Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary is located about 8 km off Navadwipa, and it’s the perfect spot for all you bird watchers out there. And trust me, this sanctuary is no ordinary bird watching location, it’s a paradise for all you shutterbugs!
The best part? Road connectivity from Navadwipa is super convenient, so you can easily plan a day trip to this sanctuary. With a 3 km long Oxbow lake, the sanctuary is home to hundreds of species of birds and boasts of the clearest waters in all the wetlands. So, make sure you carry your cameras and tripods along, as this place is sure to give you some stunning shots.
But wait, there’s more! The Purbasthali Gangetic isle complex is also known for its riverine Oxbow lake called ‘Chupi Char’ and a cluster of islands located on the meandering course of River Bhagirathi-Hooghly. This natural lake spreads over almost 3.5sq.km. and the channel of water extends in a closed loop for almost 10km.
Every year, as winter sets in, Purbasthali becomes home to migratory birds from Central Asia, Russia, Europe, and other distant countries. And the best way to explore the sanctuary is by taking a boat ride on the crystal clear waters of the lake, where you’ll witness more than 100 species of resident and migratory birds.
Visitors who love long drives can take the road from Kolkata and it will take you around 5 to 6 hours to reach Purbasthali. So, buckle up, put on your favorite travel playlist and let the adventure begin!
Now, let’s get to the best part – where to stay! The best place to stay beside the Purbasthali Oxbow lake is Chupi Kasthashali Pakhiralay. Yes, you heard that right, Pakhiralay means birds’ nest, so you’ll be staying in a bird’s nest. And the best part? This tourist center is completely managed by local villagers, so you’ll get a chance to experience the local culture and lifestyle. The center has four newly-built lakeside cottages, one eight-bed dormitory, a landscaped park, and a birdwatching tower.
And the cherry on top, the tariff for an A/C cottage (max. three occupants) will range between ₹1300 to ₹2600 per head per day, and it includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay at Chupi Kasthashali Pakhiralay and experience the best of Purbasthali.
And one last thing, let me share a heartwarming story with you. Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary was not always a popular tourist destination. Once upon a time, it was a hunter’s paradise, and the bird populations were decreasing due to hunting by local population. After intense awareness campaigns of the importance of wetland systems and birds, the place redeemed itself from near destruction !