Purbasthali - A small hamlet for Migratory Birds and Bird Lovers near Kolkata

Purbasthali,  has become a safe and favourite destination for the Migratory Birds making their nest for few months mostly from October to February. An Oxbow Lake has been created by the river Ganga here 120 Km from Kolkata and very near to ISCON Temple City Mayapur and Nabadwip Dham. It is also known as 'Chupir Char'.

A large greenery and wetland make it a favourable nesting  places for different species of birds, reptiles and fishes. Once the killing field for poachers now become a heaven for Birds and their lovers. Neighbouring people came together with strong commitment to protect them. 

Just after Monsoon, Migratory birds start coming here. Though the different species of birds come here Asian Open Bill Stork, Black Headed Ibis, Lesser Whistling  Duck, Red Crested Pochard come here in a large  number.

Boatmen make themselves ready for these days  with their boat for a little service charge for 1 or 2 hours. Experiences have made them good guide about the birds. They know the name of the birds and their different type of natures. 

It would be a wonderful one day trip. But I would have a  request  not to come here for picnic. It has been found that once the picnic party started their music system in loud noise the birds fly away and  never return for the same day. And also wastage of  food stuff make the entire place dirty.

Asian Open Bill Stork

Please carry with the lunch pack. There are very few roadside eateries can be found in Kasthasali Market and near Purbasthali Rly. Station. The best time to watch the birds in early morning and evening. There is no any good hotels nearby for lodging. A two bed room Non-AC guest house run by local authority and can be booked in person. 

Asian Open Bill Stork and Black Headed Ibis

It is well connected by train route. It lies on the Howrah - Katwa train route. But Sealdah and Burdwan Rly. Station bound people come to Bandel first and proceed to Purbasthali too. 

Cormorant

Nearest places to be seen are Nabadwip Dham, birth place for Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Mayapur for ISCON temple. Staying in Nabadwip Dham or Mayapur this place can be visited. 

Bronze Winged Jacana

Unknown to me