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Birding around Bangalore has gained immense popularity, drawing both amateur birders and seasoned birdwatchers to explore the rich biodiversity in and around the city. From the greenery of Hebbal Lake to the hills of Nandi, Bangalore birding offers unique opportunities to observe and photograph a variety of bird species. Just a short drive from the city, spots like Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and, further out, Nagarhole and Bandipur national parks provide excellent birding trips where you can spot various species of birds in their natural habitats.
Best Spot for Birding Around Bangalore: Key Hotspots Worth Exploring
For birdwatchers seeking ideal spots for birding in and around Bangalore, there are several locations within a short drive and not far from the city. The iconic Hebbal Lake is known for sightings of wetland birds, including spot-billed ducks, herons, and pelicans. Further afield, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary offers close views of painted storks, Asian openbill storks, and pied kingfishers. These birding hotspots attract birders who enjoy peaceful, scenic settings filled with diverse birdlife.
Nandi Hills, another popular location, provides sightings of species like the yellow throated bulbul and Indian blue robins. The hills are frequented by migratory birds during specific seasons and are a favored spot among birding clubs. For those looking to explore further, Kabini and Nagarhole are ideal for full-day birding trips, part of the Western Ghats, which is a biodiversity hotspot. These areas near Mysore and Coorg are home to woodpeckers, kites, and brahminy kites.
Mugilu: An Ethical Bird Watching Retreat Near Bangalore
Just a four hours drive from Bangalore, Mugilu offers a unique and great birding experience with a focus on ethical birdwatching practices. Located near the Western Ghats, Mugilu provides a natural sanctuary free of pesticides and other chemical treatments, creating a habitat where birds, butterflies, bees, and moths thrive. Birders may encounter forest species such as Malabar whistling thrushes, coppersmith barbets, Indian grey hornbills, and yellow-throated bulbuls. This setting allows for a truly natural birding experience where enthusiasts can connect deeply with their surroundings.
Mugilu is unique in its referral-only policy, inviting only enthusiasts who appreciate ethical birding practices. With six cottages, it offers guests privacy and the chance to observe species like rufous woodpeckers, yellow-throated bulbuls, and oriental white-eyes. The natural surroundings provide an environment that attracts birds without artificial calls or feeding, offering birders a meaningful experience.
Mugilu is a great place to spot the unique Malabar Trogon, White-bellied Treepie, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, White-bellied Woodpecker, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Vernal Hanging Parrot, Indian Pitta, Eurasian Kestrel, and many more prized finds for avid birders.
Why Bangalore Birding is Unique in South India
Amongst birding regions on South India, Bangalore is key, with habitats ranging from urban lakes to hill stations and forested national parks. The diversity of settings brings many bird species, making Bangalore birding one of the most varied birdwatching experiences in Karnataka. Birding trips to nearby locations like Bandipur National Park provide rare sightings, while the area’s biodiversity enhances the experience.
One reason for great birding around Bangalore is the wide list of birds seen here, including cuckoos, bulbuls, kites, and yellow-throated malkohas. For those looking for an in-depth birding experience, Mugilu is an excellent choice. Its pesticide-free environment has created a self-sustaining ecosystem where species like Malabar whistling thrushes, Indian grey hornbills, and Asian paradise flycatchers are abundant.
Birding Around Bangalore: Essential Tips for Birdwatchers
Whether you’re an amateur birder or an experienced observer, planning a birdwatching trip around Bangalore requires some preparation. Here are some tips for making the most of your trip:
1.Pack the Right Gear
Binoculars are essential for identifying and observing birds, especially at locations like Nandi Hills and Kabini, where you may spot birds at a distance.
2.Embrace Ethical Birding Practices
Mugilu focuses on ethical, disturbance-free birdwatching, encouraging quiet observation and respect for the birds’ natural routines.
3.Explore Different Habitats
Bangalore birding offers a mix of hills, forests, and scrublands, each drawing different species, from woodpeckers in the Western Ghats to yellow-throated bulbuls in rocky areas.
4.Patience is Key
Bird photography and birdwatching are most rewarding when done patiently. Many species, such as rufous woodpeckers and Indian grey hornbills, can be spotted by staying observant and moving minimally.
5.Seek Local Expertise
Joining birding clubs or arranging a stay at Mugilu provides access to local knowledge and increases your chances of spotting rarer species.
FAQs on Birding Around Bangalore and Mugilu’s Ethical Birdwatching Experience
What are the best bird watching spots around Bangalore?
Popular spots for birding around Bangalore include Hebbal Lake, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Nandi Hills, and Bannerghatta National Park. Mugilu offers a more private, ethical experience, focusing on natural birdwatching without artificial disturbances.
How does bird watching in Bangalore compare to other areas in Karnataka?
Bangalore birding is unique because of its range of habitats, from urban wetlands to forested hills and protected national parks like Bandipur. Nearby spots like Mugilu and Kabini offer more untouched environments with a variety of forest bird species.
Why is Mugilu a popular location for ethical birdwatching near Bangalore?
Mugilu’s commitment to ethical birdwatching makes it a preferred spot. With a pesticide-free environment preserved for over 17 years, it provides a habitat where species like the Indian grey hornbill, coppersmith barbets, and yellow-throated bulbul can thrive without disturbances. The private setting also ensures a quieter experience for birders, giving you a feel of personalised bird watching experience.
What bird species can I expect to see at birding spots around Bangalore and at Mugilu?
At Mugilu, birders often spot species like Malabar Trogan, Malabar whistling thrushes, rufous woodpeckers, and Indian grey hornbills. Other popular spots for birding around Bangalore, like Hebbal Lake and Bannerghatta, are home to diverse species, including pied kingfishers and migratory birds during certain seasons.
Is Mugilu suitable for beginners interested in birdwatching near Bangalore?
Yes, Mugilu welcomes birdwatchers of all experience levels who are interested in ethical birding. The referral-only policy helps ensure that visitors share a respect for natural birdwatching practices, making it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned birdwatchers.