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Know About Kolleru Bird Sanctuary, Eluru
Kolleru Bird Sanctuary is one of the biggest freshwater lakes in India and is also marked as a Ramsar site, which means it is a very important place for birds. The sanctuary protects many types of birds, especially in the winter season when thousands of migratory birds arrive.
This place is home to around 189 bird species. One special bird that visits here is the Ruddy Shelduck, also known as the Brahminy duck in India. It has bright colors and a wingspan of over one meter. You can also see other rare birds like Spot-billed Pelicans, Painted Storks, and the Grey-headed Lapwing, which comes from China and Japan.
Every year, between two to three lakh (200,000–300,000) migratory birds come to this sanctuary. In some seasons, even up to one million birds are seen. That is why bird lovers from all over the country come here, especially from October to March, which is the best time to visit.
Kolleru Lake lies between the Godavari and Krishna river basins. It has small islands and canals that support fish and shrimp farming. However, this farming has also caused some damage to the environment of the lake. Floods and pollution also affect the sanctuary.
The area is peaceful and beautiful, especially in the early mornings. Bird watchers enjoy taking photos and spotting different species. There are watchtowers and boat rides to help visitors see the birds clearly without disturbing them.
The sanctuary is quite famous in Andhra Pradesh. It is visited by thousands of tourists and nature lovers every year. It is not just a local spot but also known among wildlife and bird experts across India.
A Peaceful Day at Kolleru Bird Sanctuary
So last weekend, I finally went to Kolleru Bird Sanctuary, near Eluru. I’d been hearing about it for years, mostly from people who love birds or just like peaceful spots. I’m not a hardcore birdwatcher or anything, but I do enjoy nature and quiet places once in a while, so I figured why not.
The drive from Eluru wasn’t too long, maybe an hour or so. The roads were okay for the most part, but once you get closer to the sanctuary, it gets a bit narrow and bumpy. Nothing too bad though. The weather was decent that day – warm, but not unbearable, and thankfully it didn’t rain.
Once we got there, the first thing I noticed was just how open and calm everything felt. It’s not one of those fancy touristy places with shops and stalls everywhere. It’s pretty raw and natural. There were a few small local food stalls around, selling snacks and tea. I grabbed a cup of chai and we just stood around for a bit, soaking in the view.
The sanctuary is basically built around a large freshwater lake, Kolleru Lake. During the migratory season, which is when we went, it gets full of birds. There were pelicans, painted storks, herons, and a bunch of other birds I couldn’t even name. Some of them fly so close you can actually hear the flapping of their wings. That was cool.
We walked along a sort of pathway, and there were a few watch towers you could climb. From up there, the view was really something. You could see birds just everywhere, sitting in the water, flying in groups, or nesting in the trees. It was surprisingly quiet too, not many people around, just a few families and a couple of photography folks with their huge cameras.
Yeah, it felt peaceful. Just standing there, watching the birds, hearing the soft sounds of water and wings – it slows you down a bit. You kind of forget about your phone and all the usual noise.
We spent around two to three hours there. After a while, it does get a bit repetitive if you’re not a birdwatching enthusiast. But it’s still worth it for a short visit. On the way back, we stopped at a small roadside place and had some hot mirchi bajjis and tea. Perfect end to the trip, honestly.
If you’re someone who enjoys nature and quiet places, or even if you just want a break from the city noise, I’d say give Kolleru a try. Just don’t expect fancy facilities or entertainment. It’s simple, raw, and calm. And sometimes, that’s all you need.