The bird sanctuary in Chandigarh, located in the city’s famous Leisure Valley, is a must-visit destination for any nature and bird lovers visiting the city. Sprawling across 25 acres of protected forest land, it serves as a safe haven for local and migratory birds in the region. The lush green forests and wetlands provide the perfect environment for over 80 species of birds to thrive. Some of the birds that can be spotted here include pigeons, parakeets, kingfishers, mynas, cranes, cuckoos, and even migratory birds like the Siberian Crane.
When was the Chandigarh bird sanctuary established?
The Chandigarh bird sanctuary was established in 1967 by the Chandigarh Forest Department to create a natural habitat for birds where they can rest, breed, and raise their young without disturbance. It was established at a time when the city was being built from scratch, so having a dedicated green space for wildlife was crucial. For over 50 years now, the sanctuary has been maintained through afforestation drives, conservation efforts, and strict protection by the Forest Department.
Where is the Chandigarh bird sanctuary located?
The Chandigarh bird sanctuary is centrally located in the heart of the city inside the famous Leisure Valley. The Leisure Valley itself is a 25 km long expanse of green forests spanning across the city from North to South. The bird sanctuary lies between sectors 10 and 23, close to landmarks like the Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, and Rose Garden. Its convenient location right in the middle of the city allows visitors to easily access it by road or public transport.
What is the total area of the Chandigarh bird sanctuary?
The Chandigarh bird sanctuary covers a total area of around 25 acres or 100,000 sq m. Most of this area is covered by dense forests, trees, bushes, grasslands and a large water body. The different kinds of vegetation provide ideal nesting areas and food sources for all kinds of resident and migratory birds. The wetlands also attract many water birds like storks, cranes, ducks and geese. The sanctuary may be relatively small in size, but it sustains a rich biodiversity of avian species due to the well protected habitat.
What are the main attractions of the bird sanctuary?
Here are some of the main attractions that draw bird watchers and nature lovers to the Chandigarh bird sanctuary:
- Spotting over 80 species of exotic birds like kingfishers, cranes, cuckoos, parakeets etc.
- Seeing migratory birds from Siberia, China and Europe during winter
- Walking trails along dense forests and wetlands
- Educational tours and bird watching activities organized by the Forest Department
- Serene natural environment amidst busy city life
- Photography opportunities for shutterbugs
- Well maintained gardens, plantations and water bodies
What are some key bird species found in the sanctuary?
Here are some of the key bird species that can be spotted at the Chandigarh bird sanctuary:
| Bird Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Wetland birds | Little grebe, purple heron, sarus crane |
| Forest birds | Parakeets, bulbuls, flycatchers, sunbirds |
| Raptors | Eagles, kites, harriers |
| Waterfowl | Ducks, geese |
| Waders | Storks, sandpipers |
| Migratory birds | Cuckoos, ospreys, cranes |
What are the timings to visit the Chandigarh bird sanctuary?
The Chandigarh bird sanctuary remains open from 6 AM to 6 PM everyday. The best time to visit is early morning between 6 AM to 8 AM or evenings from 4 PM to 6 PM. During mornings, one can see birds coming out to forage and the sanctuary is also less crowded. In evenings, birds return to roost amidst the trees, making it ideal for photography. Afternoons tend to be very hot and fewer birds are visible, so it’s best avoided during that time.
The sanctuary remains open on all days, including weekends and public holidays. There are no separate timings for weekends or holidays. An entry fee of Rs. 10 is charged per person. Guided nature tours can also be pre-booked through the Forest Department office located nearby.
What activities can one do at the Chandigarh bird sanctuary?
Here are the top activities that visitors can enjoy at the Chandigarh bird sanctuary:
- Bird watching – Spot exotic birds through binoculars or zoom lens
- Nature walks – Take relaxing strolls along lush forest trails
- Photography – Capture birds in their natural habitat
- Picnics – Spend time amidst nature with family and friends
- Guided tours – Learn about birds from knowledgeable naturalists
- Plant spotting – Identify medicinal plants and trees in the area
- Butterfly spotting – Find colorful butterflies fluttering over flowers
- Educational trips – Useful for students and kids to learn about ecology
What are some tips for visitors to the sanctuary?
If you are planning to visit the Chandigarh bird sanctuary, keep these tips in mind for a fruitful trip:
- Carry binoculars and field guides to aid bird watching
- Wear muted colors like greens and browns to blend into nature
- Walk slowly and speak softly to avoid startling birds
- Carry mosquito repellents as it’s a wetland area
- Visit early mornings and evenings for best bird sightings
- Hire a guide to learn about bird species
- Carry your camera and zoom lens for photography
- Respect nature and do not litter in the sanctuary
- Avoid making loud noises or chasing birds
Why is the Chandigarh bird sanctuary important for conservation?
The Chandigarh bird sanctuary plays a pivotal role in avian conservation by:
- Providing a protected habitat for endangered resident birds
- Offering a safe stopover site for migratory birds
- Allowing birds to breed, nest and raise young without disturbance
- Preserving indigenous trees and medicinal plants
- Raising awareness about bird species and ecology through guided tours
- Serving as a model urban wildlife sanctuary within a planned city
- Promoting non-invasive scientific study of avian biodiversity
- Instilling a love for nature and ornithology among visitors
The sanctuary helps maintain healthy bird populations amidst the city’s rapid development. Its conservation efforts over 50 years have been commendable and must continue to preserve Chandigarh’s natural heritage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chandigarh bird sanctuary is an ecological haven right in the heart of the city. Its 25 acres of protected forests and wetlands provide a home for over 80 bird species including rare migratory birds. Visitors can enjoy a close rendezvous with nature through activities like birdwatching, photography and guided tours. The sanctuary plays a key role in conservation and environmental education. A visit here is sure to delight any nature lover or bird enthusiast visiting the City Beautiful of Chandigarh.
