Tamil Nadu generally evokes images of its verdant paddy fields, ancient temples, and the peaceful Bay of Bengal coastline. But did you know that the state is also home to a desert unlike any other in India?
Hidden in the districts of Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli lies Theri Kaadu — a red sand marvel spanning approximately 500 square kilometres.
This unique terrain is distinguished by its striking crimson dunes, shaped by time and the relentless forces of nature. The vibrant red hue of the sand, attributed to its high iron oxide content, sets it apart from other arid landscapes in the country. But how did this extraordinary desert come to be?
The geological origins of Theri Kaadu
Theri Kaadu’s formation is a tale woven through millennia, dating back to the Quaternary Period. Literally translating to ‘red dune forest’, it is believed that the desert’s origins lie in a complex interplay of marine deposits and aeolian (wind-driven)…