If you are a bird watcher and a nature enthusiast, you will be satisfied with what Chennai offers you. To your surprise, Chennai has another calm face, open to people who love nature and birds, in particular. Bird watching is a favourite hobby for many of us and all it takes is a bit of time and a lot of patience. Rare breeds and migratory birds that fly to warmer places like Chennai during harsh winters in the other parts of the planet become a delight to watch. Let us discover the favourite birding spots near Chennai and find out what people do there during their leisure.
Birding and Birdwatching
Birding is the term used to refer to people who take it a serious hobby to study birds and do listing and observing the activities of birds. At the same time, Birdwatching refers to people who watch birds for no specific reason other than to pass the time. birders travel to different countries in search of the birds they want to observe, but the birdwatchers take it up to their backyards and local parks to watch their favourite birds.
Bird photography Spots Near Chennai
Plenty of places in and around Chennai have perfect atmospheres to host different species of birds. People interested in capturing birds in these natural habitats can visit the following places. Bird photography is a popular hobby for Chennaites nowadays. A high-resolution camera would suffice for this interesting pass-time activity. You may witness a lot of youngsters and even children watching birds and observing their lifestyle and activities on the early mornings of weekends and public holidays.
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Campus
- Pallikaranai marsh
- Potheri Lake
- Nanmangalam Reserve Forest
- Sirudavoor Lake
- Chembarambakkam lake
- Guindy National Park
- The Theosophical Society Gardens
- Kelambakkam backwaters
- Vedanthangal bird sanctuary
- Mudhaliarkuppam backwaters
- Nelapattu bird sanctuary
Sirudavoor Lake
Sirudavoor is located 51 kilometers south of Chennai city. Situated on the Coromandel Coast near the Bay of Bengal, Sirudavoor Lake is completely rain-fed, and its freshwater is used for irrigation in the fields of nearby villages and for fishing. Over 110 local and migratory species of birds have been listed and recorded as having visited here. The red and yellow-wattled lapwings are the species spotted regularly.
Additionally, during the winter, more bird species can be spotted compared to usual. The pied and white-breasted kingfishers, shikra, the little green bee-eater, the Indian pond heron, the Indian courser, and the paddy field pipit are the common bird species found here throughout the year. However, during the winter months, some migratory birds, including the red-necked falcon, booted eagle, black-headed ibis, and Eurasian spoonbills, can be witnessed. Sirudavoor is a beautiful village with a warm climate, and agriculture and fishing are its main occupations. There are multiple resorts in Chennai with swimming pool near Sirudavoor, making it your favourite vacation spot close to the city.
Pallikaranai Marsh
The Pallikaranai marsh reserve is a freshwater marsh spanning 80 square kilometers, making it the only surviving wetland ecosystem in Chennai and one of the last remaining natural wetlands in South India. Despite facing challenges such as the presence of crocodiles and pollution from the Perungudi dump yard and the Pallavaram radial road, it remains a popular spot for birdwatching.
For bird enthusiasts, the Pallikaranai marsh reserve hosts a diverse range of migratory birds, including coots, munias, strokes, pelicans, Painted Storks, Grey Pelicans, Egrets, various species of ducks, Bee Eaters, Drongos, and Ibises. The best time to visit is between December and February when you can observe these magnificent birds. It’s advisable to bring binoculars and a telephoto lens for an enhanced viewing experience.
Despite the challenges posed by the nearby garbage dump, visitors can find a peaceful and picturesque view on the Karapakkam side of the sanctuary. Chennai is fortunate to have a variety of water bodies, including lakes, creeks, rivers, and backwater canals, and the Pallikaranai wetland is a testament to the city’s natural diversity. Resorts near Chennai will help you stay in the city for a vacation and enjoy birdwatching in Pallikaranai marshland.
The Theosophical Society Gardens
For a unique birdwatching experience in Chennai, take a tranquil stroll through the Huddleston Gardens of the Theosophical Society of India. Amidst the 260-acre expanse, the garden is a haven for birdwatchers, offering sightings of various migratory birds in their natural habitat. As you walk through this serene setting, be prepared to spot an array of avian species, from vibrant kingfishers to graceful egrets. The peaceful atmosphere, complemented by the gentle rustling of leaves, provides the perfect backdrop for an immersive bird-watching adventure. And if you are lucky, you might just encounter some unexpected feathered friends during your visit. Theosophical Gardens are considered one of the best spots in Chennai to watch birds and enjoy nature.
Guindy National Park
In Chennai, India, there is a protected area called Guindy National Park. It is one of the few national parks located inside a metropolis and one of the smallest national parks in India. Enclosing forests, scrub areas, lakes, and streams, the park is an lengthening of the grounds surrounding Raj Bhavan, the authorised house of the Governor of Tamil Nadu. Guindy National Park is also famous for housing rare animals and reptiles and is a favorite educational tour destination for city children. Schools in Chennai take their children on educational field trips and help them understand the lives of animals and birds around them. It hosts more than 130 bird species, making it another good place in Chennai for bird lovers.
Since birds are most active at this period, daybreak to eleven a.m. is frequently the best time to go bird watching. This is especially true in the spring and early summer, when birdsong fills the air at first light. Sometimes, birds stay busy and sing for longer on those overcast days. Although binoculars are not necessary for successful birdwatching, they certainly make the process much simpler. Any birdwatcher would find this excellent as it allows them to cross off a wide variety of species from their checklists. The greatest season to see big flocks of birds is unquestionably winter. Having known all this pre-requisite information, you are all set for the best place to visit Chennai for birdwatching.
In summary, bird watching fosters a relationship between people and the natural world. It lessens tension and enhances general wellbeing. It promotes communication, cooperation, and knowledge exchange. Seeing birds increases compassion for other living things and emphasizes the value of conservation. These breathtaking experiences are crucial for maintaining our mental health since, according to numerous studies, people who have these moments are less nervous, more able to think creatively, and feel more a part of the world. The deep connection that birdwatching fosters between humans and their natural surroundings makes it significant. Individuals who have an affinity for the natural world and enjoy spending time viewing animals are interested in seeing it preserved. Some of the most beautiful places in Chennai also host a large group of birds. If you are someone who enjoys watching birds and animals live their lives in their natural habitats without disturbing them, come to Chennai.
Also Check: