Description
About the Site – Bhigwan – A Mini-Bharatpur in Maharashtra
Imagine a haven for waterbirds, a place where thousands of feathered creatures flock every winter. Bhigwan, a small town near Pune (105 Km), is just such a place. Often dubbed the “Mini-Bharatpur of Maharashtra,” Bhigwan offers a unique birding experience.
A Waterfowl Wonderland – Ujjani Dam backwaters
Surrounded by the serene backwaters of the Ujjani Dam, Bhigwan is a sanctuary for a diverse range of wetland species. From Painted storks and Grey herons to migratory ducks and waders, you’ll find them all here. Keep an eye out for rare species like the Demoiselle Crane or a Bean Goose or a Mallard.
Birding in backwaters can be done either in a motorized private boat or walking on the shore banks in the morning and evening sessions. Each session can last up to 2 hours..
Beyond the Water’s Edge – the shrublands of Baramati !!
Bhigwan’s allure extends beyond its wetlands. The surrounding grasslands and shrublands are home to a variety of Shrubland birds and endangered mammal species.
Birding in the grasslands can be done in a private safari vehicle (Mahendra Scorpio SUV, Bolera SUV or a Maruti Suzuki Eco) in the morning and evening sessions. Each session can last up to 3 hours.
Night time Adventures
As the sun sets, Bhigwan transforms into a nocturnal wonderland. Embark on a night hike to spot nocturnal creatures like the Indian Nightjar, Spotted Owlet, and perhaps even a rare mammal-like Small Indian Civet.
eBird Hotspots – https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2814614 , https://ebird.org/hotspot/L17211170 and https://ebird.org/hotspot/L30801686
Nearest Train stations: Daund (45 KM) and Pune (105 KM)
Target species expected: Bhigwan is a birder’s paradise, offering a diverse range of species. Waterbird enthusiasts can spot a variety of ducks and other shore birds, including Comb Ducks, Painted Storks, Brahminy Ducks, Cotton Pigmy Goose, Eurasian Spoonbills, Small Indian Pratincoles, Eurasian Wigeons, Common Teals, Northern Shovellers, Northern Pintails, Common Pochards, Bar-headed Geese, Peregrine Falcon, Western Marsh Harrier and Osprey.
The surrounding grasslands and Shrublands are the best places to photograph Indian Courser, Yellow wattled Lapwing, Greater Grey Shrike, Rock-bush Quail, Rain Quail, Mongolian Short-toed Lark etc. For Raptors lovers Bhigwan is the best place to Photograph all the big aquila eagles like the Greater Spotted Eagle, Indian Spotted Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Bonellis Eagle etc. It is also the best place to get close-up shots of Pallid and Montagu’s Harrier. Falcons like Laggar, Red Necked and Peregrine can also be seen here. For owl lovers, Bhigwan offers photography opportunities for Mottled wood owls, Indian eagle owls, Spotted Owlet and Short-eared owls.
Mammals lovers will get a chance to photograph Indian Gazelle (Chinkara), Indian Grey Wolf, Bengal Fox, Indian Striped Hyena, Rusty-spotted cat, Indian leopard and Indian Hare
Best time to visit: Aug to June
Tours Offered by Jungle Buddies at Bhigwan: Jungle Buddies offers both private tours and group tours to Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary covering both grasslands and wetlands.
Groups Tours to Bhigwan – Normally we host them during monsoons or once during winters.
Private Tours to Saswad – In private tours, we offer full-day birding tours or even tours that include a night stay (Eg. 1 Night 2 Days or 2 Nights 3 Days )
