Amazing Ankasamudra

Published on: 17/07/2024

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Photo title: Ankasamudra

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Photo Credits: Vikram Nanjappa

 A hotspot for hundreds of migratory and resident bird species, the Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve is a wetland that has recently been added to Ramsar list.
A fairly narrow, country road flanked with lush green fields brings me to the signboard I have driven from Bengaluru for – ‘Welcome, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve’ (ABCR). Located in Huvinahadagali Range, Ballari Forest Division, ABCR is the first bird conservation reserve in the North Karnataka or Kalyan Karnataka region. It was declared for the protection and conservation of resident and migratory aquatic birds, under section 36-A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

It is a temporary water body (tank bed) spread over an area of about 244.04 acre with several Karijali trees (Acacia nilotica), that serves as a breeding and roosting ground for many water birds. ABCR interestingly is a success story of how what was once a dry tank has been converted into a hotspot for nesting birds through the conservation efforts of Karnataka Forest Department.

I meet my guide Raju who leads me to the water bed and I am amazed to see scores of painted storks roosting on the trees. The visual is compellingly beautiful – there are trees that rise from the water and with limited leaves, it is the beautiful pink hued birds that take centre stage. The water is also teeming with purple moorhens – their beautiful blue plumage and red beaks making a stunning contrast in the stark lake. I see many birds here – green bee eaters, playfully swirling around, the Brahminy Starlings hopping around and egrets and cormorants strutting along.

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Photo title: Greater Flamingos at Tungabhadra backwaters

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Photo Credits: Alok Ranjan

Located at a distance of one kilometre from the banks of Tungabhadra dam backwaters, the best season for visiting this Bird Conservation Reserve is from October to March. My guide Raju tells me that the birds come here to roost and breed. The serenity of the surroundings is bound to make you stay transfixed for a while as you click away several Instagram worth images.

However, my reason to be here was to spot the migratory Greater Flamingos and with Raju’s help, I drove to the backwaters of the Tungabhadra dam on a road that is best described as an off-road experience of sorts. The paddy field makes way for a dry landscape where you can spot birds like the Sykes's lark and finally as you reach the backwaters it is all about water that has several species of migratory birds.

I was fortunate to see many hundreds of flamingos and birds like seagulls, Black headed Gull, Black Tailed Godwit, Black winged stilt, Ruddy Shelduck, Glossy Ibis, Collared Plover, Greater Flamingos, Glossy Ibis and more. My guide arranges for a country boat that takes us closer to the flamingos but they all decide to fly further ahead – not before giving me visuals of all shades of pink. The calm surroundings of the backwaters make it ideal for bird watching – and it is great to see so many migratory species here. If you are looking for an offbeat experience on your next visit to Hampi, check out ABCR – it is all about nature in its finest element and the birds make it worth the close to six-hour drive from Bengaluru – I would do it again without a moment of hesitation.

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Bindu Gopal Rao

Bindu Gopal Rao is a freelance writer and photographer based in Bengaluru, who believes writing provides a unique opportunity to meet a variety of people while exploring new places. She has a keen eye to learn about offbeat, unusual and local angles when she travels. Her work is documented at www.bindugopalrao.com

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