Tired of the usual hill stations? This road trip combines the thrill of the open road with the calm of nature, tracing a path through Maharashtra’s scenic dam backwaters, a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
The Route: A Pune-Centric Dam Circuit
Maharashtra, with its vast network
of dams nestled in the Western Ghats, offers a unique road trip experience. This itinerary starts and ends in Pune, creating a convenient and spectacular loop that covers serene lakes, winding country roads, and some of the best birdwatching spots in the state. The route is designed to be covered over a weekend, allowing for unhurried drives and ample time to soak in the views. The journey will take you from the lush, monsoon-fed dams near Pune to the expansive wetlands of Bhigwan, famous for its migratory visitors.
First Stop: The Twin Dams of Panshet and Varasgaon
Begin your journey by heading southwest from Pune towards Panshet Dam, approximately 45 kilometres away. The drive itself is a treat, with the road winding through small villages and increasingly green landscapes. Panshet and the adjacent Varasgaon dam are popular for their scenic beauty and water sports. While not as famous for birding as our next stop, the lush surroundings are home to various local bird species. It’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, and have a lakeside snack before continuing your drive. The roads to Panshet are generally manageable, but it's always wise to start early to avoid city traffic.
The Main Event: Driving to Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary
From the Panshet area, the main leg of the journey takes you towards Bhigwan, a small town located on the backwaters of the Ujani Dam. The drive is roughly 150 kilometres and will take you back past Pune and onto the Pune-Solapur highway (NH-65). This highway is in excellent condition, making for a smooth and enjoyable drive. Bhigwan is often called the 'Bharatpur of Maharashtra' for its incredible avian biodiversity. The vast, shallow wetlands created by the Ujani Dam attract hundreds of species of migratory birds, especially during the winter months.
Exploring Bhigwan: A Birdwatcher's Paradise
The main attraction at Bhigwan is, without a doubt, the Greater Flamingo. Thousands of these elegant pink birds migrate here every year, creating a breathtaking spectacle against the water. The best way to see them is by taking a boat ride with a local guide from villages like Kumbhargaon. Besides flamingos, you can spot a huge variety of other birds, including Painted Storks, Grey Herons, Bar-headed Geese, Eurasian Spoonbills, and numerous ducks and waders. The ideal time for birdwatching is from December to early March, when migratory populations are at their peak. Early morning or late afternoon boat rides offer the best light for photography and the highest chances of bird activity.
The Journey Home and Practical Tips
After a morning of birdwatching in Bhigwan, begin your drive back to Pune, which takes about 2–3 hours. For this road trip, it is best to travel in your own vehicle to easily access the interior roads leading to birdwatching points. Pack binoculars, a good camera with a telephoto lens, a hat, and plenty of water. While Bhigwan has basic homestays and local eateries famous for fresh fish thalis, accommodation options are limited, so booking in advance or planning it as a day trip from a nearby town is advisable. The winter months offer the most pleasant weather and the best bird sightings, making it the perfect season for this dam–side adventure.
