Vedanthangal
is definitely worth a visit if you are a bird watcher. The best season is from
Nov to Feb.
The
birds, I have seen there are Painted Storks, Openbill Storks, Spoonbill Storks,
Pintail, Shoveller, Black Ibis, Grey Pelicans, Night Herons, Paddybird,
Kingfisher, Black Drongo, Indian Roller, Snakebird(Darter), Little Cormorant,
Golden Oriole and Egrets.
Good to
go early in the morning less crowd and better bird watching. There is a forest guest house close to the Bird
Sanctuary. It can be booked at the Office of the Wildlife Warden, DMS Complex,
Anna Salai, Chennai 600018(Ph#+91-44-24321471)
Directions
to Vedanthangal from Chennai; Take NH45 to Chengulpet. From Kathipara Junction
go towards Tambaram, past the Airport. Cross the Chengulpet Toll Booth.
You will
have to turn right to Vedanthangal, about 10 kms after the Chengulpet Toll Booth.
After the
Chengulpet Toll Booth, there is a long bridge. Cross the bridge. You will then
come across a Pepsico factory on your right, you will pass 3 cell
phone/microwave towers very close to each other on your left, then a small
factory, SIKA INDIA on your left, then a yellow arch with LALITHA TEACHERS
COLONY written on it, on your left and then GS BODY BUILDERS on your right,
before you come to the right turn to Vedanthangal. There is a green board
indicating the right turn to Vedanthangal in Tamil.
10 metres
after you turn right, you will see a yellow Highway Department board, with
"Vedanthangal 12kms" written on it. You will pass the entrance to BAY
FORGE factory 200metres after the right turn.
You will
know you have overshot the right turn, if you pass a Truck Lay By area on your
left and right.
After
this, there are clear directions to Vedanthangal.
The total
distance from Chennai is about 80kms.
Enjoy!
Cheers!