Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary
Overview - Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary
Bhigwan, a small town overlooking the outskirts Pune, has plenty of avifauna for all birding enthusiasts. The Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary is home to several Winter migratory birds, particularly, the Flamingo. Located near the backwaters of Ujani Dam, this little town with an economy entirely based on freshwater fishing, is the best sanctuary for bird watchers, photographers, Ornithologists or simply nature lovers. With the dam on end and stunning landscapes on the other, this little place is a perfect voyage for thrill and relaxation.
Best Time to Visit Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary
The best time to visit Bhigwan is when Winter Migratory birds flock in abundance, i.e. November – March.
Highlight Species - Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary
- Phesant-tailed Jacana
- Ruff
- Bar-headed Goose
- Greater-painted Snipe
- Gadwall
- Painted Spurfowl
- Greater Flamingo
- Lesser Flamingo
- Little Grebe
- Nilgiri-wood Pigeon
- Laughing Dove
- Painted Sandgrouse
- Oriental Darter
- Collard Dove
- Black-shoulder Kite
- Steppe Eagle
- Rufous-tailed Lark
- Zitting Cisticola
- Thicked-billed Flowerpecker
- Common Wood Shrike
- Malabar Trogon
- Black-winged Stilt
- Pied Avocet
- Painted Sork
- Short-toed Snake Eagle
- Dusky-Eagle Owl
- Short-Eared Owl
- Malabar Grey Hornbill
- Jerdon's Leafbird
- Orange Minivet
Types of Safaris - Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary
Boat Safaris : Explore major part of Diksal and Kumbhargaon by private boat in order to cover maximum species and also to reach as close to birds as possible. Observe a variety of bird species, compose some unique shots and also try your hands on birds in action. Late evening is a great time to compose some creative and silhouette shots against the setting winter sun.
How to reach Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary
By Air : The nearest airport to Bhigwan are Pune (105 kms) and Mumbai (258 kms). The two are very well connected with all major cities in India, like New Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad etc.
By Train : One can always take a train to Bhigwan (BGVN) Station. Some of the trains include Chennai Mail, Hyderabad Express etc. There trains can be boarded from Pune, Mumbai and New Delhi.
By Road : Driving directly to Bhigwan is the most convenient way of reaching the park. Otherwise, one can always board an inter-city / inter-state bus to reach the sanctuary. These busses can be boarded from Mumbai, Bangalore, Kohlapur, Solapur, and Pune.
