Nandur
Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary is located in Niphad Tehsil of Nashik
district in Western Maharashtra. A stone pick up weir was constructed in
1907-13 across the river Godavari just below the confluence of Kodwa and
Goadavari rivers at Nandur Madhameshwar. The water level is always
fluctuating in Nandur Madhameshwar Lake.
Th
water released from Gangapur and Darana water reservoirs is stored at
Nandur Madhameshwar and subsequently released from here through canals
for irrigation. Silts and organic matter that are carried away with
water flow are accumulated in the lake, due to which islands and shallow
water ponds have been created. This resulted in the biological enriched
conditions by which aquatic vegetation has been stabilised. Thus the
site has turned into good wetland habitat aptly described as 'Bharatpur
Of Maharashtra".
Flora
There are about
460 species of plants, out of which nearly 80 are aquatic plant species.
The trees that are found on the outskirts of the lake are Babul, Neem,
Tamarind, Jamun, Maharukh, Vilayati Chinch, Mango, Pangara, Nilgiri,
etc. The surrounding areas and partly submerged areas are intensively
cultivated for wheat, Jowar, Sugarcane, Vegetables etc.
A Hub Of
Resident & Migratory Birds
Nandur
Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary is a harbour for thousands of beautiful and
migratory birds. There are more than 230 species of birds, out of which
80 are migratory species. The migratory birds found in this sanctuary
are White Stork, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbills, Flamigo, Goose Brahminy Duck,
Pintails, Mallard, Wigeon, Gargenery Shoveller, Pochardds, Cranes
Shanks, Curlews, Pratincole Wagtails, Godwits, Weavers, etc.
The resident
birds include Black Ibis, Spot Bills, Teals, Little Grabe, Cormorants,
Egrets, Herons, Stork, Kites, Vultures, Buzzards, Harriers, Osprey,
Quails, Patridges, Eagles, Water Hens, Sand Pipe, Swifts, Grey hornbill,
Peafowl, etc
Wildlife
Though this
sanctuary is principally a bird sanctuary, many other interesting forms
of wildlife can also be spotted over here. The animals spotted here are
Ottar, Palm Civet, Fishing Cat, Jackal, Mangoose, Wolves and many
species of Snakes, etc. Nearly 24 species of fishes have been recorded
in the reservoir.
OTHER
ATTRACTIONS
The area has many
temples in the vicinity. The water reservoir when filled in with water
gives panoramic view of the surrounding and its fascinating fauna
attracts the visitors through out the year.
HOW TO GET
THERE
Air: Nearest
Airport is in Aurangabad at 180-km from the sanctuary.
Rail: Nearest
railway station is Niphad a small station at 12-km on Mumbai-Bhusaval
railway line.
Road: The
sanctuary is easily approachable by road either via Niphad, Nashik and
Sinnar.
WHERE TO STAY
There is a rest
house with two suits at Khangaonthadi, for which reservation is to be
done in advance from Executive Engineer Irrigation, Nashik district,
Nasik.
