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Overview
The sanctuary of Vedanthangal is about 80km southwest of Chennai (formerly known as Madras) in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. In a big tank with trees up to 30'000 birds nest here. The 2sqkm of open water are surrounded by paddyfields. The amount of species and birds depends on the monsoon. More rain usually means more birds. As the Forest Departement has cleared two channels in 2004, the tank sould be filled more regulary than in the past. 2005 and 2006 were both very good years for breeding birds.
Breeding season starts in October and ends in March. Best time is December and January.
Birds
Notable Species
The heronry in the sanctuary holds thousands of birds. You will easily see Oriental Darter, Little Cormorant, Indian Cormorant and Great Cormorant, Little Egret, Great Egret and Intermediate Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Glossy Ibis and Black-headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Spot-billed Pelican, Painted Stork, Asian Openbill and some ducks (usually they prefer Karikili Sanctuary, 8km from Vedanthangal). Asian Koel and Greater Coucal are singing in the trees.
The nearby area is worth exploring, especially the last 6km before Vedanthangal. You will find grassland and cultivation which harbours nice species like Indian Courser, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Spotted Owlet, Ashy Woodswallow, Ashy-crowned Sparrow-lark and Grey Francolin. It's worth to spend early morning here and proceed later to the sanctuary.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Great Cormorant, Indian Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Oriental Darter, Grey Heron, Indian Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, Great White Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Asian Openbill, Black-headed Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Spot-billed Pelican, Brahminy Kite, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Western Marsh Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, To finish
Other Wildlife
To do
Site Information
History and Use
Vedanthangal has a long history as a reserve. Originally protected by the villagers, the heronry got legal protection already in 1798. It's now managed by the Forest Departement. The place is very popular with people from Chennai and overcrowded on weekends and holidays. You will get hundreds of requests to look through your scope!
Areas of Interest
The heronry is best overlooked from the embankment after the entrance. Just walk to the right and you will find the best spots. The area before the reserve is also very interesting and it's worth to spend some time there in early morning. Especially the last 6kms are worthwile for birding, just stop somewhere and take a short walk.
Access and Facilities
The sanctuary can be reached by car from Chennai. Depending where in Chennai you stay, you need between 1,5 and 2 hours to get there. Take the highway to the south, passing the airport, Pallavaram, Tambaram, Chengalpattu and don't miss the signpost to the right. From the signpost it's another 12km to the sanctuary.
At the entrance of the sanctuary are some foodstalls and a small exhibition . Basic toilets are also available. The sanctuary is closed on tuesdays, but access should be no problem then. A small entrance fee has to be paid (5RS, 25RS for camera) and then you are allowed to go to the embankment and the watchtower. Photo opportunities can be great! During monsoon the sanctuary is closed.
There is also a bus from Chengalpattu to the sanctuary. Chengalpattu can be reached by train from Chennai. There is a basic Forest Rest House where you can stay. Contact the Wildlife Warden in Chennai for reservation.
Contact Details
Wildlife Warden
Number 50
IVth Main Rd
Gandhi Nagar
Chennai 600 020
phone: 044-413947
External Links
To do
Content and images originally posted by wintibird
