- State: Tamil Nadu
- Location: Spread across 73 acres of tank-fed lake, dotted by islands of mangroves, evergreen scrub and thorn forest, and close to Padalam in Kanchipuram District
- Distance: 329 km SouthEast of Bangalore
- Journey Time: 1 3/4 hrs + 7 hrs by road, 6 hrs by rail
- Route: NH4 to Kanchipuram Jn via Chittoor; SH to Chengalpattu via Kanchipuram; NH45 to padalam Jn; district road to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary Alternate Route NH7 to Krishnagiri; NH46 to Tiruvallom via Ambur and Vellore; NH4 to Kanchipuram Jn via Ranipettai; rest as above
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary | Weekend Getaway Break from Bangalore
Located in the Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu and just 75 km away from Chennai, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a bird watcher’s paradise. Being 321 km away from Bangalore, the sanctuary with its rich flora and fauna makes for an interesting weekend destination. The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary got its recognition as sanctuary in the year of 1936. It was granted legal protection in the year of 1798. It was given the status of reserve in 1962 by the Madras Forest Act. In the year of 1972, it was upgraded to wildlife sanctuary by the Wildlife Protection Act.
Situated close to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram, tourists have other options as well to spend their evenings. Along with the obvious and most enjoyable, bird watching activity, Vedanthangal is also a home to many ornithologists who come here and stay for days together observing various species of birds.
One can find paved pathways with watcher towers in between and benches meant especially for bird watching in the sanctuary. There are safaris taking visitors on this wonderful ride and providing the opportunity to spot beautiful birds. Some of the migratory birds which fly from as far as Australia, Bangladesh and Pakistan are Brahminy Kite, Booted and Short Toed Snake Eagle, Montagu's and Eurasian Marsh Harriers, etc. Due to the supportive and hospitable environment in the sanctuary, these and many other birds come and build their nests here mostly from the month of November to December. After the monsoon season, many birds flock to the sanctuary and get into the breeding act. During mid January, the number of migratory birds swell to almost 40,000.
Along with spending memorable time amidst the birds at Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, one can also visit Karikili Bird Sanctuary which is lat a distance of just 9 kilometers.
Best time to visit Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary:
The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the winter seasons that is from the month of November to February. The temperature is pleasant during this time with maximum is around 27°C and the minimum being around 16°C. Migratory birds also fly into the sanctuary during November to December.
Reaching Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary:
By Air: The nearest airport to Vedanthangal is Chennai international airport which is approximately 70 km from the sanctuary. From here you can hire taxi to the destination.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Chengalpet Railway Station which is 26 km away from Vedanthangal. One can hire taxi from the station to the sanctuary.
By Bus:There are many buses running between Vedanthangal and Chengalpet, Kanchipuram, Chennai and Mahabalipuram. One can choose between a/c and non a/c buses.
For accommodation in Vedanthangal, you can either go for the Forest Department Rest House or Hotel Tamil Nadu of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. One can make reservation at the Chennai Office.
Around Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
- Karikili Bird Sanctuary
