Tourist places › Wildlife
Gudavi Bird Sanctuary
A 73-hectare lake sanctuary in Soraba taluk, host to over 200 bird species each monsoon
Gudavi Bird Sanctuary centres on a shallow natural lake in Soraba taluk that becomes a major nesting ground each monsoon, when thousands of migratory and resident water birds arrive to breed in the surrounding swamp forest. Over 200 species have been recorded here, from cormorants and darters to egrets, herons and painted storks.
A watchtower near the entrance gives a wide view over the colonies without getting close enough to disturb them, which makes this one of the more accessible birding spots in the district — no boat or long trek required.
Highlights
- A natural lake and swamp spread across roughly 73 hectares, ringed by dense forest
- More than 200 recorded bird species, including cormorants, darters, herons, ibis and storks
- A watchtower and viewing platforms let visitors watch nesting colonies without disturbing them
Getting there
Buses on the Thirthahalli to Sagara route get you to Sagara — Gudavi is a further ~38 km by local transport from there, via Soraba.