6 Most Surprising Birdwatching Spots In Mysore City
Famous for its palaces and festivals, Mysore has some of the best bird watching opportunities. Spread over both urban and rural landscapes, city represents the city that believes in not destroying its natural habitats to maintain a wide variety bird population.
Mysore is best known for its captivating palaces, festivals, and culture. While this heritage city is famous for its architectural beauty and busy streets, it boasts some of the most astonishing bird watching areas in South India. These sites, which are nestled in between urban settings and peaceful countryside, present a rare chance to see a wide variety of birds. From migratory species to native feathered residents, Mysore is home to various birds, which is a true reflection of the city's effort to protect its natural habitats. In this article, we will uncover the togetherness of nature and culture that Mysuru is known for, making it a birdwatcher's wonderland.
1.Karanji Lake
When it comes to bodies of water and wildlife watching, the first in mind is always Karanji Lake. This birding location is probably one of the best in Mysuru because of the proximity of the Hyderali bird sanctuary and Mysore Zoo adds to its value. The lake is custom built with an area of over 90 acres, which makes it an important dwelling for permanent and migratory species alike. Various species of waterfowls including cormorants, whistling ducks, egrets, herons, and kingfishers can be sighted in large numbers. From December to February, species such as the northern pintail, garganey, and common teal take their place at the lake.
2. Kukkarahalli Lake
Kukkarahalli Lake is approximately 55 Metres on the University of Mysore which attract a mix of birds including purple swamphen, black-winged stilt, and red-wattled lapwing.
The Kukkarahalli Lake is quite famous for its beauty and approachability. Bird watchers don't have to travel long distances as they share the lake's walking path with joggers and walkers. The shallow depths of the lake along with its reed beds, provide perfect conditions for various birds to thrive. Shikra and the Brahminy kite are two raptor species that can often be seen flying over the lake searching for food. Visitors might be able to see these raptors gliding above the lake.
Because Kukkarahalli Lake is located within the premises of the university, students and researchers frequent the area. It is a perfect venue for educational field trips, as well as ecological research because of its quiet, picturesque nature and rich biodiversity.
3. Lingambudhi Lake
In The Outskirts of Mysore, Lingambudhi Lake is yet another popular place for bird watching. This lake, which is spread over 250 acres of land, is one of the rich protected areas in the region and was designated as a bird sanctuary in 2000. Its expansive marshes as well as open waters are home to more than 200 different species of birds, bringing it onto the list of must visit locations for bird watchers. The lake's marshlands and water are also home to a variety of shorebirds, waders, and ducks.
Bar-headed geese, Eurasian spoonbills, and greater flamingos use Lingambudhi Lake as a resting stop during migratory seasons. Other resident birds like the spot-billed pelican and grey-headed fish eagle as well as the Indian roller are observable throughout the year. The lake has a variety of habitats, including grassland and woodland which alongside birds support reptiles and mammals.
Even with issues such as encroachment and pollution, conservation action has afforded some measure of ecological significance of Lingambudhi Lake. Visitors to the site for bird watching are advised to remain silent and avoid littering, as well as any other practices that may contribute to human impact on the delicate ecosystem.
4. Chamundi Hills
Those who are interested in exploring more while watching birds can try Chamundi Hills, only 13 kilometers from Mysore city. Along with the beautiful scenery, this hill station is also famous for housing Chamundeshwari Temple which can be found on the top of the hill. The Hills are also surrounded by magnificent forests which can house numerous birds.
Chamundi Hills is a portion of the Eastern Ghats that is home to rich wildlife. On the trails, birdwatchers may spot endemic species such as the Malabar Whistling Thrush, the White-cheeked Barbet, and the Yellow-browed Bulbul. Raptors like the Crested Serpent Eagle and the Changeable Hawk-Eagle can often be spotted gliding above the treetops.
5. Narasambudhi Lake
Narasambudhi Lake is an equally underrated bird-watching spot located a little over 30 km outside Mysore. The lake, which is small and secluded, is bordered by agricultural lands and scrub, making it a unique mixture of rural and wild landscapes. Narasambudhi Lake, although not big in size, has a wide variety of feathered friends.
Those taking trips to the lake will come across female whistlers, little grebes, and pie kingfishers. The lake is surrounded by quiet nature and requires little human interference which provides the perfect environment for the supervision of birds. There is also a village close by, which makes exploring the place more meaningful since people can interact with the local communities and understand how farming is done at a traditional level.
Narasambudhi Lake might not be the easiest to get to compared to other bird watching places in Mysore, but it is definitely a sight to behold. Its beauty and calm nature makes it worth the effort.
6. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
A trip to Mysore is incomplete without mentioning Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, despite it being located outside the city. There is a sanctuary roughly 20 kilometers outside of Mysuru that serves as a great resting point for migrating birds between Siberia and Australia.
Birdwatchers should ideally plan a trip to Ranganathittu during the early morning and late evening as these are the times birds are most active. Other wildlife, including crocodiles and otters, also make their home in the sanctuary which brings an added dimension to the place.
Final Thoughts
No matter what season, the birdwatching spots of Mysore always serve as a reminder of the balance of nature and wildlife of the city. These sites provide wonderful opportunities for both advanced and novice birders. From bustling wetlands of Karanji Lake to the quiet mountains of Chamundi Hills, each site offers something new to marvel at in the world of birds.
With rapid urbanization in progress, it is important to identify and conserve such natural havens. Mysuru can promote tourism while simultaneously raising awareness about the need to conserve bird habitats so that future generations can appreciate the glory of its birds. Therefore, grab your binoculars, and cameras and come enjoy a spectacular bird watching experience right in the center of Mysore.