Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Vedanthangal is about 90 kilometers from Chennai. That's if you take the road like we did, on public transport.

Chennai Egmore station to Chengalpattu by train and then by bus to the sanctuary. Buses go there every 40 minutes or so. You could hire a taxi too.

The moment you arrive at the Chengalpattu station you get the feeling of mild adventure. Climb the over-bridge at the station to get a better view of the surroundings. There's a huge water body, a lake I suppose, besides the railway station that sets the mood just right.

The whole place is quaint. Old British construction that is now being done up and added to. I hope they follow the original design to the extensions as well. You'll pass a few quaint villages on your way. There's one that gives you a very good feeling inside, peaceful and grounded. What's with quaint villages that are so joyous?

The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary itself is a little quite. What am I saying? Aren't sanctuaries quite? Apparently, the villagers celebrate any event or occasion quietly during the bird season at Vedanthangal. That's so good to hear. In fact it's the villagers who protect the sanctuary from exploitation.

You need to buy your tickets at the entrance and pay for your cameras and digicams. And then you're in! Oh, don't forget to rent binoculars just outside the gates. Costs you just thirty rupees.

Can you see all the birds? There are thousands all over. And thousands more in the early mornings and late evenings. I did hear someone mention 4.00am sightings. If you can get up that early in the morning...

There's a viewing tower from where you can get a good view of all the birds. Those are the steps leading to the tower. And below you see the water at the foot of the tower. Mind you, that's full of fish, though you don't see them.

The path way is stone-paved.

If you plan to open your picnic lunch inside, bewarned! There are a bunch of really clever monkeys around. The one sleeping down there is only pretending so.

If you plan to stay, there is a Forest Rest House at Vedanthangal. You'll have to contact the Wildlife Warden though. (DMS Compound, No. 256, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai – 600006.) There's more about the sanctuary here and here.