Uppalapadu Birds Protection Center — Attraction in Andhra Pradesh

The Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary, also known as Uppalapadu Nature Conservation, is a renowned bird sanctuary located near Guntur city in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is situated approximately 5 kilometers from the city center and covers an area of about 1 square kilometer. The sanctuary is recognized for its significant role in the conservation and protection of migratory birds.

Key features of the Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary:

Bird Species: The sanctuary serves as a wintering ground for a diverse range of migratory birds, especially waterbirds. It is estimated that around 40 species of migratory birds visit the sanctuary each year. Some of the commonly sighted bird species include painted storks, spot-billed pelicans, open-billed storks, glossy ibises, white ibises, and little cormorants.

Conservation Efforts: The sanctuary was established with the aim of providing a safe haven for migratory birds and conserving their habitat. It serves as a breeding ground for many species of birds, helping to maintain their population and contribute to biodiversity conservation. The local communities and authorities actively participate in the preservation of the sanctuary.

Water Tanks: Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary comprises a series of interconnected water tanks that act as the main attraction for the birds. These tanks are artificially maintained and provide a suitable environment for the birds to roost, feed, and breed. The availability of water throughout the year ensures a consistent habitat for the avian visitors.

Viewing Platforms: The sanctuary features well-constructed viewing platforms and watchtowers from where visitors can observe the birds without disturbing their natural behavior. These platforms are strategically located near the water tanks, providing excellent vantage points to observe the diverse bird species.

Educational Center: Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary also houses an educational center that aims to create awareness about the importance of bird conservation and environmental sustainability. The center provides valuable information about the migratory patterns, behavior, and conservation efforts for the visiting tourists and school groups.

Visitor Facilities: The sanctuary has basic facilities such as parking areas, restrooms, and a small cafeteria for visitors. It is open to the public throughout the year, and the best time to visit is during the winter months when the migratory birds are in abundance. Entry fees are nominal, and guided tours are available for a more informative experience.

Local Community Engagement: The Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary is a prime example of successful community-led conservation. The local communities actively participate in the management of the sanctuary, promoting eco-tourism and creating livelihood opportunities through responsible tourism practices.

Visiting the Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of migratory birds and learn about their conservation. It serves as a significant habitat for birds and contributes to the overall ecological balance...

Uppalapadu "Bird Protection Centre" to be precise, is the breeding point of Grey pelicans. And major similar migratory species. It has a watch tower which gives a clear view fo the entire site. The spaces are planned as linear path wath along the banks of the lake, with pavement of 2m wide and landscape on both sides. The lake side has an alluminium metal railings and the other side is guarded with metal mesh of approx 7ft height It has a huge parking facility for the two wheeler, 4wheelers and even buses. There aminities like cafeteria, children's play zone, resting gazibos and a fully air conditioned visitors gallery On the southern edge of the lake There are no educational center but it has bords which shows the information about the birds in the lake. Many bird watchers, professional wildlife photographers visit this place often and its is very near from guntur and Vijayawada for a weekend drive. This place is under the control of Ap forest department, Guntur division as per yeh discussion approx 150-300 visitors visit this place on weekends. There is no boating facilities here as in the kolleru lake. The lake area is has a dense population of avian species and the best season for visiting is winters form September to March and January is the main breeding month where you can see small...

(A new edit : Forest department has taken some good measures to keep it clean and tidy. They are cleaning the ponds nearby.They are making sure that pond should be clean and always with good level of water. Employees there are fully dedicated and keeping it clean) Though a small sanctuary, it gives some place to the birds throughout the Year. The breeding season of birds start from July and the best time to visit is November to February. You can have a glance of nearly 12 different breeds of birds. Many safety measures has to be taken for this Sanctuary. I can say that the maintenance is not meeting their necessities. Care has to be taken. Recently I got to know from the nearby villagers that few attempts of theft of those birds also happened. This shows that there is no security measures and I didn't find any CC cameras nearby. They fly thousands of miles as they like the weather conditions for their breeding. But these kind of security lapses may frighten them. The sanctuary is in a lake, an Island kind of place. The ticket fare is ₹10 per person. An eye feast for bird lovers.

• I RECOMMEND TO TAKE BINOCULARS * with you to have a...