Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful groove to blend with nature’s best creation while flashing surprises at birds of different nature, all at one place. It is a wildlife refuge designed to protect bird species thereby preventing them from becoming endangered or extinct. Sanctuary is an amazing concept and one should be truly fortunate to witness and experience the nuances of this natural artistry. So, if you are looking for such places then we have three must-visit bird sanctuaries near Bengaluru, in a very close proximity. Come, let’s check them out.
Kokkare Bellur
Kokkare Bellur is not another reserved Bird sanctuary and that’s the beauty of it. It is spread in a small village near Maddur where one can see storks and pelicans co-exist on trees, perfectly in harmony with the villagers. This place is famous for painted storks (Kokkare in Kannada) and so is the name ‘Kokkare Bellur.’
The sanctuary has gained an international recognition and without a second thought, Kokkare Bellur is a must-visit for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. Pelicans and their chastity will never fall flat to impress you. This is a place where you find rare and beautiful migratory birds at ease, nested within the limits of the village.
If you ride further for about 8 km from the village then you find a dam where you can see the sight of birds catching fish. It is better if you seek villagers who can help you spot some rare species of birds. While coming back, make time for a lake because it is one of the major attractions here. The serene beauty of lake which is spread in a large area is a treat to eyes. Settle down in the shades of a tree and simply embrace & entwine the moment.
Distance from Bengaluru – 100 km
Route – Bengaluru – Maddur (via Mysuru road) – Kokkare Bellur
Best time to visit – November to July
Kaggaladu Bird Sanctuary
Kaggaladu is again a village sanctuary located in the Sira taluk of Tumkur. This is a beautiful place where you can spot painted storks and grey herons. In fact, the heron was first made known to the outside world by the villagers of Kaggaladu, in 1999 for NGO Wildlife aware nature club.
Kaggaladu is the second largest painted storks sanctuary in South India, only after Kokkare Bellur. Villagers say that grey herons found nesting here on a single tamarind tree since 1993. Birds here stay in groups for about six months starting from February to August, inviting birds lovers from different parts of the country to witness the tweedle.
Experience the birds in flocks of hundreds and an alluring nature that has graced this small village sanctuary in the south of Karnataka.
Distance from Bengaluru – 131 km
Where: Sira, Tumkur District, Karnataka
Best time to visit – February to August
Ranganathittu – Pakshi Kashi of Karnataka
Ranganathittu is an island spread on an area of 40 acres on the river Kaveri. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Karnataka and an important nesting and breeding ground for the thousands of species migrating from different parts of the world. It was declared a bird sanctuary in 1940 and every year, this place witnesses the arrival of a large number of migratory birds from Siberia, North America, and Australia.
Ranganathittu is truly an otherworldly place and every bit of it will liberate you to a limitless pleasure. It is a home for numerous mammals, aqua creatures, and birds of different species. For an instance, Bonnet Macaque, colonies of flying fox, the Marsh Crocodile, Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Lesser Whistling-duck, Stork-billed Kingfisher, etc. Words really fall short to express the beauty of this place and so it is better you make time and experience on your own.
Not-to-miss – Boating
Distance from Bengaluru – 129 km via Mysuru Road
Timings – 9 AM – 6 PM
Karanji Kere
Karanji Kere is a lake with ‘The Biggest Walk-through aviary in India’, located in the city of Mysuru, Karnataka. The lake is spread in an area of about 55 hectares with its foreshore area measuring about 35 hectares. This is a place where you can find Peacocks, herons, and egrets at their best. There is also a butterfly park and a regional museum which you cannot afford to miss.
So, these were the four Bird Sanctuaries near Bengaluru you should make time for. If you know any places of this kind then please share with us in the comments below.
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