Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Storks, Storks, Everywhere

We were on our yearly signature trip to Thirunellar temple near Karaikal when we decided to stop at Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. A narrow road diverted from GST (NH 45) with a small signboard announcing the direction to Vedanthangal. It was already the end of May, but the spirit of the sun remains undaunted around Chennai. We would have loved to get out of the comfy air-conditioning of the car to enjoy the natural lush countryside, if only the sun god was a little kind-hearted.

The name vedanthangal means 'hamlet of the hunter' in Tamil. Vednthangal used to be the hunting grounds during the times of kings. It is also one of the oldest sanctuaries of India. The best time to visit is between November and March.

The Entrance

A big fig tree welcomed us with its generous shade. We could see unusual number of birds and crows even outside the sanctuary. Not to mention the abundant monkeys waiting to snatch the tender coconut shells or the outer rind of water melons after use. As eager as we were, every whoop and whiz excited us to point the sky. There is small entrance fee and a fee for the cameras and video cameras. The colorful entrance had a variety of birds sculptured to it.

The Storks

Storks Everywhere

Once inside, there was a narrow mud road for walking. It is adjacent to the river. There was some construction going on and the narrow road was dusty and uncomfortable. 

It was a couple of painted storks for the first few meters but as we moved on we were stunned by their sheer number. However, it did seem overcrowded. Painted storks were everywhere, some were collecting bric-a-bracs for their nests, some feeding the young ones and some leisurely gliding along the waters.

The Crowd

The Entire Flock

Further inside, there was a small group of Pelicans, salubriously enjoying their place among the noisy storks. Unlike storks, the pelicans proved to be photogenic models; swiftly swimming along the bank for some close-up shots. Storks does deserve a special mention for their aerial portraits.

Pelicans

Along the Banks

The Arial Storks

There was a watchtower with a telescope from which we could watch the birds more closely. The sanctuary looked definitely overcrowded but the guide informed that the birds were only half in number and variety as much as the last year! The colorful information boards boasted of many exotic species of birds, but apart from the storks and the pelicans, we could spot only some snake birds which preferred to hide under the water most of the time. The reason might be that it was already the end of season.

The Snake Bird

The agricultural land adjacent to the river is believed to be very fertile due to the immense bird droppings. The lush green fields nearby suggested the same. Please read about overcrowding and deaths of birds at Vedanthangal in this article of Times of India.

The Fields

Fact Sheet:

How To Reach

Nearest City : Chennai – 82 Kms, Chengalpattu – 34 KMs

Nearest Airport : Chennai

Nearest Railhead : Chengalpattu

Mode of Transport : Hire a Cab from Chennai, Tamil Nadu or Pondicherry Govt. Buses, AC Town buses from ECR.

Stay

Forest Rest House, a KM away.

Eat

Plenty of roadside shops through out the NH 45.

Nearby Attractions

Karikili bird sanctuary about 9 KM away.