Gudavi Bird Sanctuary - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 16 km from Banavasi, and 41 km from Sirsi, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is a protected sanctuary situated at Gudavi village in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known bird sanctuaries in Karnataka, and among the popular places to visit near Sirsi.

Spread over an area of 0.74 sq. km, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for ornithologists. It was declared as a bird sanctuary in 1986 and is now protected. The sanctuary is located on the banks of Gudavi Lake surrounded by a thick cover of green trees. The small lake is filled with water throughout the rainy season. As per a survey, there were 217 species of flora and fauna, belonging to 48 families in the bird sanctuary.

A variety of birds migrate to Gudavi for breeding in the months of monsoon, that is, from June to December, an ideal period for a visit. The trees and the natural lake give shelter to these birds. The sanctuary inhabits various species of migratory birds like white ibis, little cormorant, Indian cormorant, little grebe, and jungle fowl along with common species like heron, ibis, egrets, darter, cormorant, parrots, mynas, and kites. A special platform is built for the bird watchers to have a closer look at the birds.

The sanctuary has 2 entrances, and tickets are given at both sides. From the entrance, one has to take a vehicle some 700m, park it and then walk along the pond. Platforms are constructed for visitors to walk on, making them visitor friendly. Department has raised some 4 or 5 watchtowers. The evening is the best time to visit the sanctuary when a flock of birds coming back home at the end of the day, and it should be a picturesque view.

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Rs. 50 for Person