Chengalpattu

Chengalpattu is a town near the banks of Palar River at the north coast of Tamil Nadu, India. Chengalpattu has developed as a touristic spot for many foreign travellers on their way to Mamallapuram, Thirukazhukundram, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary and Kanchipuram, Karikili Bird Sanctuary.

Get in

It is 56 km (35 mi) away from the state capital, Chennai, on the National Highway 45. The town of Mahabalipuram lies 29 km away from Chengalpattu and is connected through SH58.

By plane

The Chennai Airport lies 38 km north of the town and can be reached in about 1 hour by road.

By train

Chengalpattu Railway Station (CGL) is one of the major railway junctions of the Southern Railway and is a nationally important halt.

Chengalpattu railway junction lies in the Main Broad Gauge line and most of the southbound trains stop here. There is a railway connection to Arakkonam via Kanchipuram. There are many trains running from Chengalpattu to Chennai Beach Station. stopping at all stations up to Chennai city Tambaram. Express trains are available, running from Chengalpattu to Chennai city area's Tambaram, Guindy, Mambalam, Egmore, Park and finally Beach Station.

By bus

There are many buses connecting Chengalpattu with other parts of the state and beyond. Kanchipuram - Chengalpattu road (State Highway - 58) is used to connect the city of Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu. Government MTC Buses and private buses which go to and from cities like Kanchipuram, Vellore, and Tirupati can be seen frequently along this route.

See and do

Vedagiriswarar Temple

• 1 Karikili Bird Sanctuary. A Ramsar site and a bird sanctuary. This region is surrounded by open areas, paddy fields and scrub forest. (updated Jun 2023)

Kolavai Lake

• 2 Kolavai Lake. The lake hosts migratory birds such as the whiskered tern, Indian spot-billed ducks, moorhens, coots, and small waders. The lake's beauty can be experienced by taking a train from the Chengalpattu station to Paranur. The boat house established by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) in the Kolavai lake which is alongside the NH 45 highway is a place where people can relax. It also serves as a bridge connecting all nearby districts with the renowned tourist places like Mahabalipuram, Muttukadu, theme parks on East Coast Road (ECR), Thirukazhukundram, and Kanchipuram. (updated Jun 2023)
• 3 Vedagiriswarar Temple (Kazhugu Koil), Thirukkalukundram. The temple consists of two structures, one at the foot hill and the other on the hill's crest. The large hilltop temple houses the deity Shiva, also known as Vedagiriswarar. The temple at the foot hill is dedicated to his consort Parvati, known here as Thiripurasundari Amman. The temple at the foothills has four towers (gopurams). (updated Jun 2023)
• 4 Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. A Ramsar site and the oldest water bird sanctuary in India. It was a favourite hunting spot of the local landlords in the early 18th century. The region attracted a variety of birds because it was dotted with small lakes that acted as feeding grounds for the birds. Vedanthangal is home to migratory birds such as pintail, garganey, grey wagtail, blue-winged teal, common sandpiper and the like. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from November to March. During this time, birds are seen busy building and maintaining their nests. (updated Jun 2023)