Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary - India's oldes bird sanctuary in Tamilnadu

This bird sanctuary, with a 30 hectre wide lake, is the oldest in India(1858). Migratory birds come down here after the monsoon to make nests. Among them are heron, ibis, pelican, spoonbill, stork, cormorant, egret, greeve and other birds from tropical zones. Best time to visit the sanctuary is in the morning and evening and during November to February. But to get maximum number of birds December-January is the best. It is a treat to watch the birds collecting their food before retiring to their nests. No firearms are allowed in the bird sanctuary nor any body can go near the nests. One can watch the birds from the rest house on observation tower with the help of a telescope. Hence, tourists should come here with their binocular.


How to reach Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary:
On Chennai-Trichy-Kottayam NH 45,75 km south of Chennai and 1 km to the east of Mathuranthakam is situated Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for bird watchers. Frequent bus services and plenty of taxis make it a convenient place to visit. Kanchi is 61 Km , Viliupuram 91 Km and Trichy is 252 km from here. One can go there direct from Chennai Broadway Bus stand or via Mahabalipuram and Kanchi. From Egmore trains are going south wards to arrive at Chengalpattu (56 km) in one and half hrs. From Chengalpattu Old Bus Stand buses are available every hour to reach Vedanthangal Forest Rest House, 20 Km from there.

Where to stay at Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
For lodging, the 3-room Vedanthangal Forest Rest House is there near the bus stand, only 1 km away from the bird sanctuary. For booking, contact The Forest-in-charge, Vedanthangal Forest Rest House or, the Wildlife Warden, Forest Department, DMS Compound, Anna Salai, Chennai-600006, Ph:(044) 24321471. Food is also served against advance booking.
Hotel Tamilnadu- Vedanthangal of TTDC is also available for staying.


This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Nal Sarovar – Bird sanctuary at Gujarat

Nal Sarovar or the Bird Sanctuary was founded in 1969. Migratory birds find their nests from Bet to Bet at Nal Sarovar. Almost 300 species of birds are there; pelican, flemingo, white crane, heron, evomet, long beak carliu, variety ducks, and such birds of beautiful colour and shape attract tourists December to March at the 182 sq km Nal Sarovar.

In the lake, there are bets or islands—360 in number. You may enjoy boating both in the morning and evening. On full moon, the beauty of Nal Sarovar becomes ecstatic and unforgettable.

How to reach Nal Sarovar
From Ahmedabad (via Sanand/Vinchhia/Aniali) it is situated 80 kms to the South West and from Viramgam (40 km). Three bus routes connect Nal Sarovar, Ahmedabad and Viramgam. You may naturally prefer to go to Nal Sarovar either from Ahmedabad or Viramgam.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel



You need to get the permit, however, to visit Nal Sarovar from Deputy Conservator of Forest, Gandhinagar, Sector 16, Ph: (02712) 221951, from Gandhinagar.

Where to stay at Nal Sarovar
Holiday Home and Gipsy Cottage are there on the bank of the lake.
Advance booking can be done from Ahmedabad Tourist Office.
There is a Forest Rest House at a distance of 10 km from Nal Sarovar .

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Places to see around Srirangapatna - Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary :
4 km to the South East of Srirangapatna, the thittu, or bird sanctuary, was built in 1975 AD for the bird lovers. The area of the sanctuary is 0.67 sq km surrounded by the Cauveri river. Migratory birds come and build nests here on the 750 meter high island from June to Nov. Boating in the lake will be a memorable experience . While on boat, one can see variety of birds. You can see egret, spoonbill, heron, open bill stork, white ibis and others species. Crocodiles are also there in the lake.


How to reach Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
See this place by conducted tour or hire auto or tonga from Srirangapatna on contract basis. Otherwise, directly from Mysore by bus (route 126) reach Srirangapatna market and from there by auto or tonga carry on to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.

Accommodation at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
For accommodation, contact Karnataka Tourism for the Riverside Cottages in Ranganthittu.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Paradise For Bird Lovers - Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

The last few years due to lack of rainfall, 29 square Km. World Heritage site, Bharatpur bird sanctuary lost its attraction to the migratory birds along with the tourists. This year nature ultimately blessed and we can see Bharatpur at its old charm.




This year though the monsoon was late but there was enough rainfall and the lake in Bharatpur is full. Already Painted stork, Open bill stork, Eye biss, Spoon bill, Grey Heron, Purple heron and many other birds have already built their nests. Boatride has already started in the canals. Migratory birds has started coming.



Forest department is working hard to remove the unwanted weeds and trees and improving the health of the sanctuary.

After a lomg time we will see Bharatpur in its full glory.

How to reach Bharatpur:

Bharatpur is 180 Km from both Delhi and Jaipur and 55 Km from Agra. You can travel from these places either by bus or car.

The nearest railway station is Bharatpur, on the main line between New Delhi and Mumbai.

The sanctuary is only 6 Km from Railway station and cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws
are there to take you up to the spot.

Within the sanctuary you can walk, hire a cycle rickshaw or better if you hire a cycle.

Where to stay at Bharatpur:

STD code of Bharatpur: 05644

RTDC Hotel Saras: Ph: 223790 @ DB INR 650 - 950. This is situated on the road going to sanctuary.

Shanti Kutir, Resthouse of Forest department is within the sanctuary ph: 222777 @ DB INR 600.

Hotel Sunbird Ph: 225701 starts from @ INR 1200 DB

Hotel Spoonbill Ph: 223571 @ INR 250 - 700 DB