Located in the district of Chengalpet in Tamil Nadu, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is perceived as the oldest bird sanctuary in the country. It was established in the year 1936. Previously, the area used to be the favourite game reserve of the local landlords.

Notifications : Reserve Forest: 1962; Wildlife Sanctuary: 1972.

Flora
Forest type: thorn forests, evergreen scrub and barringtonia mangroves.
Trees: Barringtonia, Sage Leaved Alangium, Black Babool, etc.

Fauna
Jackal, Wild Boar, Jungle Cat, Black-naped Hare, Monkey, etc.

Avian Fauna
Grey and purple heron, Asian openbill, openbilled storks, white ibis, Eurasian spoonbill, Indian cormorant, short-toed eagle others.
It is estimated that around 30,000 birds from different countries like Australia, Siberia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, etc. visit this sanctuary.

Getting there
Nearest railhead and bus terminal are at Chengalpet (approximately 34km). Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is connected with regular bus services to different parts of the state. From Chennai the road route is Chennai (via NH45) – Chengalpet - Padalam Junction- Vedanthangal sanctuary. The sanctuary can also be approached from Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Chennai airport, about 58km away, is the closest airport.

Tourist Information
The visitors to the forest reserve can find comfortable staying options at the forest department rest houses, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation’s hotels and local guest houses that are located in and around the sanctuary.
Two watch towers situated inside the forest reserve offers panoramic view of the entire sanctuary. Bird watching and silent nature trails along the pristine forest area are favourite activities of the tourists here.

Additional Information
Location: Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Kanchipuram District, Chenagalpattu-Nelvoy Junction, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu - 603314
Area: Approximately 2 sq km
Elevation: about 122m above mean sea level
Best time to visit: October and January
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

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