Distance: 77 km from Puducherry; 85 km from Chennai
Location: Near Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu
Entry Fees: Rs 5 for adults; Still Camera: Rs 25; Video Camera Rs 150
Best time to visit: November to the middle of March.

Vedanthangal Bird sanctuary is around 1 and a half hours drive from Pondi on NH 45.
This is one of the most beautiful bird sanctuaries in India. If you are lucky and travel in the winter months you can catch hold of a plethora of resident and migratory Birds.

Vedanthangal has a long history as a reserve. Originally protected by the villagers, the heronry got legal protection in 1798. It's now managed by the Forest Departement.

The place is very popular with people from Chennai and overcrowded on weekends and holidays. You will get hundreds of requests to look through your scope!

*  Painted stork
* Open-billed storks
* Grey pelicans
* Black-headed (or White) ibis
* Glossy ibis
* Little cormorants
* Night herons
* Pond herons
* Varieties of egrets and Ducks

Distance: 75 Kms
Location: Gingee is located between Tindivanam and Tiruvannamalai
Time: Open from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm
Entry Fees:Rs 5 for Indians, citizen of SAARC counties and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar); Others: Rs. 100/ (Admission fee applicable to all monuments within the Rajagiri Fort and Krishnagiri Fort), for Children up to 15 years the entry is free.
Major attractions: Rajagiri and Krishnagiri Forts

Gingee is all about the fort. It is also known as Chinji or Jinji.  The outer fortification of Gingee runs over three hillocks in a triangular form. They are Rajagiri, Krishnagiri and Chakklidurg. Total fortification is around 13 km in length. The Fort’s area spans around 11 sq.km. Two prominent gateways are the Arcot and Pondicherry gates. The fort is at a height of   800 feet (240 m) and 80-foot (24 m) wide moat was constructed for the protection of the fort. 
History
The long and myriad history of Gingee fort can be traced back to 600 AD. It started with the Jains and ultimately culminated with the French and the British troops. More….
What to see
Kalyana Mahal: Kalyana Mahal a pleasure pavilion of seven stories is one of the most attractive ruins to see in the fort.  The area comprises a square court, that is surrounded by rooms once occupied by the ladies of the Governors household. A 27-meter high square tower of stone stands in the middle of the court. The roof of the tower is pyramidal in shape. 

Vekataramana Temple: Vekataramana Temple is situated to the west of the inner gate of the lower citadel. This is the largest temple of Gingee and has a magnificent sculpture of Lord Krishna playing flute along with two of his consorts. The temple is said to have been built by Muthiah Nayaka in the mid-16th century.
Granary: The Granary is worth seeing and as it is huge. The complex built in stone for storing food grains has a spacious entrance passage. The walls are 2 metres thick
Sad-At-Ullam Khan Mosque: The mosque according to inscription was constructed in 1717-18 AD. The location is just at the entrance of the inner fort of Rajagiri.  It was built by Sad-at-Ullah Khan to mark his victory over De Singh in 1713 AD.
Prisoner`s Well: Prisoner’s well is located behind the Chakkaraikulam on the Rajagiri hill. It’s a low circulation brick well where prisoners were believed to be thrown in and left to die of starvation
Site Museum: A site museum has been set up by the Archeological Survey of India at the entrance of the fort. It contains sculptures concerning various periods and dynasties which ruled over Gingee.