It is often said that ‘too many disappointments are usually a sign of too many expectations’. Just like for most things in life, this quote is totally applicable to travel too. Many a time I have visited places with preset expectations and have come out utterly disappointed. This is when you realize the importance of traveling with an open mind, enjoying the journey as much as the destination and the fact that all the prior “google research” you did about the place may not be the gospel truth.
One place I recently visited with absolutely no expectations was the Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary which is about 5 km from Guntur town. Before I went, I did read that it was a sanctuary known for migratory birds. But the fact that I have this uncanny knack of always visiting bird sanctuaries in the ‘off season’, I thought this one will be no different.
But this time was clearly different and nothing could really prepare me for the spectacle I saw before my eyes! As I entered the gates, I could see flocks and flocks of pelicans perched on the greenery flourishing on the small lake. The little swamp was bustling with ‘bird activity’ with hundreds of them nesting, some flying while others swooped down into the waters before disappearing into the marshy lands. Here are some pictures:
According to the locals, October-November is the breeding season for the pelicans but this time they migrated to Uppalapadu about a month in advance.
Apart from pelicans, the sanctuary is home to birds like cormorants, painted storks, open bill storks, grey heron, darters etc. Migration starts from July and the birds can be seen here till February. According to the locals, pelicans make way for the painted storks in December which also arrive in large numbers.
While there seemed to be an endless sea of the avian beauties, the locals said that there were over 15, 000 of them at that point (I visited the place in the first week of Oct-17). But in general, September to February is touted to be the best time to visit.
It is indeed true that the secret of happiness is low expectations!
Click here and here to read about other offbeat destinations.
Wow! Amazing images of pelicans … so many of them!
Yes Indrajit, it is a true treat for the eyes!
It is truly hard to believe to see so many birds in one place. Thank you for those lovely pictures and your informative post!
Thanks so much Peter! Happy you liked it:)
Wow…Wow…Wow….three wow… for nice article, timing of your visit and pelicans…
Thanks so much! Appreciate your kind comments:)
This is fantastic Rashmi! And wonderful pictures:)
I’m with you, it is so important to explore with an open mind and sometimes Plan B may actually prove to be unexpected surprise!
Thanks Divya, you are really right:) Am glad you liked the pics!
Looks really amazing ! Beautiful photos !!
Thanks Megala!
It’s nice to see how other cultures/countries treat birds. In places like my hometown (Sarasota, Florida), the local residents had a bird rookery in their community, and they got so pissed off at the birds that they fired fireworks into the habitat where the birds were nesting.
Yes, the birds are really valued here which is a great thing. I guess it should be a culture to value our wildlife and nature, then the world will be a much better place:)
Wow! Such a beautiful pictures and very informative post.
Thanks so much!
Wow! Must have been quite an experience! Lovely close ups!
Thanks a lot, it was indeed:)
I’ve been to Guntur, but didn’t know about this place. Will surely plan a visit if I’m there next.
Yes Atul, it is definitely worth visiting!
Such wonderful photos
Thanks Sir!
Beautiful pics
Thanks so much!
Wonderful post with some great pics!
Thanks so much Rajeev!
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