Gudavi

Gudavi

    Gudavi, is a small village in Sorab taluk of Shimoga district. Very few people have any knowledge about this village. But, the village attracts some beautiful wing flattering guests every monsoons. The birds,whom villagers welcome with great humbleness, throng a small pond of about 0.74km, near Gudavi, to build their home for 4 months of every year. Since the sanctuary  is in Gudavi village, it is named "Gudavi bird sanctuary". It is one of the best and lesser known of the 5 bird sanctuaries in our state,Karnataka.

   The Sanctuary hosts a variety of birds ranging from Heron, Ibis, Egrets, Darter, Cormorant, parrots,mynas, kites and N number of other birds. Altough these are quiet common birds, their sheer number of migration in this small village every year, to raise their next generation,  which makes it a place worth visiting.

    Gudavi was declared bird sanctuary in 1986 and is now protected. Gudavi, is located around 15 kms from Sorab taluk. And sorab is some 100kms from Shimoga district. Connectivity to sorab is good. Having own vehicle would be preferable. If you don't have own vehicle then you can reach Sorab by bus and hire autos from Sorab to visit bird sanctuary. Bus frequency to Gudavi is less, so don't rely on public transport. Since Gudavi is located just 15Kms from Sorab taluk, so reaching the place should not be problem.Birds migrate every rainy season in very large numbers, around a natural pond, which is only 0.74kms.The pond gets filled up during monsoons. Best time to visit is from June to November. Birds stay there for 4 months, raise their next generation and leave the place.once monsoons are over the birds leave the place and pond becomes empty. If you want to see the younger ones trying to take flight or getting fed by parent birds then i would suggest you to go by end of October or beginning of November. But don't visit the place post November, as the birds fly off from the place after monsoon. Once you are at the entrance of this sanctuary, you are charged Rs50/- per head at the entry. The sanctuary has 2 entrance. Tickets are given at both the sides. No vehicle charges aretaken.There is no need for any guide.From the entrance one has to take vehicle some 700mts, park it and then walk along the pond. If you don't have vehicle then you can walk this 700mts from entrance till pond. Platforms are constructed for visitors to walk on, making them visitor friendly. Department has raised some 4 or 5 watch towers. Climbing on watch towers one can view a sea of black and white feathers fluttering everywhere. As we walk on platform, we can hear number of bird songs, in form of chirping, quacks, which is so soothing to ears. Visiting in right season may even give you a chance of parents bringing up their younger ones. One feels so relaxed to watch birds everywhere and listen to their sweet voice. If you have High end camera, then this should ideal place for you to get some good clicks. The sanctuary is open from 9Am to 6Pm. If you come at right time in the evening then you can watch swarm of birds coming back home at the end of day. It should be picturesque view. Having a powerful binocular would be plus point.

Nearest Cities : Sirsi,  Sorab, ,Haveri,Siddapur

Distance from Gudavi :

Sirsi – 52 km

Sorab – 15 km

Siddapur – 40 km

Haveri – 73 km

Images