Wings and wonders - Birdwatching delights in Ashtamudi backwaters

Ashtamudi Backwaters, a labyrinthine network of waterways in Kerala, India, is a haven for birdwatchers. Its serene waters, lush vegetation, and rich biodiversity provide a perfect habitat for diverse avian species. But the beauty of exploring birds extends beyond the backwaters themselves. This 16km long lake is the second largest lake in the green state of Kerala, India and is reported to be a haven for bird watchers. The historical city of Kollam can be found nestling on the banks of this great lake.

The history of birdwatching:

A great surge of interest in wild birds watching as a hobby started from around the 1880’s onwards, with the advent of binoculars and telescopes. This hobby first became popular in Great Britain with the United States not too far behind. Other European countries soon joined in and it became popular in some of the older countries of the British Commonwealth too. Bird watching can be especially rewarding during the spring months when the birds are courting and building nests to raise their young; the autumn months are also exciting for bird watchers as birds from colder climates come visiting in search of food.

Ask a birder and they will tell you that bird watching is the greatest pursuit available to citizens of the ‘Modern World’. It’s mooted as equal parts of science as well as poetry, full of hoots of triumph, hours of quiet reflection and adventures in far-flung corners of the world as well as your own neighbourhood. 

Ashtamudi as the perfect destination for birdwatching:

Ashtamudi Lake and its surroundings are a bird watchers paradise. The silent early mornings are interspersed with a medley of bird sounds as they sing an ode to the sun and flit from branch to branch, exercising their limbs after a long restful night of being still. The peaceful environment of the surrounding lake on the other hand, help the alert bird watcher to sit still during the daytime, in silent meditation, as they gaze undisturbed into the branches for the smallest rustle of movement in the hope of sighting a bird. A bird sighting and the birder becomes a mixture of emotions- alert, excited and patient as he awaits the next sighting amongst the dense greenery.

For the bird watcher, not many locations exist in this world that can equal the thrilling diversity of birds found in the Western Ghats and its surrounding backwaters and wetlands. Successful bird watching is all about being in the right place, at the right time and with the right people who know in advance what to expect.

Varied in a variety of bird species!

Kerala’s amazing mix of geographical environments, including the chilly woodlands, mountains, tropical forests, inland water bodies as well as the beaches, invite a wide variety of birdlife. Out of the 1200 different species of birds found all over India, the small state of Kerala offers sightings of at least 124 species of these. 

The Lake Ashtamudi, supports 57 species of birds, out of which six are migratory and 51 are permanent residents. Terns, cormorants, herons and plovers are some of the commonest birds found in the lake surroundings. Other interesting birds seen in the surroundings of the lake include the White-Bellied Woodpecker, the Blue Bearded Bee-eater, the Blue Rock Thrush, the Black-capped kingfisher, the Black Baza, the Red-Winged Crested Cuckoo, the Painted Bush Quail, the Thick-Billed Warbler, the Lesser Fishing Eagle, the Mountain Hawk eagle, the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon and the Wayanad Laughing Thrush. Another unique bird found here is the elusive nocturnal forest bird, the Great Eared Nightjar.

Luxury houseboats as well as local canoes are a great way to cruise through the silky backwaters as the guides show you the best spots for bird sightings. The eight tiny islets making up the Munroe Island are interlinked by narrow sun-dappled canals and a silent glide through these waters can yield many an exciting moment for the keen bird watcher. This is aside from the various other things that can be seen and enjoyed on this island.

Want to experience the birdwatching delights in Ashtamudi? Plan and book your stay at The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel for an unforgettable experience.

In the midst of this ornithological tapestry, The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel, stands as a gateway to this avian wonderland and the diverse tapestry of art, culture and nature that Ashtamudi weaves. After a day of birdwatching delights, retreat to the hotel's luxurious embrace, where nature's beauty seamlessly blends with opulent comfort. We ensure that every aspect of your stay resonates not only with the elegance and grace of the avian world you've just witnessed, but also with the broader richness that Ashtamudi offers in terms of art, culture, and wildlife. The Leela Ashtamudi serves as a hub, allowing you to delve into the heart of Kerala's multifaceted charm, offering an experience that extends beyond the enchanting world of birds.

To book your experience with the help of the hotel, please call +91 474 275 1111 | +91 8589901888 or email us at dm.tlash@theleela.com