How would you feel being welcomed by the melodious chirping sounds of birds and cool fresh air around you? Totally relaxed. This is what the mesmerizing places such as bird sanctuaries and wild life sanctuaries can do. These can relax you, make you feel rejuvenated and connect you with Mother Nature.
Karnataka, one of the southern states in India, is rich in flora and fauna with forest area of about 38,720 square kilometer. Bird sanctuaries in Karnataka are scattered all over the state making it an important tourist destination. Birds as well as bird lovers visit these heavenly places in Karnataka for a delightful break. Some of the popular bird sanctuaries in Karnataka are:
# Gudavi Bird SanctuaryGudavi Bird Sanctuary provides a fantastic atmosphere especially during monsoon. Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is located at a distance of about 16 km from Sorab town in Shimoga district, Karnataka. It is a great picnic spot too. This bird sanctuary is one of the best bird sanctuaries in Karnataka to visit. This place becomes extremely refreshing with the Gudvi Lake, its green belt of trees and hundreds and thousands of birds. As per a survey, there are 217 species of birds found in Gudavi Bird Sanctuary. Apart from local birds, many species of birds migrate to Gudavi in different seasons for breeding. One can see White Pebis, Grey Heron, Night Heron, Jungle Fowl, Pond Heron, Indian Shag, Bittern, etc. The sanctuary’s visiting hours are from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and the best season to visit is from June to October.
No accommodation facilities are available at the Gudavi Bird Sanctuary but you can find a comfortable place to stay at Shimoga.
# Ranganathittu Bird SanctuaryIt is a very tiny bird sanctuary covering an area of 0.67 square kilometers. In spite of its small area, tourists can watch exotic migratory species of birds, as the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a nesting and breeding place of many birds. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located on the banks of the Kaveri River in the Mandya district of Karnataka and at a distance of just 19 km from Mysore. This bird sanctuary is perfect for birds because of the presence of plenty of aquatic insects and also because it is an isolated area. One can spot Asian Open Bill Stork, Painted Stork, and White Ibis. This is an ideal picnic spot for many locals as well as tourists.
# Puttenahalli WS LakePuttenahalli WS Lake is located near Yelahanka at a distance of just 14 km from Bangalore and covers an area of 10 hectares. About 49 different species of birds that breed here have been found by Biodiversity experts and one can see near about 7,000 birds during breeding season. Even some of the endangered species of migratory birds from Siberia and Northern Himalayas visit this Puttenahalli WS Lake for breeding.
# Kokkare Bellur Pelicanry Bird SanctuaryKokkare Bellur Pelicanry Bird Sanctuary is an absolute heaven and offers a break from city life. This bird sanctuary is located at a distance of 83 Km from Bangalore. Kokkare Bellur Pelicanry Bird Sanctuary is popular for Spot Billed pelicans and Painted Storks during peak season. Painted Storks in local language are known as kokkare, hence the name of the place. Another interesting bit is that the village kokkare thrives on the droppings of birds that is known as guano. These bird droppings are rich in potassium and are used as manure by the villagers.
# Magadi Bird SanctuaryA temporary home to the Bar-headed Goose, Magadi Bird Sanctuary is located in Magadi village of Shirhatti Taluk, Gadag District. It is rich in biodiversity and situated right on Gadag-Bangalore Road.