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Bhigwan Bird Tour Itinerary – Grasslands, Wetlands & Night Safari

Bhigwan is not just a birding location. It is a learning ground for anyone who wants to understand grassland and wetland ecosystems of Maharashtra. Spread around the backwaters of the Ujani Dam, Bhigwan offers open landscapes, seasonal water, and an incredible diversity of birds.

How We Reached Bhigwan

We started early in the morning and reached Pune. From Pune, Bhigwan is about a 3-hour drive. You can also reach Bhigwan by bus towards Solapur and get down near Bhigwan. Timing is important, as most grassland activity happens early morning and late evening.

Day 1 – Evening Safari at Kadbanwadi (Indapur)

Kadbanwadi is classic Deccan grassland. At first glance it looks empty, but once you slow down, raptors begin to appear and small grassland birds reveal themselves.

**Changeable Hawk-Eagle** – A powerful raptor often seen soaring or perched high, scanning the grasslands for prey.

**Grey-headed Harrier** – A winter migrant that flies low over grasslands, searching for rodents and small birds.

**Montagu’s Harrier** – One of Bhigwan’s most iconic grassland raptors, graceful and constantly on the move.

**Crested Lark** – A resident grassland bird, perfectly camouflaged and often seen running on the ground.

Day 2 – Morning Safari at Kadbanwadi

Morning safari is calm and rewarding. Owls are still active, and mammals sometimes appear briefly before disappearing into the grass.

**Spotted Owlet** – Common but fascinating, often seen watching the surroundings from open perches.

**Rock Eagle Owl** – One of India’s largest owls, resting quietly after a night of hunting.

**Indian Fox** – A shy grassland mammal, well adapted to open and dry habitats.

Afternoon – Bhigwan Boat Safari

The boat safari introduces a completely different habitat. Shallow water attracts storks, waders, ducks, and fish-eating birds.

**Asian Openbill Stork** – Known for feeding on snails using its uniquely shaped bill.

**Painted Stork** – Large, colourful storks often seen feeding in groups.

**Black-winged Stilt** – Easily recognised by its long legs and elegant walk.

**Osprey** – A fish-eating raptor that dives feet-first into water.

Night Safari – Walking Safari

The night safari is done on foot and is slow and silent. This is where rare behaviour can be observed.

**Indian Nightjar** – Extremely well camouflaged, often invisible until pointed out.

**Green Bee-eater (Roosting)** – Seeing this active bird asleep on a tree is a rare sight.

Day 3 – Shirsufal (Baramati)

Shirsufal offers vast open grassland. Raptors are commonly seen using thermals and scanning for prey.

**Montagu’s Harrier (Male)** – Identified by clean plumage and graceful flight.

**Short-toed Snake Eagle** – A specialist hunter of reptiles in open habitats.

Stay – Agnipankh

We stayed at Agnipankh. Simple rooms, good food, peaceful surroundings, and close to the boat safari point. A perfect base for a Bhigwan birding trip.

**Agnipankh Stay** – Quiet, comfortable, and bird-friendly.

Thanks & Final Thoughts

This trip was beautifully organised by Abhishek from Wildagram Expeditions. The focus on ethical wildlife viewing and understanding behaviour made this Bhigwan experience truly special.

Bhigwan is not about rushing through sightings. It is about slowing down, observing carefully, and appreciating grasslands that are often ignored.