17 Results found for Search: bird watching
1. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom.
A paradise for avid bird-watchers, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is set on an islet in the Vembanad Lake, about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Kottayam in Kerala. Spread out over 14 acres on the southern bank of the Kavanar River, you can explore the sanctuary by taking a boat ride, or hiring a canoe at the entrance to the sanctuary. Bird-watching trips are best undertaken in the evening or at the crack of dawn when the birds prepare to return/leave their forest abode and fly over the lake. The sanctuary is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, though its avifauna is of particular interest, them being a motley mix of indigenous and migratory species.
2. Bandh Baretha, Bharatpur.
This was the second wildlife reserve of the rulers of Bharatpur. About 50 kilometers (31.25 miles) to the south of Keoladeo National Park, Bundh Baretha is essentially a reservoir that serves as a wintering ground for migratory waterfowls. The reservoir is the outcome of a dam on Kakund river and is a perennial source of water for birds
3. Binsar, Almora.
If you are a pure mountain lover, do not miss this. Plan your trip in a manner that you reach this place around sundown (as most traveling by road from Delhi would). Wake up early next morning and the view of major peaks like Chaukhamba, Panchchuli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Kedarnath among others will leave a lasting impression. Rarely does one get a panoramic view of snow peaks that Binsar offers. This was a favorite of Pandit Nehru, whose family once owned a property here. It has since changed hands, but if you wish to experience a piece of history head for Khali Estate.
4. Kalatop, Dalhousie.
Kalatop is a wildlife sanctuary that rises past Dalhousie and then goes down towards Khajjiar and Chamba. This covers an area of around twenty square kilometers and within its confines, are a dozen little villages. These pockets of habitation share space with animals and birds like the Serow, Goral, Yellow Throated Marten, Leopard, Black Bear, Barking Deer, Flying Squirrels, Monal, Koklas and Chukor. Altitudes within the sanctuary vary between approximately 1200 meters (3937 feet) and 2800 meters (9100 feet). Temperatures can drop to -10 degrees Celsius in the heights in winter and can touch 35 degrees Celsius in the lower sections in summer. The sanctuary is criss-crossed by several brooks and streams that pour their wash into the river Ravi.
5. Morning Rickshaw Ride in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
It is one of the most popular National Parks in India. Strategic location and diverse birdlife combine to make it ever attractive. Barely 180 km from the capital en route the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur circuit, it forms a part of many international tourist itineraries. And given its proximity to three major cities, domestic tourists too throng the place in large numbers.
6. Maharana Pratap Sagar (Formerly called the Pong Dam Lake), McLeodganj.
The Maharana Pratap Sagar was formerly called the Pong Dam Reservoir. This water-body came into being when the Pong Dam was built. Over the river Beas, this has an area of about 45, 000 hectares at maximum flooding. In 1983, this was declared a wildlife sanctuary and this water body acts as a stopover for a range of migratory birds - especially from Siberia. 220 species belonging to 54 families have been sighted. Twenty-seven species and sub-species of fish belonging to six families have been recorded in these waters. The land portion of the sanctuary that adjoins the waters holds deer, ‘sambar’, wild boars, ‘nilgai’, leopards and claw-less otters. The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports has a branch at the Sagar.
7. Mulshi Lake and Dam, Pune.
Located at a distance of 35-40km from Pune city, the glorious Mulshi lake - formed by the backwater of the Mulshi dam on the river Mula - surrounded by the lush Sahyadris and dense forests is a favorite picnic spot that is equally popular among bird lovers and photography enthusiasts.
8. Pashan Lake, Pune.
The glistening Pashan lake, spread across 110 acres of land, is an artificial water body located at a distance of 12 km from Pune city. The lake was the only source of drinking water to the Governor’s House (currently the Raj Bhavan) till the 1940s; and slaked the thirst of the residents of the nearby Pashan and Sutarwadi areas till just over a decade ago. A stopover for a number of exotic bird species on their way to Kumarakom lake in Kerala, today, due to collection of silt, the very existence of this precious fresh water source is in danger.
9. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Trivandrum.
Peppara is about 50 kilometers (31.25 miles) on the north east of Trivandrum city en route to Ponmudi hill station in South Kerala. The sanctuary is spread across 53 sq. kilometers of dense forest and eucalyptus plantation on the Western Ghats. The Peppara Dam built on the serene Karamana River adds to the scenic ambience of the sanctuary. Its rocky terrain dissected in places by crystal-clear streams makes it very popular with trekkers. The park is merged partially with the Palode reserve (24 sq. kilometers), and the Kottoor reserve (29 sq. kilometers) – all the three reserves together form the whole of the area covered by the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.
10. Pozhikkara Beach, Kovalam.
A world away from the high profile holiday culture of Kovalam are the white sands of Pozhikkara tucked away in a little fishing hamlet, Pachalloor, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) north of Samudra beach. On a drive from Kovalam, you will pass through a string of quaint fishing villages before arriving at Pozhikkara where the backwater merges with the Arabian Sea to form a salt-water lagoon. A thick canopy of palm lines this pristine stretch of sand which the locals use mostly for landing fish and fixing nets. The clear aqua blue water entices you to take a dip.
11. Garjia Temple, Corbett.
This is an ancient temple dedicated to local deity Garjia Devi atop a tall ridge in the midst of Kosi River. About 14 kilometers (8.75 miles) from Ramnagar en route Ranikhet, Garjia temple is a pretty little shrine surrounded by copious greenery and flanked by the gurgling Kosi River. Ramnagar is the last bus terminus from where the temple site is some 14 odd kilometers, which one can cover in a private taxi or own vehicle. A fair is held in the temple premise on Kartik Poornima when devotees from Kumaon and across the country throng it to take part in the festivities and offer their prayers to the Goddess.
12. Sitavani Temple, Corbett.
Sitavani is a small area under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with a forest rest house and an ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Sita from the great Indian epic, Ramayana. Legend has it that Sita spent her days in exile here, raised her kids, Luv and Kush, and was swallowed by the earth during ‘Agnipariksha’. This little temple is shrouded by a dense jungle of sal and mixed vegetation, and attracts in hoards those who are religiously inclined including ardent birding enthusiasts.
13. Evening Rickshaw Ride in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
It is one of the most popular National Parks in India. Strategic location and diverse birdlife combine to make it ever attractive. Barely 180 km from the capital en route the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur circuit, it forms a part of many international tourist itineraries. And given its proximity to three major cities, domestic tourists too throng the place in large numbers.
14. Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Mussoorie.
Benog Wildlife Sanctuary has been developed as a bird-watching haven and is a part of the famous Rajaji National Park. It is about 11-kilometer (6.8 mile) from Library point in Mussoorie. Popular tourist attractions near Benog are Park Estate and Cloud’s End, from where a 2-kilometer (1.24 mile) trek uphill leads to the Sanctuary. Although Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is open all the year round, the best time to visit is in the summer months. There is no entry fee to the Sanctuary.
15. Viralimalai Sanctuary, Tiruchirappalli.
You will be treated to some truly exotic shades of green and blue at the Viralimalai Sanctuary, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Trichy. Viralimalai is a scenic town at the foothills, home to one of the country’s most beautiful sanctuaries for peacock. First thing first, carrying a camera to this peacock habitat is imperative. At Viralimalai, the peacocks wander about around the Murugan temple and the enclosing woodland. To watch these gorgeous birds break into a jig by spreading out their lush plume, is quite engaging. The variety of peacocks and peahens is enormous here.
16. Gajner Palace & Wildlife Sanctuary, Bikaner.
An outstanding architectural specimen, the Gajner palace, carved out of red sandstone, is often referred to as a ‘Jewel in the Thar Desert’. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, upon his young bride’s request, the lavish palace, located on the embankment of the Gajner Lake, is renowned for its elaborately and meticulously carved windows, pillars and screens. Designed as a summer resort, the Palace also served as a hunting lodge. In 1976, the property was converted into a heritage hotel. Today, the surrounding forest cover houses a preserved wildlife sanctuary, while a portion of the Palace has been converted into a heritage hotel.
17. Ranganathittu Birds Sanctuary, Mysore.
With the small dam built across Cauvery river in the 1700’s many islets came into being and this region became a nesting ground for many migratory birds. This 67 square kilometer sanctuary covered with bamboo groves and trees all over provides breeding grounds to birds like the Painted Stork, Common Spoonbill, Wooly necked Stork, White Ibis, Kingfisher and many others migratory birds from Siberia, Australia and North America.
Do not mistake this to be a sight just for the bird lovers. Even if you are a nature enthusiast and want to explore the flora and fauna of this beautiful sanctuary, don’t give it a second thought. The Sanctuary arranges boat rides with ranger guides which take you closer to the bird breeding grounds on the six islets around the river flow. It’s a wonderful experience to drift through the river while exploring the birds, flying fox, fruit bats, crocodiles and other residents of the habitat.