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Discover Pune's Top 5 Birdwatching Spots For Nature Enthusiasts

India.com15-06-2025
The eastern Oxford of Pune functions as a dual cultural educational center while presenting itself as a perfect environment for nature lovers. Birdwatchers find Pune to be their perfect destination because it sits near the Western Ghats alongside its various ecological habitats. Nature enthusiasts with all experience levels will find multiple nearby locations in Pune that offer splendid opportunities to watch birds in their native habitat. The following guide provides information about the prime locations in the vicinity of Pune that are suitable for birdwatching.
1. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary rests about 110 kilometers from Pune as it belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Western Ghats. The sanctuary contains more than 200 bird species that include special endemic and rare bird species including the Malabar Whistling Thrush along with Malabar Grey Hornbill as well as Crested Serpent Eagle. Birdwatchers find Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary perfect due to its dense forests together with its waterfalls and tranquil setting. The location provides sanctuary to various animals including leopards and bison alongside deer which enhance the overall experience for visitors.
2. Katraj-Dehu Road Biodiversity Park
Katraj-Dehu Road Biodiversity Park near Pune city stands at 15 kilometers distance and acts as a popular destination for urban bird watching thanks to its artificial recreation of a natural green space. This 37-acre park includes a butterfly park together with medicinal plant garden and small lake that supports various bird species including Purple Sunbird and Ashy Prinia and Indian Robin. The location's easy access allows beginners as well as families to practice birdwatching near Pune city borders.
3. Panshet Dam and Backwaters
Panshet Dam attracts many people from Pune who visit this attraction approximately 45 kilometers from the city during their weekends. Water sports along with scenic landscapes form the highlights of this location though it also provides exceptional birdwatching conditions throughout its dam region and backwater areas. Additionally you can identify several waterbirds including Little Grebe Common Kingfisher and the Woolly-necked Stork at that location. Black Kite and Shikra join Black Kite and Shikra among the raptor species that inhabit the hills and vegetation areas around Panshet Dam. Birdwatching provides the best experience at Rajgad on both early mornings and evenings.
4. Rajgad Fort
The historical Rajgad Fort around Pune offers trekkers their favorite destination while simultaneously serving as an ideal area to observe birds. The slopes of Rajgad Fort break into two sections which nourish birds including the Indian Peafowl along with the Red-vented Bulbul and White-throated Kingfisher. The area transforms into an active sanctuary in monsoon as different species of migratory birds choose this region as their visiting spot. Visitors seeking a historical adventure through natural surroundings should not miss Rajgad Fort because it delivers everything bird lovers want.
5. Lonavala and Khandala Hills
Pune residents reach the mystique coastal regions of Lonavala and Khandala which are 65 kilometers away through their natural scenic beauty. These regions attract regular observations of the Jungle Babbler Oriental Magpie-Robin and Golden Oriole bird species. Views from Tiger's Leap and Duke's Nose form two of the select points where bird watchers can observe nature amongst breathtaking landscape vistas. Birds thrive in this environment because both the temperature and vegetation make an excellent home for local species as well as seasonal visitors.
Tips for Bird Watching Near Pune
The optimal times to observe active birds during birdwatching occur between early mornings and late afternoons.
When birdwatching do not leave home without binoculars, field guidebook camera and walking shoes that provide comfort.
Natural habitats deserve our respect because we should neither disrupt the birds nor disturb their environments. Visual observation should be conducted while keeping a silent manner together with sufficient physical distance from the birds.
Local bird watching organizations in Pune welcome all members who want to join for scheduled tour activities and communal observation sessions.
To view different species, select your visiting periods according to seasonal movements.
Conclusion
The advantageous geographic location of Pune in the vicinity of Western Ghats together with its multifaceted terrain provides exceptional prospects for birdwatching. The various locations including Panshet Dam backwaters and Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary let each visitor enjoy their unique nature experience. When you visit these locations you have two major benefits: you can enjoy viewing birdlife alongside helping protect endangered natural habitats. Bring your bird watching equipment to these bird observation hotspots and experience the natural harmonies that border Pune.
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