Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, attracting people in Mandya district, is amongst the most visited ones by localities and tourists for a one-day holiday. Not just that, it is also the largest one in the state and lies on the precious banks of the River Kaveri.
Flora and Fauna: You will spot birdies like Open-billed Stork, Darter, Peafowl, Great Stone Plover, River Tern, and Pond Heron, to name a few.
Best time to Visit: The birds in this sanctuary undergo a nesting period from June to November; hence, that is the best time to visit.
Location: Ranganathittu Road, Srirangapatna, Mandya District
Sanctuary Timings: 09.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m.
Sanctuary Fees: Rs.50/person (Rs.300 for foreign nationals)
Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

This bird sanctuary in Karnataka is
surrounded by the Tunga river and forest that makes this a stunning haven that
attracts many species of birds.
The location and the quaint atmosphere makes it
a favourite amongst these winged-animals to nest and breed. You can spend your
time in bird-watching, trekking and boating when here.
Flora and Fauna: Darters,
Median Egrets and Cormorants are the main species that co-exist in this emerald
green bird sanctuary. The breeds include Wooly Neck Stalk, Night Herons, Pied
Kingfisher, Open-billed Storks, etc.
Best Time to Visit: July
to October is the best to visit this sanctuary; although, if you want to spot
almost every breed this park houses, then you should plan a trip in August.
Location: 30kms
from Shimoga District
Sanctuary Timings: 07.00
a.m. to 07.00 p.m.
Magadi Bird Sanctuary

The
Magadi Tank has proved as a comfortable home for the birds of Central Asia who
reflect back to this area for bird-lovers to catch a glimpse.
One bird you are
sure to spot here is the Bar Headed Goose amongst the other one hundred and
thirty-four different species.
Flora and Fauna:
Oriental Ibis, Painted Stork, Eurasian Spoonbill, Ruddy Shed Duck,
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.
Best Time to Visit: Most
of the migratory birds return in the winters; it is best to visit this
sanctuary between November to March.
Location: Sirhatti
Talluk, Gadak District
Bonal Bird Sanctuary
This
bird sanctuary is a paradise for aquatic birds that revel by
this lakeside home. Run by the government, this is amongst Karnataka bird sanctuaries where you can even stay overnight over a
camp stay and wake up to a chirpy morning.
What used to be a land for the
British to picnic on is now the second largest bird sanctuary in the state.
Flora and Fauna: 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.
Location: Near
Bonal Village, Shorapur Taluk, Yadgir District
Gudavi Bird Sanctuary

Located in Shimoga, it is amongst the best bird sanctuaries in Karnataka that is
spread across huge acres of land by the Gudavi Lake.
Since it lies by a water
body, you can spot many water birds making their way to the lake flying about
during the day. An area by the lake that is lined up by tall trees creates an
excellent shade to trek your way into the sanctuary.
Flora and Fauna:
Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is the abode of about 217 species like Indian Pond Heron,
Brahminy Kites, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, White Ibis, Cormorant, etc.
Best time to Visit: July
to November
Location: 17km
from Soraba Town, Shimoga
Sanctuary Timings:
06.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m.
Bankapura Peacock

Just
as the name suggests, Bankapura Peacock is amongst the very few sanctuaries in
the country that looks after India’s national bird, peacock.
A visit to this
bird park will be one of the most radiant places you have ever been to with
over one thousand peacocks and peahens residing in harmony.
Flora and Fauna:
Besides peacocks, this bird park also welcomes other birds like Spotted Dove,
Flamingo, Magpie, Parakeet, Green-Bee Eater, Myna, Tailor Bird, etc
Best time to Visit:
Visit Bankapura Peacock any time of the year, especially during sunrise to
watch the birds in morning play. Monsoon season is this bird’s most active
time.
Location:
Bankapura Village, Shiggon Taluka
Attiveri Bird Sanctuary

Nestled
in the Uttar Karnataka region, this bird sanctuary is a pleasant place to visit
with over 79 species of birds, with 22 of them from other countries.
The area
of this land is enclosed by deciduous forests and the Attiveri Reservoir which
makes this place serene.
Flora and Fauna: You
will find birds like Indian Shag, Spoonbill, Common Grey Hornbill, Common
Swallow, Pond Heron, Intermediate Egret, Little Cormorant, Darter, Brown
Shrike, Rose-ringed Parakeet, White Ibis, etc. in this park. If things go in
your favour, then you will also be able to spot some animals like Grey
Mongoose, Indian Porcupine, Indian Pangolin, Wild Boar, Jackal, etc.
Best Time to Visit:
November to March for the area experiences rainfall from May to August.
Location: 15km
from Mangod Village and 43km from Hubli-Dharwad District
Safari Timings:
06.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m
Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary

Ghataprabha
Bird Sanctuary is situated close to the Ghataprabha River which allures the
birds to spend their tranquil time. You will find the area surrounded by
surreal greenery for huge acres of agricultural lands enclose it. About 225
bird species visit this sanctuary during the migration period.
Flora and Fauna: The
frequent visitors of this bird sanctuary are Snakebird, Stork, Little
Commorants, King Fisher, Spoonbill, Red Wattled Lapwing, Demoiselle Crane,
European White Stork, Peacock, White Ibis, and Lesser Pied.
Best Time to Visit: Visit
this park between October to May and listen to the chirp of the many migratory
birds chirp in the daylight.
Location: 65km
from Belagavi, Gokak Taluk, Belgaum District
Adichunchanagiri Bird Sanctuary

This
sanctuary was initiated with the noble idea of the protection and preservation
of peacock; it is now amongst those bird
sanctuaries in Karnataka that is a dwelling place for over 250 species of
birds. Its addition of the Butterfly Park adds to the radiance that this place
emits. The sound of the peacocks envelope the aura, thus declaring that the
area belongs to them.
Flora and Fauna:
Besides this colourful bird, you might be able to spot Sirkeer Malkoha,
Yellow-throated Bulbuls, Indian Robin, and Laughing Doves amongst the other 90
species. Other animals also frequent this vicinity like Leopards, Mongoose,
Agama, and other reptiles. If you stay on a lookout, you might even be able to
spot some predatory birds.
Best time to Visit: Drop
by anytime between April to October and capture amazing sights of the birds and
butterflies, especially the peacocks.
Location:
College Road, Adichunchanagiri, Mandya District
Safari Timings:
06.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli
Wildlife Sanctuary welcomes a lot of exotic birds in its park which also is a
resting place for other animals and local birds. You will be astounded at the
sight of the number of birds that fly around within this dense and deciduous
forest, making this National Sanctuary a lively place.
The park lies on the
bank of River Kali, which is a famous tourist destination for white river
rafting.
Flora and Fauna: Spot
birds like Common Lora, Grey Wagtail, Emerald Dove, Small Minivet, House Swift,
Tickell’s Flowerpecker, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, etc. You will find yourself
amidst Bamboo and teak plantations apart from many fruit trees. Animals like Tigers, Sloth Bears, Barking
Deer, Ratufa Indica and The Indian Pangolin also co-exist in this park.
Best time to Visit:
Enjoy the essence of this wildlife sanctuary between March to October.
Location:
Township, Dandeli
Safari Timings: 06.00
a.m. to 06.00 p.m.
Safari Cost: Rs.40
for Indians and Rs.80 for foreign nationals
Ramanagara Vulture Sanctuary

Also
called as Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary, this
park is the only one in India that conserves the endangered long-billed
vultures. Although even these are fast disappearing, you might be able to spot
some of the twenty-five that takes refuge in this vast land.
The name of this sanctuary is inspired by
Lord Rama Temple resting on top of the hills, a portion of which was also used
to shoot the epic film, Sholay.
Flora and Fauna:
Egyptian Vulture and Long-billed Vultures are the only birds you will spot
here.
Best time to Visit:
November to March seems like the best time to visit these vultures who wouldn’t
want to hide from the scorching summer sun.
Location: Shri
Phatthabi Rama Temple, Thibbegowdanadoddi, Ramanagara, Bangalore
Safari Timings:
09.00 a.m. to 04.30 p.m.
Safari Cost: Rs.20
for adults and Rs.30 for vehicle parking
Kaggaladu Bird Sanctuary

Visit
the Kaggaladu Bird Sanctuary in its peak season, and you will find exotic birds
perched in every direction you look. This place is nirvana for bird-watchers
whose idea day accounts into getting the best clicks of birds.
It is the second
largest sanctuary for painted storks which the villagers love to care about.
Flora and Fauna: Other bird species you can catch a glimpse of are Grey Herons, Blackbuck, and Grey Pelicans. You will notice many tamarind trees protecting this park, for it is a favourite resting place for the stork.
Best time to Visit: If you want to catch all the birds at play, then plan a visit to this bird sanctuary between February to August. You will spot some birds in other seasons too, but they wouldn’t be as active as during these months.
Location: Sira Taluk, Tumkur District (130km from Bangalore)
Safari Timings: 08.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m.