Open billed Stork at the Rangantittu bird sanctuary. Photographer Dinesh Kannambadi
Bangalore, the preferred destination for software companies and professionals in India, has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and resources too. The presence of a number of national parks and bird sanctuaries surrounding the city is testimony to the presence of a rich variety of wildlife and especially birds in its vicinity.
The weather of Bangalore is ideal for several birds to make this city their permanent home. A lot of migratory birds also flock to the city every year for nesting and breeding purposes, presenting a breath taking view to the bird watchers. Whether you are an avid bird watcher or are simply mesmerized by the grace and beauty of these winged creatures, the bird sanctuaries surrounding Bangalore will provide you opportunities for many hours of happy bird viewing.
Here is a list of some of the popular bird sanctuaries in and around gudavithe city.
Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary: Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Kokrebellur is located in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It lies off the busy Bangalore-Mysore highway. The place is famous as one of the few nesting grounds for Painted Storks. Several species like Pond Herons, Spot-billed Pelicans, Black Ibis and Little Cormorant can be viewed in this sanctuary. The Shimsa river and several other lakes near the sanctuary act as the primary source of food and water for the birds of Kokkare Bellur. The villagers of Mandya share a special bond with the birds and consider the Spot-billed Pelicans a part of their heritage.
Distance from Bangalore – Around 89 km.
Best time to visit – February and March.
You can read more about Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary here.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is one of the most interesting bird watching destinations as the place is home to some of the most exotic species of birds found in the country and elsewhere. It is the nesting ground for several species of birds that includes rare species like Painted Stork, Spoonbill, Whistling Duck, Egrets, Black Headed Ibis, Cormorants, Kingfishers, Herons, Darters, etc. This bird sanctuary is located off the Bangalore – Mysore Highway.
Distance from Bangalore – Around 135 km.
Best time to visit – February and March
You can read more about Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary here.
Attiveri Bird Sanctuary: This beautiful bird sanctuary is located in the Uttar Kannad district of Karnataka. It is a wonderful place that acts as the habitat for 79 different species of birds. Migratory birds from more than 22 countries flock to this place every year during the winter season. The Attiveri reservoir is the main attraction of the birds of this area. Bird watchers can have a great time discovering a variety of local and migratory birds like Indian Cormorant, Green Bee-eater, Black-headed Ibis, Intermediate Egret, Little Cormorant, Grey Francolin, Darter, Great Egret, Little Egret, Indian Pond Heron, Eurasian Spoonbill, etc.
Distance from Bangalore – Around 400 km.
Best time to visit – November to March
You can read more about Avvitveri Bird Sanctuary here.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary: This bird sanctuary is located in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. It is well known as one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in the country. The sanctuary is the home for several migratory birds like Gray Wagtail, Pintail, Common Sandpiper, Garganey, etc. on their yearly trip to India. The villagers of the local area are protective towards the birds and have taken several steps to conserve the natural nesting place of the various species of birds.
Distance from Bangalore – Around 320 km.
Best time to visit – November to March
Pulicate Lake: This bird sanctuary near Bangalore is situated in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, along the Tamil Nadu – Andhra Pradesh coast. This scenic bird sanctuary is famous for being the second largest brackish water ecosystem in India. The brackish water lagoon is a unique mixture of fresh and salt water and acts as the natural home for a number of birds like Flamingoes, Herons, Large-billed Pelicans, Kites, Painted Storks, Egrets, Cormorant, Black-headed Ibis, etc. The place organizes a flamingo festival every year to spread awareness about conservation of the birds and protection of their natural habitats.
Distance from Bangalore – Around 380 km.
Best time to visit – November to February
Kaggaladu Bird Sanctuary: Kaggaladu Bird sanctuary is located in a small village in the Tumkur district of Karnataka. The place is well known among bird watchers for being the second largest sanctuary for Painted Storks in South Asia. The local people of this area are very interested in the protection of the aviators and in enhancing the population of the birds. The sanctuary has many Banyan trees and tamarind trees that act as the nestling place of birds and provide them shelter. Grey Herons are the most popular birds in Kaggaladu.
Distance from Bangalore – Around 140 km.
Best time to visit – February to August
You can read more about Kaggaladu Bird Sanctuary here.
Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary: This beautiful bird sanctuary is located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. The sanctuary is famous as the nestling place for some of the most marvelous looking birds. The sanctuary is actually a small island on the river Tunga where a lot of migratory birds come every year for nesting. The place is a bird watcher’s delight where more than 5000 birds can be seen during the peak season. Among the birds flocking to this sanctuary are Median Egret, Little Cormorant, Snake Bird, Darter, etc.
Distance from Bangalore – Around 310 km.
Best time to visit – July to September
You can read more about Mandaggade Bird Sanctuary here.
Gudavi Bird Sanctuary: Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. The sanctuary is situated on the Gudavi lake that stands in the midst of the dense Malnad forest. The lake and the trees surrounding the lake provide food and shelter to the migratory birds. Among the varied species that can be found in the sanctuary are the Spot White Ibis, Egret, Stone Bill, Cormorant, Heron, Snake Bird and many other species.
Distance from Bangalore – Around 370 km.
Best time to visit – June to November
You can read more about Gudavi Bird Sanctuary here.
Magadi Bird Sanctuary: This bird sanctuary is located in the Gadag district of Karnataka. The sanctuary is situated in the Magadi tank off the Gadag – Bangalore road. The place has a tributary of the River Kaveri flowing beside the tank and is a source of attraction for the birds. The most popular bird of this sanctuary is the migratory bird called the ‘Bar-Headed Goose’. Apart from this species of goose the place is also frequented by various other birds like Brahmini duck, Oriental Ibis, Greater Flamingo, Painted Stork, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Woolly necked stork, Eurasian Spoonbill, etc.
Distance from Bangalore – Around 390 km.
Best time to visit – June to November
You can read more about Magadi Bird Sanctuary here.
