BHIGWAN: LOCALE FOR PINK FLAMINGOS IN INDIA
Bhigwan is a small town around 100 kms away from Pune and is also referred to as the “Bharatpur of Maharashtra”, as it becomes a hotbed of migratory birds during the winter. Bhigwan is at one end of the huge Yashwant Sagar reservoir, forming the backwaters of the Ujain dam. One of the main attractions during the migratory season is the arrival of the pink greater flamingos. During the months of early jan – late feb, this place is thronged by bird lovers from all over Maharashtra.
Was interested in bird spots around pune & learnt about Bhigwan and its peculiarity. This is probably the only place in INDIA other than Rann of Kutch where Pink Greater Flamingo are found.
Was able to get the directions from the net. To reach Bhigwan, take the Solapur road and drive for around 95 kms (from Hadapsar) or use the map below to reach Bhigwan. Most of the bird sightings happen around two places, Diksal and Kumbhargaon. The reservoir is dozens of kms long. I went to Kumbhargaon.
There is an enterprising young person, Sandeep(+919960610615) who has made his hobby into his livelihood, wherein he has trained a number of village boys to act as guides for tourists(they have fairly good knowledge). He owns 5-7 boats & balance he rents from the local fishermen. So it may be a good idea to give him a heads up a day prior. Most of the tourists come to watch only the flamingos, so if you are a serious bird watcher, you may book a separate boat and cover larger area. It would be good idea to reach there by sunrise, that is when his first boats go.
HowTo Get There
It takes about 2 hrs to travel from Pune. The road is excellent for most of the part except about 30km towards Pune. After crossing Bhigwan Town, head for another 2-3 km and take the service road next to a dhaba(Highway Inn) when the road starts to climb up, if you miss that, from the highway also there is a cut to the left towards Kumbhargaon, with board advertising Mr Sandeep's expertise. From there it is a village road travel around 10-11 km with adequate markers to guide you to the boat loading point, which happens to be near Sandeep's house.
Bhigwan is a small town around 100 kms away from Pune and is also referred to as the “Bharatpur of Maharashtra”, as it becomes a hotbed of migratory birds during the winter. Bhigwan is at one end of the huge Yashwant Sagar reservoir, forming the backwaters of the Ujain dam. One of the main attractions during the migratory season is the arrival of the pink greater flamingos. During the months of early jan – late feb, this place is thronged by bird lovers from all over Maharashtra.
Was interested in bird spots around pune & learnt about Bhigwan and its peculiarity. This is probably the only place in INDIA other than Rann of Kutch where Pink Greater Flamingo are found.
Was able to get the directions from the net. To reach Bhigwan, take the Solapur road and drive for around 95 kms (from Hadapsar) or use the map below to reach Bhigwan. Most of the bird sightings happen around two places, Diksal and Kumbhargaon. The reservoir is dozens of kms long. I went to Kumbhargaon.
There is an enterprising young person, Sandeep(+919960610615) who has made his hobby into his livelihood, wherein he has trained a number of village boys to act as guides for tourists(they have fairly good knowledge). He owns 5-7 boats & balance he rents from the local fishermen. So it may be a good idea to give him a heads up a day prior. Most of the tourists come to watch only the flamingos, so if you are a serious bird watcher, you may book a separate boat and cover larger area. It would be good idea to reach there by sunrise, that is when his first boats go.
HowTo Get There
It takes about 2 hrs to travel from Pune. The road is excellent for most of the part except about 30km towards Pune. After crossing Bhigwan Town, head for another 2-3 km and take the service road next to a dhaba(Highway Inn) when the road starts to climb up, if you miss that, from the highway also there is a cut to the left towards Kumbhargaon, with board advertising Mr Sandeep's expertise. From there it is a village road travel around 10-11 km with adequate markers to guide you to the boat loading point, which happens to be near Sandeep's house.
