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India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
Nature's VIP Pass: 5 Birdwatching Havens Near Thiruvananthapuram Will Blow Your Mind!
Thiruvananthapuram functions as the capital city of Kerala while offering its residents both cultural elegance and peaceful backwaters along with extensive tree-covered areas that attract wild bird enthusiasts. The ecological diversity across the region supports various bird species which find their perfect homes among wetlands and forests and along the coastal areas. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts can find pure joy while exploring the birdwatching destinations of the area. The following list introduces the top birdwatching sites Thiruvananthapuram residents can easily access. 1. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Of all bird watching locations in Kerala Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary stands as the most renowned because it sits around 140 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram. Birdwatchers visit this sanctuary on Vembanad Lake because it becomes a destination for Siberian cranes together with egrets, herons and kingfishers during winter season. Birdwatchers can observe native and migrant species due to both the peaceful surroundings and many water sources. The sanctuary offers boat services that provide visitors with access for closer bird watching experiences. 2. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Located 50 kilometers northeast of Thiruvananthapuram in the Western Ghats you will find Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary which serves as a biodiversity conservation area. The sanctuary contains 200 types of birds among which stand the rare Malabar grey hornbill and the Indian pitta as well as the paradise flycatcher. A dense evergreen forest environment creates superb conditions for rare forest inhabitants thereby giving enthusiastic bird watchers a rewarding experience. Visits made during the first hours of day provide the best opportunity to identify rare bird species. 3. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary This wildlife sanctuary with its 128 square-kilometer area exists approximately 30 kilometers beyond Thiruvananthapuram. The sanctuary presents itself as an area with combined tropical forests and grasslands along with wetlands that welcome diverse bird populations. Great Indian hornbills together with Malabar trogons and oriental darters can frequently be observed in this area. The sanctuary provides visitors the chance to experience multiple activities such as trekking through its trails in addition to boat services that allow them to explore its varied environments while hearing birds singing in the background. 4. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary exists near Thiruvananthapuram as its location sits at the point where Kadalundi River meets the Arabian Sea about 60 kilometers to the north. The sanctuary serves as a migratory bird habitat where thousands of animals select this area as their temporary sanctuary during the months spanning November through April. Every year numerous sandpipers join terns, gulls and whimbrels at this location. Folks enjoy the natural appeal while taking in the magnificent riverfront views at this scenic place. 5. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary maintains its special position despite its distance (114 kilometers from Thiruvananthapura) because of its perfect natural features along with diverse bird population. This Kannur district sanctuary includes multiple Western Ghats species including Nilgiri wood pigeon along with white-bellied treepie and broad-tailed grassbird among others. Natural surroundings untouched by human activities at this location provide tranquility to visitors who want a peaceful nature-based retreat. Tips for Birdwatching Enthusiasts Bird activities peak in the first part of daytime and continue through the afternoon hours. Strategize when to visit the areas to get the best possible bird viewing results. Observing distant or shy birds becomes easier while you maintain their unprovoked state by using a trustworthy pair of binoculars. Scientific attire includes using muted clothes which helps observers remain discreet while observing birds undisturbed. The essential step to preserve wildlife is maintaining complete silence along with moving in a slow manner. The ethical practice of wildlife respect includes abstaining from giving food or pursuing the birds. Final Thoughts The birdwatching prospects for nature enthusiasts are abundant throughout Thiruvananthapuram and its bordering areas. Visitors can find distinct bird-filled environments between the serenely drifting Kumarakom backwaters and the hilltop atmospheric Ponmudi region. Whether you have bird watching experience or enjoy it casually these locations guarantee nature-based memories through their bird activities. Take your camera equipment with you to explore the extravagant bird population found around the Thiruvananthapuram region.


India.com
02-07-2025
- India.com
From Chirps To Views With Explore Kochi's Hidden Birdwatching Paradises
Kochi functions as both a cultural destination and backwater tourist center in the Kerala state of southern India where people can observe numerous bird species. The combination of the Western Ghats nearness with the wetlands and the lush vegetation transforms the area into an outstanding spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The city of Kochi presents multiple locations to various bird watchers who want to experience natural bird observation opportunities. Here are selected bird watching locations can be found in proximity to Kochi city. 1. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary From Ernakulam city center the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary stands approximately a brief walking distance as its local people call it the city's 'green lung of Kochi.' The 2.74-hectare Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary functions as both a migratory bird and a resident bird nesting habitat. The sanctuary stands out as a nesting region that supports more than thirty different types of birds including redshank, kite and heron. Mangroves at the sanctuary form a distinctive ecological pattern that offers visitors a chance to explore this particular environment. The designated walking paths of the sanctuary provide perfect conditions for birdwatchers to closely observe various types of birds during their visits. 2. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary Thattekad Bird Sanctuary stands as India's most renowned bird sanctuary and it exists about 60 kilometers east of Kochi. This sanctuary founded by Dr. Salim Ali who became known as 'The Birdman of India' contains more than 280 bird species together with three rare avian species that include the Malabar grey hornbill, Sri Lanka frogmouth and Indian pitta. Thattekad sits within the thick evergreen forest areas of Western Ghats making it an ideal place to observe birds. The optimal time to explore Thattekad sanctuary is in the early mornings when birdwatchers can find rare species while listening to the sounds of nature. 3. Vembanad Lake Birdwatchers can find excellent opportunities for spotting birds along the extensive Vembanad Lake which belongs to Kerala's renowned backwaters network. During different seasons this water body of 2,033 square kilometers draws into its waters both permanent inhabitants and seasonally migrating birds. The painted stork together with the black-winged stilt and the cormorants can frequently be observed at this location. The distinct boat rides through the lake reveal wild aquatic birds in their natural lake environment to those observing from boats. Birdwatchers should not miss the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary along the Vembanad Lake eastern banks because it represents an essential location for avid birdwatchers. 4. Cherai Beach and Backwaters The coastal bird watching destination of Cherai Beach exists 30 kilometers north of Kochi. Wading birds including egrets and sandpipers and kingfishers find the beach backwaters as their valuable feeding habitat. Along the shoreline one can observe Eurasian curlews and whimbrels during the winter period. Cherai Beach offers both photography and casual observation opportunities because of its peaceful environment. 5. Kumbalangi Island Tourists visit Kumbalangi Island because of its attractive scenery and customary fishing culture while birdwatchers discover it as their perfect wildlife destination. The small island close to Kochi features mangrove forests and water routes that support different species of birds. The white-breasted kingfisher together with the oriental darter and little cormorant can be found in this area. The mangrove tour provides Canadians with a quiet experience to see birds naturally while preserving their behavior. Environmental tours at the island allow visitors to experience the local wildlife in a sustainable way. Final Thoughts The birdwatching opportunities in South India reach their peak in Kochi alongside its nearby regions. The region welcomes all nature lovers because it unites three different environments: urban settings, peaceful waterways, and dense woods. Seven Kochi area locations provide visitors with perfect opportunities to witness tropical birds as well as migratory species and their vibrant plumage while creating enchantment and inspiration about bird life. Take your equipment along with your birding scope then start exploring Kerala's complete birding complex.


Time of India
25-05-2025
- Time of India
5 wildlife sanctuaries for bird-watching enthusiasts
India is a country with spectacular biodiversity, featuring an abundance of habitats that present an interesting variety of settings for bird species to migrate to from across the globe. Here, you will find ideal settings for bird-watching enthusiasts to spot resident as well as migratory bird species in their natural habitats. Ranging from serene backwaters and dense forest covers to large wetlands, as well as lagoons. If you also love watching birds, here are some places that you need to bookmark. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary , Kerala Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is situated on a tiny island on Vembanad Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. This serene sanctuary welcomes many migratory birds, such as Siberian cranes, herons, egrets, and kingfishers. This mangrove cover is inhabited by a wide variety of birds, and hence it's heaven for bird enthusiasts. People visit this sanctuary by boat, through the serene backwaters, catching glimpses of rare and vibrant waterbirds amidst green vegetation. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park), Rajasthan Keoladeo National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a World Heritage site famous for welcoming more than 370 species of birds. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 BHK Nature Villas with ₹30K EMI Offer* in Bengaluru Avind Forest Trails Book Now Undo Situated in Rajasthan, it welcomes migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia, and elsewhere during the winter months. Birds like the Siberian crane, the spot-billed pelican, and the greater flamingo inhabit here. Trained eyes and telescopes can be utilized on well-manicured park trails and cycling tracks to take in the sights. The visit should be made between October and March when the birds are most active. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary , Kerala Thattekad is Kerala's biggest bird sanctuary along the Western Ghats. With more than 300 species of birds, including endemic species such as the Malabar grey hornbill and great hornbill, the sanctuary provides perfect habitats for paradise flycatchers and babblers. Nature sightseeing is particularly fruitful after the monsoons (October to February) when the forest floor awakens with colorful bird calls and movement, drawing nature lovers. Dudhwa National Park , Uttar Pradesh Located in Uttar Pradesh's Terai region, the Dudhwa National Park has a variety of habitats—grasslands, wetlands, and forests—that support over 450 species of birds. It is home to rare and threatened birds like the Bengal florican, Indian paradise flycatcher, and great hornbill. Serene trails and high biodiversity offer good chances for bird enthusiasts to spot resident as well as migratory birds. The best time to visit is November through April, when the climate is agreeable and when bird sightings are the most common. Chilka lake Bird sanctuary, Odisha Odisha's Chilika Lake is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon and a critical wintering site for migratory birds. The sanctuary is renowned for flocks of flamingos, pelicans, herons, and many species of ducks and waders. Thousands of migratory birds pay a visit between November and February, bringing with them a bird-watching spectacle. Boat safaris across the lagoon provide close encounters with these birds amidst scenic waterscapes, and Chilika becomes a must-visit destination for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change