Santragachi is a nice weekend destination close to Kolkata , specially in winter. If you are planning to spend the weekend in bustling shopping malls and admiring splendid landmarks of Kolkata, I recommend that you throw Santragachi into the mix. You don't have to be an avid birdwatcher to relish the beauty of this place.
Lets get down into the details.........
Disclaimer: I neither have the expertise nor the equipment needed to take good photographs of birds from long distances. So don't let my mediocre (at best) photographs kill your interest.
The Santragachi Jheel (Lake) is 13,75,000 sq ft in size and attracts thousands of migratory birds each winter and bird watcher from all over West Bengal flock together as well.
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| Common Moorhen (Adult) |
HOW TO REACH?
1. Reach Howrah Railway Station (Its one of the busiest railway stations in India with most train handling capability..not that hard to find )2. Board local trains in South-Eastern Railway section.
3. Get down at Santragachi station.
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| Bronze-winged Jacana |
WHY SANTRAGACHI?
1. Its pretty close to the city of Kolkata (Calcutta).
2. Many species of birds are found here, in a relatively small area.
3. Easy to reach.
5. Many nature clubs organize awareness camps for general public where one can meet expert ornithologists.
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Lesser_whistling_Duck |
WHEN TO VISIT?
Preferably winter when migratory birds flock together. But birding enthusiasts visit throughout the year as different birds come here at different seasons.I would suggest late January- February.
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Northern Pintail |
BIRDS FOUND:
- Lesser Whistling
- Northern Pintail
- bronze-winged jacana
- Cormorants
- Egrets
- Purple Heron
- Moorhen
- Common Coot
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Cormorant |
AN APPEAL :
Over the years the number of birds coming to these lakes have fallen drastically all over India and Santragachi is no different. Recently many houses are being built beside the lake and some of the locals do not feel any duty towards preserving the lake eco-system.
So, please do not throw any garbage in or near the lake and try to persuade others not to do the same. A little step taken by you may make a big difference and help preserving the lake.
Please feel free to ask anything or correct me if I am wrong anywhere.
Over the years the number of birds coming to these lakes have fallen drastically all over India and Santragachi is no different. Recently many houses are being built beside the lake and some of the locals do not feel any duty towards preserving the lake eco-system.
So, please do not throw any garbage in or near the lake and try to persuade others not to do the same. A little step taken by you may make a big difference and help preserving the lake.
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White-throated Kingfisher |
Please feel free to ask anything or correct me if I am wrong anywhere.
