About Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Situated
close to the small town of Padalam in Kanchipuram district, Vedanthangal is
the oldest water sanctuary in India. The place was granted legal protection
in 1798 and recognised as a sanctuary in 1936. Further in 1962, the Madras
Forest Act accorded it the status of a reserve and was upgraded to a
wildlife sanctuary in 1972 by the Wildlife Protection Act.
The sanctuary is close to both Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram, both of which
make a good evening getaway. The place is a paradise for people looking to
experience the countryside added with a dose of excitement of wildlife. The
place also makes a good spot for a lazy evening stroll.
Wildlife Attractions in Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
As you enter the gates of the sanctuary, the sight of numerous trees
flocked by birds busy in their chirping and chatting catches your attention.
The migratory birds as if packing their luggage before flying off to their
permanent habitats thousands of miles away. The birds here are accustomed to
the visitors and are not afraid to venture quite close to them.
Prominent among the birds found in the sanctuary are Painted Stork,
Cormorant, Egret, Spoonbill, Oriental Darter, White Ibis, Grey Pelican,
Grebe, Sandpiper, Shoveller, Tern, Open Billed Stork and Pin Tailed Duck.
The migratory birds which include Brahminy Kite, Booted and Short Toed Snake
Eagle, Montagu's and Eurasian Marsh Harriers, come from as far as Australia,
Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Safaris
It
is an excellent place to spend some quite hours watching birds go about
their daily routine. There are paved paths dotted with watchtowers and
benches that are especially good for bird watching. The birds are best
viewed if they do not notice the visitors. It is advisable to sit in a quite
corner without making any noise and observe the birds.
Other Attractions
Karikili Bird Sanctuary
Another great retreat for ornithologists, Karikili is situated just 9 km
from Vedanthangal on the Uttaramerur road. It is better to spend a night at
Vedanthangal and reach Karikili by early morning, the best time for bird
watching.
How to Get There
By Air : Chennai is the nearest and most convenient
airport, connected by daily Indian Airlines flights from Delhi (6:40, 10:15,
16:45 & 19:00), Mumbai (7:05, 9:20, 11:45, 18:10 & 20:30), Bangalore
(8:30) and Kolkata (14:30 & 18:10).
By Rail : Chengalpattu is the nearest railhead. Delhi is
conveniently connected through the Thirukkural Exp. (6:00, Sat) & T N
Smprk Krnti (7:25, Tue, Thu) while Mumbai through the Madurai Exp. (00:15,
Fri) & Nagarcoil Exp. (12:05, Tue, Sat). Daily trains running
Chennai-Chengalpattu include the Nellai Exp. (21:00), Kanyakumari Exp.
(17:30), Pandian Exp. (21:30), Pearl City Exp. (18:30), Anantapuri Exp.
(19:30) & Rock Fort Exp. (22:30).
By Road : To travel by road from Chennai, take the
national highway no. 45 to Chengalpattu and head south towards Padalam
junction. A right turn here will lead to the sanctuary road. The sanctuary
can also be accessed from other nearby towns of Kanchipuram and
Mahabalipuram, but the road is not very well maintained. State transport
buses ply between Chennai and Chengalpattu, the best option however would be
to travel in your own four wheeler or hire a taxi from Chennai.
Distances from Major Cities
Chennai : 86 km (SW)
Chengalpattu : 30 km
Delhi : 1784 km
Bangalore : 29 km
Travel Tips/Important Information
- You can get fruits, tea, soft drinks and snacks just outside the
sanctuary.
- There is an interpretation centre at the park gates from where
guides can be hired.
- It is better to plan a weekday tour as it gets very crowded during
weekends.
- Park charges are Entry Fee : Rs. 5, Camera Fee : Rs. 25, Parking :
Rs. 10
- Sanctuary timings are from sunrise to sunset.
- Carry along a pair of binoculars, a bird book and a camera with zoom
lens to enhance your experience.
Jungle
Resorts in Vedanthangal
| Forest
Rest House |
The rest house is
located just 1 km from the entry gates of the sanctuary. Accommodation
at the resort is provided in the form of 2 air conditioned and 2 non
air-conditioned rooms.
|
