The Metropolitan city, Bangalore is not just an IT hub, but the Garden City of India is also home to many bird watching spots. The moist deciduous forests of Bannerghatta, Hebbal Lake, and even Lal-Bagh gardens draw birds from all over the sub-continent. With nature abounding at every corner, the people in the region have a strong bond with all living beings. Bird sanctuaries near Bengaluru have a charm of their own and allow the avid avian enthusiast a plethora of bird species to gaze upon. Let’s explore such bird watching spots.
Madiwala Lake
This well-maintained lake spans an impressive 114 hectares. One can find the spot-billed pelican, which is known to migrate smaller distances and can be found as far as Sri Lanka.
Puttenahalli Lake – JP Nagar
The JP Nagar Lake, which is a rejuvenated water body, also sees a massive variety of winged creatures. Swing by and spend time spotting cormorants, Lesser Whistling Ducks, Little Grebes, Black Crowned Night Herons, Pied Kingfishers, Black Winged Stilts and a host of wagtails, storks, and swallows.
Hebbal Lake
Located on the northern outskirts of the city, the lush greenery and islands that dot the lake attract birds from around the vicinity. In true nature loving fashion of Kannadigas, the lake was created by the founder of Bangalore, Kempe Gowda. Apart from hosting Kingfishers, Grey Herons and Painted storks, the lake also plays host to migratory birds from as far as Siberia.
Bannerghatta National Park
This national park is nestled in the Anekal hill range. Apart from hosting a wide variety of animals such as tigers and elephants, the sanctuary has a large bird population. Some of the birds that can be spotted here include the Grey Junglefowl, Grey Heron, Brahmini Kite, and Indian Grey Hornbill.
Puttenahalli Lake/ Yelahanka
At the Yelahanka Lake, you can watch darters, painted storks, Eurasian spoonbills, purple moorhens, and common sandpipers fly by. Again, come by during the later months to spot migratory birds.
Bagmane Lake
Not Just a popular office space campuses for IT/ITeS companies located in the heart of the east of Bangalore City. But Bagamane Tech park Lake view has the beautiful birding spot where you can watch Birds like Golden Orioles, Purple Sunbird, Purple Rumped Sunbird, Small Green Barbets, Night Herons etc.
Hesaraghatta Lake
It is a manmade reservoir with fresh water lake created in the year 1894 across the Arkavathy River to meet the drinking water needs of the city. Now only remains of the lake remain as the lake was last filled completely about 15 years back. This has caused a vast area of grassland which has attracted a wide variety of birds. Over the weekends, these grasslands have become popular among bird watchers.
Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens
Located in the inner limits of the city, Lal Bagh is well-known for bird spotting and even has bird clubs. The lush greenery and lake attract birds such as the Black Pelican, Brahminy Kite, Parrots, Pigeons, and Purple Herons.
Cubbon Park
This is another key lung space of the city where you can spot varieties of birds such as the cuckoo, robin, kingfisher, bulbul and spotted owls. The park is full of huge trees and lush green lawns. There is also a bamboo grove and a pond inside the park. It is a traffic-free zone on Sundays, so step out on a Sunday morning and your chances of spotting birds are high.
Nandi Hills
This popular tourist spot is in the Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka. It is the source of the rivers Arkavathym, Palar, and Ponnaiyar, giving the birds a constant supply of water. Some of the birds that you can spot here include the Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Blue Capped Rock Thrush, and the Peregrine Falcon.
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Bengaluru is also home to several lakes, and all of them are good spots for birding. It is flanked by areas rich in biodiversity and is a perfect refuge for birds within the country and abroad. Sometimes, you may want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Tuning in to the melodies of the birds in spots made for bird watching, you needn’t go too far to find peace. Cheers!!
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