A
grove of Barringatonia and Acacia nilotica trees in a tank from part of the
sanctuary. In additional dry evergreen scrub and thorn forests can also be seen.
Both these sanctuaries are situated in Kancheepuram district and sprawling in
30-ha and 61-ha area respectively. Vedanthangal is the oldest birds sanctuary
in the country.
The Villagers had documented their right to protect the winged visitors to this sanctuary. The migrating birds come from far-off lands like Siberia, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for nesting and breeding. Breeding birds like Cormorants, Egrets, Grey Heron, Open-billed stork, Darter, Spoonbill, White lbris, Night Herons, Grebes, Grey Pelican etc visit the Sanctuary.
The population of migratory birds included Garganey Teals, Shovellers, Pintails, Stilts, Sandpipers etc. Some of the resident birds listed are Coots and Moorhen, Terns. In all 115 species of birds have been recorded in this sanctuary.
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.
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.
Contact us for all customized tourism reservations on the following mobile Nos ( 24 Hours) : +91-99428 99555, 98424 30308,99425 87000; Email id: info@pearlstourism.com
