Bharatpur of Maharashtra - Bhigwan

If you want to spend some time in serene, peaceful place this is the place for you at least in winters. When most of the people are busy in planning new year eve in some 5-star hotel or pub party or on some beach where it is almost so crowded that there is no place to stand..... then if you wish to start your new year in a fresh mood, here is the place.

Every year migratory birds come to India during winters from al long as Siberia.... and we call ourselves globe trotters ....

The famous spots for these birds that are advertised are Runn of Kutchh and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Birds come there from August onwards. But they don't stay there forever. They start flowing in all over India.

In Maharashtra we have our own Bharatpur. At the backwaters of Ujani Dam there is small town of Bhigwan where you can see this 'Pakshi Mela' from late December onwards. They stay there till month of February. On the both sides of this backwater there are villages where from view points are available.

Next to Bhigwan, there is a small village of Kumbhargaon where villagers offer boating facility and lunch on order basis. This time we went there, we saw MTDC has put a new naming board etc. So perhaps after few years we can see some more development.

Right now this place is where you can see lush green fields, birds, blue water and sky above. There is certain calmness and peace which we miss in a busy city life.

People there were exceptionally good in the sense, they haven't become professional working for only money like other tourist spots. So you don't mind paying little extra. For us, they gave us 3 hour boating ride until we were satisfied looking at Flamingos and taking photos of all various poses.

For directions, go on Pune-Solapur highway. Take Kumbhargaon exit on the left. It takes around 2 hours from Hadapsar, Pune. Highway is exceptionally good quality.

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