Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a protected wetland reserve in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, where several interconnected water bodies surround a central tank that reaches depths of up to 5 meters (16 feet). The water surfaces attract thousands of water birds that nest here, gathering on shallow shores and tree canopies rising from the water.

Local complaints against British soldiers shooting birds in the late 1700s led to protective measures for the area. This action made it India's first officially recognized wildlife reserve in 1936.

Farmers surrounding the reserve use its water to irrigate their fields, creating a practical link between conservation and local agriculture. This interdependence has fostered awareness over generations that protecting the birds also benefits people.

Between October and March, migratory birds arrive, and visitors can watch them from a 7-meter (24-foot) observation tower that gives a clear view over the nesting zones. Early morning hours work best for seeing pelicans and storks feeding and nesting, when the birds are most active.

During favorable monsoon seasons, bird counts can rise beyond 70,000, with more than 40,000 birds arriving each year as the typical number. The variation depends on how much water the rains bring to the wetlands and how much food becomes available as a result.