The Nandurmadhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary is a result of the joint initiative taken by the Bombay Natural History Society, World Wildlife Fund and the Forest Department of the Government of Maharashtra. They deserve the credit for perspiring endlessly for the formation of this Sanctuary in the Niphad Tehsil of Nashik district in Maharashtra along with the Nandurmadhmeshwar Dam at the meeting points of the River Godavari and the River Kadwa.
Encompassing a large area of 10000 hectares with the core area comprising of 1765 hectares, the Nandurmadhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary is a must see for all bird lovers. These beautiful winged creatures whom most of us have loved and admired for their remarkable ability to fly high and reach the sky can be spotted in large numbers and variety in the Nandurmadhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary.
The flora of the Nandurmadhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary is not in any way less interesting. Aquatic vegetation has thrived here. The fringes of the lake are crowded with trees like Babul, Neem, Tamarind, Jamun, Maharukh, Vilayati Chinch, Mango, Pangara, Nilgiri, etc. Wheat, Jowar, Sugarcane, Vegetables are also grown in the adjoining areas of the lake.
Other than 220 species of birds, 400 species of vegetation, 24 species of fish and several small mammals are also housed in the Nandurmadhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra. A conspicuous portion of the avian population of the sanctuary consists of water fowls. In fact its importance can be gauged from the fact that the International Union of Conservation of Nature regards the Nandurmadhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary as one of the most important waterfowl habitats in the region.
Rightfully referred to as the "Bharatpur of Maharashtra", one can sight both resident as well as migratory birds at the Nandurmadhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary. The birds who have made it their permanent home include Black Ibis, Spot Bills, Teals, Little Grabe, Cormorants, Egrets, Herons, Stork, Kites, Vultures, Buzzards, Harriers, Osprey, Quails, Patridges, Eagles, Water Hens, Sand Pipe, Swifts, Grey hornbill, Peafowl, etc.
It is the temporary sojourn of about 80 species of migratory birds like White Stork, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbills, Flamingo, Goose Brahminy Duck, Pintails, Mallard, Widgeon, Gargenery Shoveller, Pochardds, Cranes Shanks, Curlews, Pratincole Wagtails, Godwits, Weavers, etc.
The best time to visit this ornithologist's paradise is between the months of December and March. The following information will prove immensely useful when planning a tour to the Nandurmadhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra:
Nearest railway station is Niphad at a distance of about 12 km. It lies on the Mumbai-Bhusaval railway line.
Nearest airport is at Aurangabad at a distance of about 180 km
Buses are easily available from Nashik and Sinnar.
Do make it a part of your tour itinerary of Maharashtra so as not to miss out on the spectacular sight of so many birds.
