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India.com
6 days ago
- General
- India.com
6 Most Surprising Birdwatching Spots In Hyderabad City
Hyderabad, the thriving capital of Telangana, is a city rich in traditions and heritage. Its landmarks like the Charminar, Golconda Fort, and the Hussain Sagar Lake are some of the most popular and these along with its unique flora and fauna often leaves tourists awestruck. On the outskirts of the city, there exists a paradise for bird lovers, where several green untouched areas can be found, which are home to a multitude of stunning bird species. Hyderabad contains astonishing bird watching locations which will leave every traveling birdwatcher, whether novice or expert, with cherished memories. Before explaining the particular areas, let us first understand what makes birdwatching an activity of interest to many people across the globe. Birds are integral to ecosystems as they help with pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal. Their observation develops the love for nature and builds concern towards nature. However, in a city like Hyderabad, where unchecked urbanization is constantly endangering natural surroundings, going bird watching is a contemplation of how the city has to manage development and protection in equal measures. 1. Hussain Sagar Lake While most tourists go to Hussain Sagar for boating, few realize it is a birdwatcher's paradise. This artificial lake, which spans over 5.7 kilometers, attracts a variety of aquatic and terrestrial birds, especially during the winter season. Hussain Sagar acts as a temporary home for migratory birds like Northern Pintail, Common Teal and Garganey during winters. Egrets, Purple Swamphen, and Indian Moorhen are residents of the lake and can be seen throughout the year. Birdwatching is great here in the early morning and late afternoon when the peaceful waters reflect the vivid plumage of these birds. Although there are concerns in regards to pollution, the efforts of NGOs and the local authorities have improved the lake's condition. These measures have made the lake more hospitable to wildlife. A stroll around Necklace Road or Lumbini Park can make it easier for birdwatchers to observe the exotic birds. 2. KBR National Park Bird enthusiasts will appreciate Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) National Park located in the heart of Jubilee Hills. It is an urban forest covering 156 hectares of land and is home to eucalyptus trees, native shrubs, bamboo, and tall densely-packed shrubs. The park's canopy consists of many birds which, combined with the beauty of nature, make it a perfect escape from the chaos of the city. Paradise Flycatcher, Golden Oriole, and Asian Koel are some of the birds that KBR features while Shikra and Black-winged Kite are known to hover above the forests. The monsoon season adds a whole new variety of birds including cuckoos, drongos, and bulbuls. KBR is unique because it is very reachable. The park is located close to the city center which makes it ideal for city-dwellers looking for a quick nature escape. 3. Mir Alam Tank Another beautiful addition to Hyderabad that is rich in history is Mir Alam Tank. The tank stands as one of the oldest artificial reservoirs across the country. Constructed in 1804, this reservoir serves a dual purpose today; functioning as a water supply for the city and a sanctuary for avians. The tank supports a variety of migratory and resident birds such as Painted Storks, Spot-billed Pelicans, and Grey Herons. These different species of avifauna along with the shallow waters are great for photography. The bushes nearby also encourage the growth of smaller birds including Sunbirds and Warblers. While Mir Alam Tank is relatively more peaceful than the other tourist attractions, it still has its downfalls. The tank is less populated with tourists which makes it a perfect destination to capture stunning visuals of birds. Amenities are not guaranteed though, so carrying water and snacks is advisable. 4. Chilkur Balaji Temple Area Chilkur Balaji Temple area is primarily known as a spiritual destination, yet it captures the attention of many birdwatchers. Located right next to Osman Sagar Lake, this region is rich in religious as well as ecological history. Birds like the wooly-necked stork, little grebe, and pied kingfisher are attracted to Osman Sagar. This temple is also surrounded by tall trees and open space which most fruit eating birds like Myanos, Barbets, and Hornbills are fond of. Sightseeing in the area can easily be added onto a spiritual journey. It is blissful to go during early morning hours when the atmosphere is lively, with fresh air and chirpy birds. With a little luck, you might spot some interspecies action that would be perfect for your camera. 5. Shamirpet Deer Park and Lake Many locals from Hyderabad make weekend trips to Shamirpet with the city just 25 kilometers away. The local deer park attracts numerous families while the lakes in Shamirpet provide an excellent place for bird watching. Lake Shamirpet is one of the migratory stops for certain ducks like the Red-headed Pochard and Gadwall. At the same time, there are stationary birds like the White-breasted Waterhen and Bronze-winged Jacana that enjoy the reeds and marshes around the lake. Besides, this beautiful lake is picturesque as it is surrounded by rugged hills and scrub forests which provides a diversity of eco habitats. Shamirpet is a unique location as it has many raptors that are not so common such as the Crested Serpent Eagle and Changeable Hawk-Eagle. These birds of prey notably spiced up birding field trips. Moreover, being located next to cultural areas makes the park less populated and eases observation in nature. 6. JP Park Located in Banjara Hills, Jalagam Vengal Rao Park, more commonly known as JP Park, is a large area for recreational activities. JP Park is popular among joggers and those who work out, while the small ponds and gardens allow for ample bird watching as well. Some small passerine birds that can be spotted here are Ashy Prinia, Tailorbird, and Magpie Robin. In addition, Rose-ringed Parakeet and Spotted Dove are also spotted quite frequently. Every once in a while, you might see a Barn Owl sitting completely still on a tree branch. No doubt, JP Park is one of the most suitable places for beginners to start bird watching as it is centrally located. The manicured lawns and shady pathways always make the long walks enjoyable. Conclusion Even though the city is famous for its rich cultural and technological history, the pristine beauty of Hyderabad is often overlooked. With stunning historic lakes and newly built urban parks, the city has many hidden treasures for bird enthusiasts hoping to explore. Apart from the amazing birds, these places highlight the significance of preserving the urban ecosystem. These astonishing bird watching spots located throughout the city are a true joy to discover for any nature lover, whether local or visitor. It's time to take your binoculars outdoors and see what secrets the wonderful city of Hyderabad has hidden in its skies and waters. Each and every beholding flutter and chirp reveals a great story that needs to be cherished.
India.com
23-05-2025
- India.com
Top 5 Lakes Near Kolkata For Perfect Boating Adventures
India's cultural capital known as Kolkata continues to stand out because of its dynamic historical background alongside its deep cultural legacy and active daily urban activities. Despite its busy character Kolkata offers peaceful havens which allow people to escape from urban pressures. Boating and picnics along with peaceful time with nature can be experienced through the exploration of peaceful lakes that lie near Kolkata. Residents of Kolkata along with visitors can both find lakes serving as ideal weekend destinations. The following list includes the top lakes surrounding Kolkata which offer boating experiences combined with delightful picnic occasions. 1. Rabindra Sarobar (Southern Park) Location: Tollygunge, South Kolkata Distance from Kolkata: Approximately 6 km The recreational area of Rabindra Sarobar maintained its popular heritage as Dhakuria Lake before becoming Kolkata's celebrated location for leisure activities. Early during British rule British authorities created this 192-acre artificial lake which bore Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore as its name. The surrounding trees and vegetation of the lake provide a picturesque environment for families to enjoy their picnics. People who visit Rabindra Sarobar can enjoy boating through the lake by using either paddle boats or rowboats. A tiny island located in the lake exists as 'Nazrul Island' in tribute to Kazi Nazrul Islam who was Bengal's rebel poet. The fresh air of trees covering walking trails invites families to enjoy their packed meals during their visits to the space. More than one place in the park functions as a shaded picnic zone where visitors can find resting benches and restroom facilities to support all-day usage. 2. Santragachi Jheel Location: Santragachi, Howrah Distance from Kolkata: Approximately 20 km Nature enthusiasts should visit Santragachi Jheel in the industrial area of Santragachi located within Howrah district. During winter this natural freshwater lake attracts Northern Pintail and Gadwall and Common Teal birds making it a sanctuary for migratory birds over 75 acres of water. Birdwatchers love this location although visitors can also take pleasure in boating at the site. The peaceful waters at Santragachi Jheel support both rowboats as well as pedal boats. Visitors can obtain boats from local stalls which provide them with the opportunity to explore the lake while appreciating scenic vistas of the landscape. The surrounding region containing Santragachi Jheel offers suitable open land so people can use their mats to eat homemade food during their outings. People should schedule their visit to Santragachi Jheel during pleasant morning hours to experience engaged bird activity. 3. Sukhna Lake Location: Bidhannagar (Salt Lake), Kolkata The location sits in the boundaries of Kolkata. Sukhna Lake in Salt Lake hides as a valuable human-made lake within the urban boundaries of the city though it is smaller than other lakes covered here. The man-made supply lake serves as an attractive relaxation spot for residential locals who seek harmony within the residential neighborhoods. Sukhna Lake becomes a preferred destination each evening because visitors enjoy walking through its gardens and manicured lawns and having casual picnics along its paths. Although only few boating options exist compared to wider lakes the tranquil atmosphere provides an adequate trade-off. People from local families commonly visit this area after weekends to relax through various activities including waterside relaxation and game playing. Much like sunset sunlight refracting from the water's surface, Sukhna Lake presents an attractive view of itself. Sukhna Lake maintains perfect accessibility because it sits in a central area which eliminates the need for extensive travel. 4. Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary (Lake Area) Location: Narendrapur, South 24 Parganas Distance from Kolkata: Approximately 25 km The bird sanctuary of Chintamani Kar brings visitors to its tranquil water body that enhances the total attraction throughout this area. The wildlife sanctuary at Narendrapur welcomes more than 100 species of birds that includes kingfishers and cuckoos and herons among others. Numerous aquatic birds move toward the lake found within the sanctuary thus boosting biodiversity across the region. The sanctuary becomes accessible through scheduled tours and visitors can participate in boat excursions operated by regional operators. Boating stands as a secondary activity at this location although visitors can experience enchantment from the blend of dense forests with bird songs and lake reflections. Visitors can find many picnic areas across the sanctuary for families who want to dine with nature surrounding them. Birdwatchers must remember to bring their binoculars with them. 5. East Kolkata Wetlands Location: Eastern fringes of Kolkata The location of specific East Kolkata Wetlands wetlands varies away from the main city of Kolkata. East Kolkata Wetlands received Ramsar site recognition as it contains both natural and artificial water features across its territory. The various functions of East Kolkata Wetlands encompass wastewater management alongside fish farming activities and agricultural production. Recreational boating combined with picnics is possible due to suitable lake conditions found throughout this expansive area. The Eco Tourism Park (Prakriti Tirtha) in the wetlands provides boating amenities through a sizable lake. Tourists can select from paddle boats or motorized vessels for their exploration of all waterways. Food stalls and seating arrangements exist in specific picnic areas that visitors can make use of at the park. People who aim to blend educational experiences about the environment with recreational activities will find the East Kolkata Wetlands highly satisfying. Tips for Visiting These Lakes: The most favorable times to visit these destinations are between morning to afternoon because they yield both fewer crowds and milder weather conditions. What to Carry: Pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and reusable water bottles. Ensure to bring supplies for your picnic since limited dining facilities exist. Wearing life jackets is mandatory while boating and boat operators have to be followed for safety. Environmental Responsibility Includes proper trash disposal with no littering activities to safeguard the unspoiled beauty of these locations. Conclusion The lakes surrounding Kolkata provide residents with an excellent choice to appreciate nature because they remain within comfortable driving distance of the city core. Each place offers distinct travel opportunities between the central location of Rabindra Sarobar and the crucial East Kolkata Wetlands ecological site which provides specialized experiences based on individual preferences. All types of travelers will find suitable lakes that accommodate their preferences between water-based exploration and relaxation in nature and memorable family moments. You must prepare your travel bags to join your friends and family for fresh experiences at these lakes which reside near Kolkata.
