Arittapatti Village

Arittapatti Village in Madurai district is India's first biodiversity heritage site, officially notified in 2022. The village is home to 250 species of birds including the Shaheen falcon, Laggar falcon, and Bonelli's eagle, along with rock pythons, star tortoises, and over 50 species of medicinal plants. The rocky hillocks around the village contain ancient Tamil Brahmi inscriptions dating back over 2,000 years, Jain beds, and megalithic burial sites. The combination of biodiversity, archaeology, and natural scenery makes Arittapatti one of the most remarkable heritage villages in Tamil Nadu.