Birding in Maharashtra: Birding at Sinhagad Valley!

If you are a enthusiastic birdwatcher and live near Pune, Sinhagad Valley is the must place to visit. Escpecially in winter!

Speacial Attractions : The IPFC or Indian Paradise Flycatcher is a beautiful variety of flycatcher which is now resident in the Sinhagad Valley.Winter visitors like Verditer Flycatchers, Black-Naped Monarch,Ultramarine Flycatcher and Red-Breasted/Taiga Flycatcher are worth a visit!

Sinhagad Bird valley is an amazing place for bird watching. You can spend 2-3 hours along with your camera and binocular. More than 40 bird’s species can be found in this valley.

It is a fortress located roughly 30 kilometers southwest of the city of Pune. The fort has been the site of many important battles. It is a popular weekend destination for many residents of Pune, with some enthusiasts trekking to the top of the fort from the base near Sinhagad village. The site also houses a memorial to Tanaji as well as the tomb of Rajaram, Shivaji’s younger son, who also died here.

There are two ways to reach Sinhagad bird valley/fort. One is Kothrud, Pune – Rajaram Bridge – Take right turn at the end of bridge – fallow the main road – (Do not turn at national highway bypass flyover, follow Sinhagad road only) – Khadakwasla - Donaje Phata – Do not take right for Panshet Dam.

Another route is Kothrud, Pune – Warje Malwadi road – Uttam Nagar – Near Khadakwasla Dam there is a junction – Take left (Straight road will take you to peacock bay) for Khadakwasla - Donaje Phata – Do not take right for Panshet Dam.

Go straight from Donaje Phata till the base village parking. There is a Road which will take you ll the way up to the fort parking area. From base village parking area you need to take the road which leads to the top of Sinhagad by foot. The point where the road starts climbing to the top from the right there is a similar road which leads to the left. This road will take the valley

How to start your day!

Me and my cousins planned to visit the Sinhagad Valley in the month of November 2016.
It was around 5:45am we left our place. Since there is a lot of crown on holidays and especially in winter!
We reached the destination around 6:15am.
As we enter the valley we come across awater stream.
That's where birding starts.
People who want to take photographs, mount their tripod and stick to a place.
Silence to be maintained is must in the valley.
As soon as the sun comes up, slowly the birding activity starts.
Birds come to bath on the stream for sure!