Chennai Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is located on the outskirts of Chennai. Laks of birds visit the Sanctuary every year and it is a pleasure watching these birds.

It is one of the best and oldest bird sanctuaries in India. It is a water bird sanctuary. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary was established in 1858 by the order of the then Collector of Chingleput (old name for Chengalpattu). It is declared as a Reserve Forest.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is home to migratory birds such as pintail, grey wagtail, garganey, blue-winged teal, common sandpiper, and many others.

One of the main features of the Vedanthangal area is that the local villagers are concerned with migratory birds. They take pains to protect them. They avoid bursting crackers, even during Deepavali, a significant festival, to avoid scaring the birds.

Vedanthangal Lake Bird Sanctuary – View from the viewing gallery

November to March is the ideal time to visit the Sanctuary. Karikili Birds Sanctuary is another Bird sanctuary situated in the same district. Both these bird sanctuaries are less than 8 kilometers apart.

2023 Update: Birds arrived at Vendanthanl during the last week of October. With upcoming rains, it is expected that the inflow of birds will increase over the next few weeks.

There is a parking facility just opposite the main entrance. The outer perimeter of the whole area is covered by a man-made bund (mud walls) of around 5 or 6 feet in height. One can walk over the pathway atop the bund (around 12 feet wide). Seats are there to sit, relax, and watch birds. There is also a watchtower to watch these birds closely. It is very cool sitting there, even on the hottest summer day!

How do I go to Vedanthangal Sanctuary for Birds?

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is near Chengalpattu in Tamilnadu state, India, close to Uthiramerur in Kancheepuram District. The Bird Sanctuary is well connected by roads to nearby towns. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is around one and a half-hour drive from Chennai. Chennai Airport is the nearest airport. Tambaram and  Chengalput are the main nearby railway stations.

Entry Fee, Mobile Fee, and Watch Tower Fee at Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

The entry fee per person to Vedanthangal Sanctuary for birds is Rupees 10. The mobile phone is allowed if you pay Rs 50 per mobile phone or you need to switch off it and take it with you.

A separate fee needs to be paid to enter the Watch Tower that has binoculars. The fee is Rupees 20 per adult and Rupees 10 per child as of 2019, though it is written that the fee is Rupees 50 per head for adults to the watchtower.