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Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary

Darbhanga, Bihar, India
Sub Place Details: Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary is a sprawling wetland ecosystem covering over 7,019 acres across 14 water-logged villages. It was officially declared a protected sanctuary in 1994 under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. This sanctuary is a paradise for ornithologists and natu re lovers, especially during the winter months when thousands of migratory birds fly in from Siberia, Mongolia, and Tibet. The sanctuary is part of a large wetland formed by the overflow of the Kamla and Kareh rivers, creating an ideal habitat for avian species. Visitors can spot rare birds such as the Dalmatian Pelican, Siberian Crane, Bar-headed Goose, and Indian Darter. The landscape is a mosaic of marshes, ponds, and grasslands, offering a serene escape from the urban hustle. Apart from the wildlife, the area is also home to the famous Kusheshwar Asthan Shiva Temple, making it a unique destination that blends natural beauty with spiritual significance. The sanctuary plays a vital role in the local ecology, serving as a breeding ground for various fish and aquatic plants. Despite facing challenges like land encroachment, the sanctuary remains one of the most important birding hotspots in Eastern India. Walking through the peripheral villages or taking a boat ride through the marshes allows one to witness the harmonious coexistence of man and nature in this fertile pocket of Mithila.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    4 to 6 Hours
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    Place Type:
    Wildlife / Nature
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    Entry Fees:
    Entry Fee: Usually a nominal fee of Rs.10 to Rs.20 for Indians; higher for foreigners.

    Camera Fee: A small additional charge might be applicable for professional DSLRs.

    Boat Hire: Boat charges vary depending on...
    Entry Fee: Usually a nominal fee of Rs.10 to Rs.20 for Indians; higher for foreigners.

    Camera Fee: A small additional charge might be applicable for professional DSLRs.

    Boat Hire: Boat charges vary depending on the duration and negotiation with local boatmen.
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: Best visited between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (6:30 AM) is best for bird activity.

    Seasonal Window: Visit only between November and March for migratory birds. ...
    Regular Timings: Best visited between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (6:30 AM) is best for bird activity.

    Seasonal Window: Visit only between November and March for migratory birds.
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    Special Events:
    Shivratri: A massive religious fair at the nearby temple attracts lakhs of people, coinciding with the bird season.

    World Wetlands Day: Observed on February 2nd with local awareness programs and bird counts. ...
    Shivratri: A massive religious fair at the nearby temple attracts lakhs of people, coinciding with the bird season.

    World Wetlands Day: Observed on February 2nd with local awareness programs and bird counts.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Watchtower Views: The top of the watchtower offers the best wide-angle shots of the sanctuary.

    Birds in Flight: Early morning is the best time for action shots of flocks taking off.

    Lotus Ponds: During certa...
    Watchtower Views: The top of the watchtower offers the best wide-angle shots of the sanctuary.

    Birds in Flight: Early morning is the best time for action shots of flocks taking off.

    Lotus Ponds: During certain seasons, the blooming lotuses make for beautiful foregrounds.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Bird Watching: Use binoculars to spot and identify various resident and migratory species.

    Boat Ride: Hire a local boat to navigate through the marshes for a closer look at the birds.

    Photography: Capture stunning shots of birds in flight and the scenic wetland landscape.

    Visit the Shiva Temple: Offer prayers at the famous Kusheshwar Asthan Temple.

    Nature Walk: Explore the village trails to see the local flora and fauna.

    Interact with Locals: Learn about the local legends of the birds and the history of the region.

    Picnic: Enjoy a quiet meal in the designated areas while soaking in the natural beauty. ...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Migratory Birds: Famous as a winter refuge for birds from Central Asia and Russia.

    Rare Species: One of the few places in Bihar to see the Dalmatian Pelican and Siberian Crane.

    Wetland Ecosystem: Known as on...
    Migratory Birds: Famous as a winter refuge for birds from Central Asia and Russia.

    Rare Species: One of the few places in Bihar to see the Dalmatian Pelican and Siberian Crane.

    Wetland Ecosystem: Known as one of the largest freshwater wetlands in North India.

    Spiritual Connection: Famous for the twin attraction of the ancient Shiva temple within its vicinity.
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    Architecture:
    Sanctuary Architecture: The "architecture" here is primarily natural, consisting of vast wetlands and seasonal marshes.

    Watchtowers: The forest department has constructed several watchtowers to provide panoramic views of the bird congregatio...
    Sanctuary Architecture: The "architecture" here is primarily natural, consisting of vast wetlands and seasonal marshes.

    Watchtowers: The forest department has constructed several watchtowers to provide panoramic views of the bird congregations.

    Dimensions: The sanctuary spans approximately 29. 17 sq kms, with the core area being a permanent wetland.

    Traditional Structures: In the nearby villages, one can see traditional Maithili mud houses and granaries that reflect the local rural architecture. The Kusheshwar Asthan Temple nearby features a classic North Indian temple design with a prominent dome and courtyard.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: Patna Airport is 162 KMS away; Darbhanga Airport is 65 KMS away.

    By Train: Darbhanga Junction is the main railhead; one can take a local train to Har Nagar station nearby.

    By Road: Well-connected b...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    Dekulldham (25 KMS), Shyama Mai Temple (65 KMS), Darbhanga Fort (66 KMS), Laxmeshwar Singh Museum (64 KMS), Harahi Pond (65 KMS), Ahilya Asthan (85 KMS), Kankali Temple (67 KMS), Manokamna Mandir (64 KMS), Chandradhari Museum (64 KMS), Raj Quila (66 KMS).

Tourism Tips

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    Health and Safety: Carry mosquito repellent as the wetlands can have many insects.

    Packing: Bring binoculars, a high-zoom camera, and wear neutral-colored clothing.

    Accommodation: Limited options near the sa...

Reviews

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Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

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