The moist deciduous forests of Bannerghatta, Hebbal Lake and even Lal Bagh gardens draw birds from all over the sub-continent. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site and bird paradise, is located to the south-west of the city.
With nature abounding at every corner, the people in the region have a strong bond with all living beings. Bird sanctuaries in Bangalore have a charm of its own and allow the avid avian enthusiast a plethora of bird species to gaze upon.
Top rated bird sanctuaries around Bangalore
Places to view migratory species: These include bird sanctuaries around Bangalore that have international visitors.
1. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
This popular bird sanctuary around Bangalore is in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. The villagers in the region are fiercely protective of the birds and use their droppings as fertilizer for their crops.
In fact, during the British period, the villagers got an order from the British collector, preventing the British troops from harming the birds. Some of the birds that you can spot include the Garganeys, Grey Pelicans, Glossy Ibises.
- Best time to visit: November to March
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 320 Kilometres
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2. Mandagadde Island
This bird sanctuary is in Shimoga, Karnataka. In the midst of the mighty Tunga river, it is just a short distance from the Gajanur Dam. During the peak season, one can expect to see as many as five thousand species of birds!
One can find birds such as the Median Egret, Darter and Little cormorant. The best time to visit is in the month of May when the migratory birds come to mate.
- Best time to visit: May and July to September
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 310 kilometres
3. Madiwala Lake
This well-maintained lake spans an impressive 114 hectares. One can find the spot-billed pelican, which is known to migrate smaller distances and can be found as far as Sri Lanka.
- Best time to visit: November-December
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 10 kilometres
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4. Gudavi Bird Sanctuary
This bird sanctuary is in Shimoga, Karnataka. During the monsoon, one can find birds from all over the world finding a haven in the dense forests of Malnad. Some of the bird species you can see include the Night Heron and Little Grebe.
- Best time to visit: June and November.
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 370 kilometres
5. Attiveri Reservoir
This bird sanctuary is near Mungod village in Uttara Kannada. The Barn swallow, a migratory bird that is found in the northern parts of Europe and Asia is common here. Some of the other birds that can be found include Cattle Egret, Eurasian Spoonbill and White Throated Kingfishers.
- Best time to visit: November and March.
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 400 kilometres
6. Magadi Tank
This bird sanctuary is in Gadag district, Karnataka. Some of the species that can be found here include Oriental Ibis, Brahmini duck and Grey Heron. The sanctuary is noted for its population of the Bar-headed Goose, which makes its journey all the way from Central Asia.
- Best time to visit: June to November.
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 390 kilometres
7. Hebbal Lake
Located on the northern outskirts of the city, the lush greenery and islands that dot the lake attract birds from around the vicinity.
In true nature loving fashion of Kannadigas, the lake was created by the founder of Bangalore, Kempe Gowda. Apart from hosting Kingfishers, Grey Herons and Painted storks, the lake also plays host to migratory birds from as far as Siberia.
- Best time to visit: September to December.
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 15 kilometres
- Places to view indigenous Species: These include bird sanctuaries around Bangalore that have birds residing in them all year long.
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8. Nandi Hills
This popular tourist spot is in the Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka. It is the source of the rivers Arkavathym, Palar and Ponnaiyar, giving the birds a constant supply of water.
Some of the birds that you can spot here include the Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Blue Capped Rock Thrush and the Peregrine Falcon.
- Best time to visit: March to May.
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 60 kilometres
9. Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens
Located in the inner limits of the city, Lal Bagh is well-known for bird spotting and even has bird clubs. The lush greenery and lake attract birds such as the Black Pelican, Brahminy Kite and Purple Herons.
- Best time to visit: Early mornings throughout the year
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 60 kilometres
10. Kokrebellur Village
This village is located in the Mandya district of Karnataka. Apart from Black Ibis and the Indian pond heron, one can gaze upon the Painted Stork, which is native to the region. It is said that the villagers share a special bond with the birds and you can see the bird dung being used as manure.
- Best time to visit: February to March.
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 90 kilometres
11. Pulicat Lake
This bird sanctuary is in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. Some of the birds that you can find here include Kites, Painted Storks and Egrets. However, the place is most noted for its population of Greater Flamingos.
- Best time to visit: November to February.
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 380 kilometres
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12. Kaggaladu Bird Sanctuary
This bird sanctuary is home to grey herons and painted storks here. Just like the residents of Kokrebellur, the villagers from this locality are avid bird lovers.
You can see the trees on which they are perched, are left undisturbed with plenty of tamarinds. This non-interference is a way of the locals showing the birds that they respect their habitat.
- Best time to visit: February to August.
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 140 kilometres
13. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
This bird sanctuary is a testament to the intimate relationship of Kannadigas with nature, it was built by the king of Mysore in 1648. It is the largest bird sanctuary in the state and is on the banks of the Kaveri river.
- Best time to visit: February to March.
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 125 kilometres
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14. Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
This sanctuary is located in the Nellore district of Tamil Nadu. It houses some near threatened species such as the spot-billed pelican, which has become extinct in countries like the Philippines. Some of the other bird species that can be spotted include the Spoon Bill, Little Cormorant, Painted Stork and the White Ibis.
- Best time to visit: November to February.
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 410 kilometres
15. Bannerghatta National Park
This national park is nestled in the Anekal hill range. Apart from hosting a wide variety of animals such as tigers and elephants, the sanctuary has a large bird population.
Some of the birds that can be spotted here include the Grey Junglefowl, Grey Heron, Brahmini Kite and Indian Grey Hornbill.
- Best time to visit: September to January.
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 140 kilometres
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16. Anshi National Park
This must-visit bird sanctuary is located in Uttara Kannada, Karnataka. The Kali river flows through here and draws birds and animals alike. Some of the avian population that can be spotted here include Malabar Pied Hornbill, Yellow Footed Green Pigeon, Brahmini Kite and Adjutant stork.
- Best time to visit: October to May.
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 500 kilometres
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17. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Located adjacent to Anshi National park, Dandeli is also a tiger reserve. It has over 200 species of birds that call it home, of which the most famous is the Malabar Pied Hornbill. Some of the other bird species that are found there include the Orange Headed Thrush and Indian Yellow Tit.
- Best time to visit: October to May.
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 500 kilometres
18. Kudremukh National Park
This sprawling National Park straddles the three districts of Chikmagalur, Udupi and Dakshin Kannada. The people live in harmony with the fauna in the region and one can notice numerous coffee plantations in the area.
The sanctuary has 195 species of birds such as the Malabar Trogan, Malabar Whistling Thrush and the Imperial Pigeon.
- Best time to visit: October to February.
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 350 kilometres Also Check: Couple Friendly Hotels near Bangalore Cantonment Railway Station| Couple Friendly Hotels near Bangalore Railway Station|3 Star Hotels near Cox Town Bangalore
19. Nagarahole National Park
Ensconced in Kodagu district, Karnataka, Nagarhole National Park is home to birds such as the Malabar Grey Hornbill and White Bellied Treepie.
It also houses critically endangered species such as the Oriental White-Backed Vulture and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon. The tribal inhabitants of the like the Jenu Kurubas, worship nature and consider the forest to be their mother.
- Best time to visit: October to May.
- Distance from Bangalore city centre: 218 kilometres
Bangalore is flanked by areas rich in biodiversity and is a perfect refuge for birds within the country and abroad. Sometimes, you may want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Tuning in to the melodies of the birds in these sanctuaries, you needn’t go too far to find peace.
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