I live in the U.S.A and I recently visited India's Avadhoota Datta Peetham in Mysore as a music enthusiast. During my visit I learned about Shuka Vana’s existence. Unfortunately, it was temporarily closed for repairs/renovations. Upon requesting the staff for a special permission by letting them know that I will not be able to visit India again any time soon and about other personal circumstances, they were kind enough to make an exception for me. I cannot describe in words how marvelous it was and can bet that there is no other place in the world equal to it. I was pleasantly surprised by the meticulous and detailed considerations that were made for the birds. It has the best infrastructure and the care that could possibly be provided for them. They have so many varieties of birds which fly freely. They have a huge variety of very healthy and hygienic food for the birds (they are pampered a lot). Some of the notable varieties of birds which I liked the most include Hahn’s Macaw, Eclectus parrot, Red tailed black cockatoo, Amazon parrots, Sulphur crested cockatoo, Hyacinth Macaw, Senegal parrot, Domestic canaries and many more. The Bhu Vana and Gagana Vana in Shuka Vana are in a class of their own with the Bhu Vana housing the macaws and the Gagana Vana being the highlight of my visit. All the birds were free with none of them being caged, it completely mimics their natural habitat augmented with the best possible care for them. During my visit, I came to learn that Shuka Vana is well organized with proper equipment and multiple doctors (both in-house and from outside) along with Sri Swamiji to treat and take care of the sick or injured birds. The staff on a whole are very knowledgeable and seem to know what they are doing. Overall, this is the best place for conservation/preservation and rehabilitation of unique birds with the right people and the set up for them to thrive without the fear of extinction. Thank you so much Avadhoota Datta Peetham for all your efforts to create awareness about them, educating people and for giving me this rare opportunity to visit Shuka Vana. Please continue doing all the good work you are doing now. May Shuka Vana grow more for the...
Read moreShuka Vana in Mysore is one of the most unique and heartwarming attractions in the city, especially for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. Founded by His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, this place serves as a rehabilitation and shelter home for hundreds of rescued parrots and exotic bird species from around the world. It’s not just a tourist spot — it’s a sanctuary filled with care, compassion, and life.
The moment you enter, you are greeted by the melodious sounds of colorful parrots and other birds. The aviary is beautifully maintained, spacious, and filled with greenery, giving the birds a natural and peaceful environment to live in. The variety of species here is truly impressive — you can see parrots, macaws, cockatoos, parakeets, and many rare breeds, all kept in excellent condition. Each section is neatly arranged, and there are information boards explaining the names and origins of the birds, which makes the visit educational as well as enjoyable.
What makes Shuka Vana even more special is its purpose. It’s not just a zoo or bird park; it’s a spiritual and healing place dedicated to protecting and caring for birds that have been injured, abandoned, or mistreated. The center spreads awareness about the importance of preserving bird species and respecting all forms of life.
The staff and caretakers are very polite, knowledgeable, and dedicated to their work. They ensure cleanliness, safety, and comfort for the birds as well as the visitors. Photography rules are strict in some areas, as the place prioritizes the well-being of the birds over tourism, which is commendable.
The overall atmosphere is serene and refreshing — you can spend hours admiring the beauty and intelligence of these birds. The nearby Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashrama adds to the peaceful spiritual environment of the area.
Overall, Shuka Vana is a must-visit place in Mysore. It’s a perfect blend of spirituality, compassion, and nature conservation. Whether you are a tourist, a student, or simply someone who loves animals, this place will surely touch your heart. A truly inspiring and unforgettable experience that showcases Mysore’s commitment to wildlife care...
Read moreDuring my recent visit to India, I visited Shuka Vana with my 4 year old son. I visited this place 5 years ago and this is my second time experiencing the beauty of Shuka Vana. Although we stayed in India only for 10 days, visting this place was the number one on our list. My 4 year old is a huge bird aficionado and is always very keen on learning about birds. We planned a trip to Mysore to take him to Shuka Vana as a surprise for his birthday.
Unfortunately, when we arrived, Shuka Vana was temporarily closed for renovations. Upon narrating our situation to the authorities there, they immediately made an exception and welcomed us into the Shuka vana.
I am penning down this review so that many more people will get to know about this hidden gem. This is truly an avian heaven that delivers an enchanting experience for bird enthusiasts and families alike. Nestled in the heart of Mysore, this sanctuary boasts a diverse collection of feathered wonders from around the world.
The park's well designed sub vanas create a natural habitat for an impressive array of bird species alongside providing visitors an up close encounters.One can experience the delightful blend of education as well as serenity.
My son felt as if he was an explorer while walking through the Shuka Vana. All of the birds were flying freely as if it was their natural habitat. It was truly captivating, enthralling and fascinating to watch them. The management put in an astounding effort to take care of these birds to feed them timely and take care of their hygiene needs. We got to see several species of Macaws, Cockatoos, amazon parrots and conures.
Most of them were rescued and are endangered species. Given that there aren't many facilities in the world that take care of endangered species of birds in a cage free setting , this truly is a one of a kind experience. It is truly delightful watching the birds roaming around freely and witnessing their amazing behaviours. Our 4 year old was thrilled interacting with the...
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