Chilika Lake - Orissa |
The Blue Lagoon spread over an area of 1,100 sq.km. the glorious stretch of the Chilika is Asia's largest brackish water lake. Home to thousands of colourful birds throughout the year, it is particularly noisy with the din of the raucous influx of migratory birds who descend on it from as far off as Siberia in winter.
A real paradise for bird watchers, Chilika offers visitors a spectacular display of its colourful avian charms in a thousand different hues. The white bellied sea eagle, the grey-legged geese, the peach coloured flamingoes, purple moorhen, jacana and heron-all mingle in a flurry of crested feathers and mind-blowing grace.
The surrounding hills and sandy stretches abound in cheetals, blackbucks, monkeys, fishing cats, mongoose and porcupines and a dolphin population cavorting joyfully near the channel meeting the sea. Snakes and turtles, lizards and cobras inhabit the surrounding beach area and wooded undergrowth.
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Distance: Approx 105 kms from Bhubaneshwar
Best time to Visit: Winters
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Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary - Karnataka |
When you take a holiday to Ranganthittu, you're treated to some glorious sights. Yes, the sanctuary here is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Just glance around and you'll find a host of surprises.
Crocodiles basking under the sun, otters running free, flocks of birds gathering on tiny islands..... Ranganthittu is indeed a visual delight. And the excitment continues. Wherever you turn, you'll find exotic birds. Birds that come all the way from Siberia, Australia and even North America.
So when you're on the cane boats just be ready for a 'fluttering' surprise. It may be the open-bill stork, the white ibis, egret, heron, patridge or even the cormorant trying to say hello!
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Distance: 125 kms from Bangalore
Best time to Visit: June to October
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Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary - Kerala
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Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki District Kerala. It is spread over 25.16 sq. km. area. Set up in 1983 at the instance of Dr. Salim Ali, the sanctuary boasts of 253 kinds of birds (identified by BNHS) which include the rare frogmouth. Over 50 species of butterflies have been documented here by Madras Naturalists Society.
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The sanctuary is the catchment area of Bhoothathankett Dam. Undulating terrain, has mixed deciduous forest with patches of grassland. The teak trees with sparse leaves make bird watching easier even for untrained eyes. The birds commonly spotted are Indian roller, common snipe, crow pheasant, jungle nightjar, kite, grey drongo, Malabar trogon, woodpecker, large pied wagtail, baya sparrow, grey jungle fowl, Indian hill mynah, Robin, babblers and darter. If you are lucky you may spot these rare birds too. Crimson throated barbett, bee-eaters, sunbird, shrike, fairy blue bird, grey headed fishing eagle, black winged kinte, night heron. Grey heron, Malabar shama, Common grey hornbill and Malabar hornbill.
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The sanctuary has its share of fauna too. The elephant is an occasional visitor. Leopard, bear, porcupine, python and cobra are sighted.
How to reach: Kochi, the nearest airport is 71 km from Thattekkad.
Best time to Visit: Winters
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Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary - Rajasthan
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