Phansad Bird Sanctuary: Famous Wildlife Haven Near Mumbai

About Phansad Bird Sanctuary: Famous Wildlife Haven Near Mumbai

Phansad Bird Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Murud and Roha talukas of Raigad district, Maharashtra, India. It is a place where you can witness the diversity and beauty of nature and its creatures. It is also close to some other attractions, such as the Kashid beach, the Korlai fort and the Revdanda beach fort. Visit during One day trip From Mumbai.

Location of Phansad Bird Sanctuary

Phansad Bird Sanctuary is located about 12 km from Kashid beach and 25 km from Roha town. It covers an area of 6,979 hectares (17,250 acres) of forest, grassland and wetland. It is part of the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Timing/Entry fees Phansad Bird Sanctuary

Phansad Bird Sanctuary is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day. There is an entry fee of INR 30 per person for Indian nationals and INR 100 per person for foreign nationals. There is also a fee for vehicles, cameras and guides. You can book your tickets online or at the entrance gate.

How to Reach Phansad Bird Sanctuary

The best way to reach Phansad Bird Sanctuary is by road. You can drive from Mumbai or Pune via Alibag or Panvel. The road is well-maintained and scenic, passing through green hills and coastal villages. You can also hire a private cab or a bus from Mumbai or Pune. Once you reach Kashid beach or Roha town, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to the sanctuary.

History of Phansad Bird Sanctuary

Phansad Bird Sanctuary was created in 1986 to preserve some of the coastal woodland ecosystem of the Western Ghats. The area was once part of the hunting reserves of the princely state of Murud-Janjira, which was ruled by the Siddis, who were originally from Abyssinia (present-day Ethiopia) and came to India as merchants and sailors. They built the Murud-Janjira fort in the late 15th or early 16th century to protect themselves from pirates and invaders.

The sanctuary was declared under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 by the Government of Maharashtra. It is managed by the Maharashtra Forest Department with the help of local communities and NGOs. The sanctuary has a management plan that aims to conserve its biodiversity, promote eco-tourism and create awareness among the public.

Things to Do/Must see Phansad Bird Sanctuary

Phansad Bird Sanctuary has many things to do and see for visitors. Some of them are:

• Explore the sanctuary on foot or by bicycle and admire its flora and fauna. The sanctuary has four main trails that take you to the main waterholes, Ghunyacha Maal, Chikhalgaan and Phansadgaan, where you can spot various animals and birds. You can also visit the sacred grove (Devrai) near Supegaon, which has some ancient trees and shrines.
• Watch the birds and listen to their calls. The sanctuary has more than 200 species of birds, including some rare and endangered ones like the Malabar pied hornbill, the great Indian hornbill, the crested serpent eagle, the grey-headed fish eagle, etc. You can also see some migratory birds like the greater flamingo, the black-tailed godwit, the common teal, etc.
• Spot some mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects. The sanctuary has 16 species of mammals, including some elusive ones like the Indian giant squirrel, the leopard, the barking deer, etc. You can also see some reptiles like the king cobra, the monitor lizard, the crocodile, etc., some amphibians like the bullfrog, the tree frog, etc., and some insects like butterflies, dragonflies, beetles, etc.
• Visit some nearby attractions like the Kashid beach, which is a beautiful and popular beach with white sand and blue water; the Korlai fort, which is a Portuguese sea fort with a lighthouse; and the Revdanda beach fort, which is another Portuguese fortification with arches, bastions and tunnels.

Significance of Phansad Bird Sanctuary

Phansad Bird Sanctuary is a significant place for its ecological and cultural value. It is a place where you can appreciate the diversity and beauty of nature and its creatures. It is also a place where you can learn about the history and culture of the Siddis, who ruled this region for centuries. It is also a place where you can enjoy some adventure and relaxation.

FAQs

Q: Is there any accommodation available near Phansad Bird Sanctuary?

A: Yes, there are many hotels and resorts available near Kashid town or Murud town that offer comfortable stay options for visitors. You can also find some homestays or cottages that offer a more authentic and rustic experience.

Q: What are the best time and season to visit Phansad Bird Sanctuary?

A: The best time to visit Phansad Bird Sanctuary is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the birds are more active. The monsoon season from June to September should be avoided, as the sanctuary may get flooded and the trails may get slippery.

Q: What are the safety and security measures at Phansad Bird Sanctuary?

A: Phansad Bird Sanctuary is a safe and secure place for visitors. There are guards and guides available at the sanctuary who can assist you with any queries or issues. You should also follow some basic safety precautions, such as wearing comfortable shoes and clothes, carrying enough water and snacks, avoiding littering and feeding the animals, etc.

Q: What are the other attractions near Phansad Bird Sanctuary?

A: Apart from Phansad Bird Sanctuary, you can also visit some other attractions near Kashid town or Murud town, such as:
Kashid beach, which is a beautiful and popular beach with white sand and blue water.
Korlai fort, which is a Portuguese sea fort with a lighthouse.
Revdanda beach fort, which is another Portuguese fortification with arches, bastions and tunnels.

Conclusion

Phansad Bird Sanctuary is a wildlife haven near Mumbai that offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors. It is a place where you can witness the diversity and beauty of nature and its creatures. It is also a place where you can visit some nearby attractions, such as the Kashid beach, the Korlai fort and the Revdanda beach fort. It is a place that you should not miss if you are travelling in Maharashtra.