There are several bird sanctuaries in Karnataka, which are also abode of several migratory birds. Different sanctuaries are located at different areas. Some are located on the banks of river, some are amidst dense forest and some are on hills. There are diversities among birds as well, which are inhabited in each bird sanctuary. Among all the bird sanctuaries of Karnataka, the most popular one is Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. There are several other sanctuaries as well, some of which have been detailed below.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located in the Mandya District of Karnataka. Located on the banks of Kaveri River, this sanctuary attracts several tourists across the country. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, the largest bird sanctuary of the state, is the abode of Open-billed Stork, Darter, Peafowl, Great Stone Plover, River Tern, and Pond Heron etc. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from June to November.
Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary
It is located at a distance of 30 km from the Shimoga District of the state. This sanctuary is surrounded by Tunga River and forest, which attract several species of birds. The sanctuary also avails bird watching, trekking and boating facilities. Darters, Median Egrets and Cormorants are the main species that co-exist in this bird sanctuary. The breeds include Wooly Neck Stalk, Night Herons, Pied Kingfisher, Open-billed Storks etc. The sanctuary is best visited from July to October.
Magadi Bird Sanctuary
This sanctuary, located in the Gadak District of the state, is the best home for the Central Asian birds. It is also the abode of other 34 species of birds, among which Bar Headed Goose is the most common one to be spotted in this sanctuary. Oriental Ibis, Painted Stork, Eurasian Spoonbill, Ruddy Shelduck, White-breasted water Hen, Comb Duck are some of the other birds that have been flying to Magadi Bird Sanctuary since the past ten years now. This sanctuary can be visited between November and March.
Bonal Bird Sanctuary
The second largest bird sanctuary in the state, situated in the Yadgir District, is the best place for the aquatic birds. It is maintained by the Government, which enables tourists to stay in the sanctuary even at night for camping. Earlier it was a picnic spot for the British. Over 10,000 birds migrate to this lake, some of which are Black Ibis, White Ibis, Bar-headed Goose, Purple Moorhen, Purple Heron, Snake Bird and Indian Shag etc.
Other Bird Sanctuaries in Karnataka
Some other bird sanctuaries of Karnataka are Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary, Attiveri Bird Sanctuary, Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary, Adichunchanagiri Bird Sanctuary, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Ramanagara Vulture Sanctuary, Kaggaladu Bird Sanctuary etc.
