Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is located in the Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu, on an area of 30 hectars (2 sq.kms) of marshy land, and 80 kms from Chennai near the famed Coromandal Coast. It is the oldest Bird Sanctuary in India.  It is also the smallest bird sanctuary in India. It was established in 1858. It is 45 kms away fromMamallapuram. 

The literal meaning of Vedanthangal is the halting place of hunters. The farmers of this area found the mud to be extremely fertile because of the droppings of the birds. 

It attracts more than 50,000 winged visitors every year,  like Grey Heron, Cormorant, Egrets, Darter, Open-billed Stork, Spoonbill, White Ibis, Grebes, Night Herons and Grey Pelican visit this Sanctuary.You can also find there a large water tank brimming with thousands of nameless birds. Sitting on the well appointed park benches there, one can gaze at the picturesque pond with trees emerging from it as if for a breath of fresh air.  Many birds come here to roost on these trees. 

Some of the regular visitors to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary are garganey teals, shovellers, pintails, stilts and sandpipers. You can spot the resident birds like coots, moorhens and terns all around the park.

Other Bird Sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu 

Photo by: B.Balaji

It is fun to be there by sunset to watch the whole sanctuary becomes abuzz with activities and noises of the varieties of birds.

The park has two watch towers and one viewing platform, which enables a better view of these birds.

How to reach Vedathangal Bird Sanctuary

By Air: The nearest Airport is at Chennai, 58 kms away.

By Rail: The nearest railway station Chengalpattu, 30 kms away.

By Road: Regular buses are available from Chennai.

Best Season to visit: January to February, which is the peak of the migratory season. 

Where to stay

Staying at Chennai (80 kms away) or at Mamalapuram (a World Heritage Site with ancient temples) which is 45 kms away is a good option. 

More Bird sanctuaries in South India. 

Return to Wildlife Sanctuaries

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