Bhigwan Birding Tour – Flamingos & Wetland Bird Photography in Maharashtra

Bhigwan Birding Tour – Flamingos & Wetland Birds of Maharashtra

The Bhigwan Birding Tour is one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated birdwatching experiences 🦩🌿. Located on the backwaters of the Ujani Dam near Pune, Bhigwan has earned the nickname “Bharatpur of Maharashtra” thanks to its remarkable wetland bird diversity.

Experience Bhigwan birding 🦩—Maharashtra’s flamingo paradise. Perfect for wetland bird photography and nature lovers near Pune.

Every winter, the wetlands attract thousands of migratory birds from Central Asia and Europe, making Bhigwan a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.

The shallow waters, open grasslands, and agricultural fields surrounding the dam create ideal habitats for a wide variety of bird species.

One of the biggest attractions of Bhigwan is the opportunity to photograph Greater Flamingos up close, often seen feeding gracefully in the calm waters during sunrise and sunset.

Birding highlights include:

• 🦩 Greater Flamingos

• 🦅 Marsh Harriers

• 🦅 Peregrine Falcons

• 🦆 Northern Shovellers

• 🦆 Pintails & Gadwalls

• 🐦 Black-winged Stilts

• 🐦 Painted Storks

• 🦜 Pied Kingfishers

Boat rides through the wetland offer excellent photography opportunities, allowing visitors to approach birds without disturbing them. Early morning light over the lake creates stunning reflections and dramatic silhouettes — making Bhigwan a favorite destination for bird photographers 📸.

Apart from birding, the peaceful rural surroundings, open landscapes, and scenic lake views make the trip a refreshing escape from city life.

Because of its accessibility from Pune and Mumbai, Bhigwan has become a popular destination for weekend birding tours and photography workshops.

⭐ Why Visit Bhigwan?

• Famous flamingo photography destination 🦩

• Large congregations of migratory birds

• Boat-based birding experiences 🚤

• Ideal sunrise and sunset photography 📸

• Easy access from Pune & Mumbai

📦 What’s Included

• Guided birdwatching with expert naturalist 🧭

• Boat ride for wetland birding 🚤

• Breakfast and refreshments ☕

• Bird identification support

• Small group photography-friendly experience

👨‍👩‍👧 Ideal For

• Bird photographers 📸

• Beginner birdwatchers

• Nature lovers and families

• Weekend travelers from Pune & Mumbai

🌱 Eco Practices

• Responsible birdwatching 🦩

• Minimal disturbance during boat rides

• Plastic-free field operations ♻️

• Support for local eco-tourism initiatives

📌 Quick Facts

📍 Location: Bhigwan, Maharashtra
🦩 Famous For: Flamingos & migratory waterbirds
🗓 Best Time: November – March
🚗 Distance: ~100 km from Pune
🚤 Activity: Wetland birding boat ride

Bhigwan is a small dusty town on the border of Pune and Solapur district in Central Maharashtra, in India. Bhigwan is located on the Pune-Solapur Highway. South of Bhigwan town exist a widespread backwater formed due to a man-made dam built on the Bhima River. The dam is called as Ujni dam. The backwaters are spread over a wide region and are mainly a shallow waste water reserve. There are two areas where one can see the migratory water birds. 1. Diksal - Parewadi 2. Dalaj – Kumbharwadi.

Region                                  Bhigwan, Daund

No of Days                          Ex – Mumbai      02 Days

Grade                                   Easy 

Type                                      Photography / Wildlife / Birdwatching

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis in above mentioned hotel
• Return transfers by AC vehicle from Mumbai (with transport option)**
• Meals as per mentioned in the itinerary
• 1 Boat Safari
• 1 Grassland Safari
• 1 Night Safari
• Entry fee to MWS
• Guide Charges
• Professional Wildlife naturalist host of the experience
• GST 5%
• Convenience fee

• Transport from origin to bhigwan (W/o transport option)**
• Additional / personal use of vehicle
• Extended stay due to weather conditions or any situation not in human control
• Any personal expenses, room service and special orders, mineral waters, non-alcoholic beverages, tips, phone calls, laundry etc.
• Any extra excursions or sightseeing apart from the above specified itinerary.
• Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.
• Camera fees.
• Airfare/Rail fare
• Anything Specifically NOT mentioned in includes.

• Wildlife safaris/Bird watching is a matter of luck and opportunity. No guarantee of any sighting is made. Neither of our associates will quote that, although we try our best to spot and show you as much as nature allows us to.
• Birdwatching is a hobby and not a race, hence request all birders to maintain discipline at all times.
• Bird watching is an art of silence and key observation.
• Avoid Pointing out directly to a bird that might flush the bird away.
• Do not get too close to a bird for a photograph that you flush it away.
• Birdwatching should be enjoyed by binoculars and the fun is to spot them, identify them and if you still have some time with the bird photograph them.
• Never enter the forest with an intention of spotting a single species, it will only disappoint you. The forest is a gift packet with a lot to surprise with. Listen to our naturalist for more wonderful experience.
• Our walks are not target species specific (Unless specified)
• We explore everything we find uncommon and need to be explained.
• Any demand for spotting a single species in any jeep will not be entertained by the guide or the tour leader as there are other travellers who would want to see the birds etc.
• Respect & honour everything that is in the forest and it has to offer you.
• Enjoy being in the forest and you will feel much happier away from the concrete chaos.
• Respect the local, tribes, guards, guides, drivers, officers and all animals.
• Front seat of the Gypsy is always reserved for the Guide or Guard.
• No extra room will be made for photographers, respecting other travellers. (For photographers it is recommended to opt for higher options)
• No littering in the forest strictly. (what goes comes back the same way)
• Camera fees & guide tips to be paid separately & directly.
• Kindly follow the instructions given by the tour leader and the guide for your own safety.

• A Hat
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• A dust protection mask
• Personal Bottle (To avoid plastic use – 1LtrsX2)
• Small backpack (10Ltrs)
• Bird books
• Sun screen
• Only dull coloured clothes (Green, brown, Beige, Camouflage)
• Camera (At owners risk) with proper equipment for photography (As per need)
• Fleece/Jacket (temperatures drop in the forest to below 10 degree Celsius)
• Binoculars
• Energy bars