218 km from Mumbai yet a world away! Nandur Madhyameshwar beckons for a vibrant March retreat

Tired of the daily grind and the rising heat? Escape into a world of colour and tranquillity at Nandur Madhyameshwar Bird Sanctuary in Nashik. Just 218 km from Mumbai, it’s the perfect antidote to the city’s fast pace, where lush greenery, vibrant birdlife, and wildlife encounters await. Revered by Dr. Salim Ali as the “Bharatpur of Maharashtra,” this sanctuary offers a soulful retreat, especially in March, when nature truly comes alive.

Spanning an impressive 1765 hectares, Nandur Madhyameshwar Bird Sanctuary is a biodiverse wonderland. With 536 species of plants, 8 mammal species, 265 birds, 24 freshwater fish, and 41 butterfly species, it’s a living tapestry of life. The sanctuary is dotted with 23 pristine lakes and ponds, forming the heart of its thriving wetland ecosystem.

As you wander, you’ll be serenaded by the bird calls filling the air, and the peaceful rustle of wildlife in the trees. Keep your eyes peeled for rare feathered friends like the Eastern Imperial Eagle, Bristled Grassbird, and Wooly-necked Stork, not to mention the majestic leopards, deer, and wild boars roaming freely. 

This sanctuary is a crucial stopover for migratory birds and a breeding ground for species like the Common Pochard, White Stork, and Eurasian Spoonbill. In the sanctuary's sparkling lakes and ponds, endangered fish like the Deolali Minnow and Shalini Barb thrive, adding another layer of ecological richness.

Once you’ve soaked in the wildlife, Nandur Madhyameshwar Sanctuary offers a range of activities. From photography and painting competitions to fort-building challenges, there's plenty to choose from. Bird-watchers can join expert-guided expeditions, while agrotourism enthusiasts can enjoy workshops on local food, handicrafts, and more.

• By Air: The nearest airports are Nashik International Airport (ISK), Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai.

• By Rail: For rail travellers, Nasik Road Railway Station (NK) is the closest railway station.

• By Road: A scenic road trip is always a convenient and enjoyable option.