Vedanthangal Bird sanctuary
About Vedanthangal Bird sanctuary
Far From City: 2 kms from city center
Cost:
About Vedanthangal Bird sanctuary
Weather:
Time Required:1-2 hours
Open Time:6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost:Adults: INR 25,Children: INR 5,Parking: INR 10,Camera: INR 25
Bird Watching at Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
The sanctuary is home to thousands of native and migratory birds flying here from all around the globe. Some of the recognized native birds here are - cormorants, darters, grebes, large egrets, little egrets, moorhens, night herons, paddy birds, painted storks, pintails, pond herons, sandpipers, shovellers, terns, white ibises and many more. Among the migratory birds, garganeys and teals from Canada, snake birds and glossy ibises from Sri Lanka, grey pelicans from Australia, grey herons and open billed stork from Bangladesh, painted storks from Siberia, spoonbills from Burma and the spot-billed duck are most famous.
These magnificent winged creatures can be viewed via binoculars from the clear, stone paved paths following the western embankment of the lake. Watchtowers are also constructed keeping in mind the satisfaction of the tourists. You can spend long hours just sitting on the granite benches here, watching the birds go about their daily routine without getting bored. Just take a binocular, a bird book and a zoom lens camera and enjoy the fabulous biodiversity of the landscape.
Photography at Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
With its vast array of birds and fowl, Vedanthangal is a very dear destination for wildlife photography enthusiasts. There can be no greater thrill than to capture a bird gently flapping its wings as it soars high above in the sky, and you can experience the same right here in this sanctuary. The biodiversity here is overwhelming, and you will find yourself chasing after these winged beauties. The surrounding landscape only adds to the beauty of this place, making photography here a fulfilling and joyous activity.
History of Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Vedanthangal or the 'hamlet of the hunters' was so named because of its fame as a rich hunting grounds. The local landlords and kings during the 18th century came here to hunt for various native and migratory birds. The local Villagers had an age-old tradition of protecting the birds because of their relationship with the productivity of the crops. They knew that the bird's droppings in the water acted as a natural fertilizer.
Owing to this, they complained to the collector of Chengalpet Lionel Palace and urged the colonial government to declare the region as a protected zone. Their efforts resulted in obtaining a 'cowle' from the collector, deeming the region as a bird sanctuary where hunting was strictly prohibited in the year. Later, in the year 1962, Madras Forest Act legally accorded the status of a reserve forest to Vedanthangal.
Best time to visit Vedanthangal Bird sanctuary
The best time to visit the place from November to March as this is the time when both the native as well as the migratory birds can be seen building and maintaining their nests.
How to Reach Vedanthangal Bird sanctuary
The sanctuary is situated around 87 kms from the capital city of Chennai. This distance can be easily covered by taking a bus from Chennai to Padalam junction via Chengalpet. From here, a private cab can be hired to travel the remaining 16 kms.
Top Tourist Places in Vedanthangal
Karikili Bird Sanctuary
All Tourist Places in Vedanthangal
Where to Stay
Decent, well-maintained AC rooms are available at the forest guest house at a reasonable price. Meals can be arranged here on request. To avail the facilities, the booking has to be through the Wildlife Warden's office in Chennai or Range Officer, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary.
Tips
1. Do not disturb the birds or hurt them in any manner. Causing any harm to them is a criminal offence.2. This destination is crowded during the weekends, so preferable time to visit would be during the weekdays.3. The sanctuary is a well-maintained area, do not litter the grounds.4. Take binoculars available from the counter to view far off birds from the watchtowers.5. There is an interpretation centre from where you can hire tour guides to obtain adequate information about the birds.6. Various eateries selling refreshments are available just outside the main gate of the sanctuary.
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