Kaadu has a sandy, porous soil with poor water and nutrient retention. The desert witnesses high temperatures, leading to persistent evaporation and a lack of any surface water bodies like ponds or lakes [2].

The vegetation owing to the climate and soil here is drought-resistant and salt-tolerant that survives challenging environment conditions. Common plant species include a hardy shrub named Prosopis juliflora (Seemai Karuvelam). Along with casuarina trees which prevent soil erosion, palm trees and cashew nut trees are found with the native grasses that bind sand [2].

The desert is home to insects such as ants and beetles, lizards and snakes, including sand boas, saw-scaled viper, and the fan-throated lizard that have well adapted to sandy habitats. Mammals like rodents and jackals can also be spotted. Migratory birds also fly to the desert during the colder months. The other native birds are Black rumped Woodpecker, Common Lora, Green Bee-eater, among others. A few varieties of butterflies like Crimson tip, blue tiger, and plain tiger are also part of the inhabiting species in Theri Kaadu [2][3].

The harsh weather conditions make agriculture challenging. The locals still plant some favorable vegetation in order to stabilize the dunes and prevent any desertification. Further, human activities like sand mining, deforestation and overgrazing are the threats faced by the ecosystem here [2][3].

Associated tales and folklore

There are many mystical tales and folklores associated with the region, one of which is most famous among the locals about the Theri Kaadu desert. People say there was a wedding party that was organized in the desert at night, and the people present disappeared forever. The locals always warn the visitors not to stay in the desert at night, as it is common to lose the way and even have chances of disappearing [2].

Your travel guide to Theri Kaadu

Here is all you need to know before planning your next visit to these astonishing red dunes:

When to visit: In October to March for a pleasant and comforting stay. Avoid the scorching heat of summer, plan ahead accordingly.

How to reach? It is easy and convenient to travel to Theri Kaadu via road, train, or flight:

By road-  Drive to Tiruchendur in Tamil Nadu, Theri Kaadu is only 15 km away from here (take SH40 or Kanyakumari-Tiruchendur road). Within half an hour, you will be at your destination. Theri Kaadu is also accessible from alternative routes of Thoothukudi or Tirunelveli [4].

By train- If you are thinking of traveling to Theri Kaadu by rail, book tickets from your city to Tiruchendur which is the nearest railway station to Theri Kaadu,and is also connected to the major cities of Tamil Nadu[4]. 

By Air- Thoothukodu Airport is 60 km away from Theri Kaadu, the nearest to the desert. You have easy access to domestic flights from Chennai as well as other parts of India [4]. 

Why should you visit Theri Kaadu?

If you are looking for an otherworldly experience and wish to head somewhere for an offbeat experience, Theri Kaadu is just for you. Not only the desert alone, but there are various other spots around that offer a spiritual retreat as well as a calming getaway.  Before you visit this hidden gem, check out 4,346 Google reviews about Theri Kaadu with an overall rating of 4.5 [5]. You can catch up with people’s experiences, some DOs, DON’Ts, and a few other details: 

One of the visitors shares, “Not well known at all, and that makes it an amazing place where you can be alone in this beautiful place. 100% recommend even though it is difficult to get there because you need a driver.” Mohan Mithun, who visited Theri Kaadu a month ago, says, “Good place to visit. But don’t go too interior into the desert as you will get lost easily.”  Chiranjeevi R has got some more worthy information for you, “#speech_less place, plan properly and visit this place. The roads are good to access this place. To explore more, you need to hike around the places. It’s spread around 12,000 acres. No shop around, carry food and water.”  Here’s what Suresh Nandgopal has to share: “One can smell pure South Indian village essence in this village town. Things to keep in mind: This place is super hot, so must-haves are caps, water bottle, sunscreen, and a local auto/ car for commuting purposes to go around faster.” 

Theri Kaadu reflects upon climate change, how it can result in the moving of oceans, disappearance of cities, and vanishing waters. A minor climate change is even capable of changing history. As of now, we have a desert to protect that is integral for ecology and geology. With widespread human activities, the habitat is in danger today. Theri Kaadu can be declared a protected area, with administration ensuring proper care of the place. There is a rise in visitors at Theri Kaadu as more and more people turn to the region, knowing about its rare sand beauty. So it is our responsibility to conserve the desert for the coming generations, who continue to gasp and adore the Red dunes….

The Panguni Uttara festival at Arunjanai Katha Ayyanar temple (Image source: Mallamailar) 

Apart from the Theri Kaadu desert, you can also visit:

Centuries-old Arulmigu Sri Karkuvel Ayyanar Temple (Therikudi Irrupu, Kuthiraimozhi, Tamil Nadu)

 Arunjunai Katha Ayyanar Temple (Near Tiruchendur in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu)

Manapad Beach (located 18 km from Tiruchendur and 72 km from Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu). If you are thinking of visiting this beautiful beach in 2025, here is all you need to know from TripAdvisor [6]. 

Vana Thirupathi temple (near Kurumboor, Punnai Nagar, Thiruchendur, Tamil Nadu)

One of the Catholic pilgrimage centers: Our Lady of Snows Basilica (in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu)

Papanasam Dam (located approx. 60 km away from Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu)