Private Bird Safari to Bhigwan from Pune: Kumbhargaon Sanctuary

Winter migratory birds gather at the Yashwant Sagar reservoir, and your guide knows exactly where to find them.

A private, 8-hour bird-watching tour from Pune to Bhigwan village and the Kumbhargaon Bird Sanctuary, led by a bird-watching expert with hotel or airport pickup included. You'll spend the morning spotting migratory species at the Yashwant Sagar reservoir, then visit the 13th-century hilltop temple of Bhuleshwar on the return to Pune, with stops at a traditional cane sugar factory and for refreshments along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Birdwatching and temple visit near Pune

• Pickup from Pune hotel or airport
• Drive to Bhigwan village
• Birdwatching at Yashwant Sagar reservoir
• Visit Bhuleshwar hilltop temple
• Stop at traditional cane sugar factory
• Optional stops for food and souvenirs
• Return to Pune hotel

The experience

You're picked up at 6am from your Pune hotel or airport by your private guide and chauffeur, then driven roughly two hours to Bhigwan village, about 60 miles away. The drive gets you there as the light is best for spotting, and the Yashwant Sagar reservoir, formed by the Ujain Dam, is where thousands of migratory birds congregate in the winter months. Your guide positions you to watch ruddy shelducks, eurasian spoonbills, red-naped ibis, black drongos, pratincoles and spotted owlets move through the backwaters and shallows.

After the morning at the sanctuary, you head to Bhuleshwar, a hilltop temple originally called Mangalgadh and built in the 13th century. The stone walls carry carved detail throughout, and your guide walks you through the temple's history: the site where Devi Parvati danced for Lord Shiva before they departed for Kailas. On the drive back to Pune, you stop at a working cane sugar factory to see how it operates, and your guide can arrange stops for food, souvenirs or anything else you want along the route.

The private format means the pace stays yours: you linger where the birds are active and move on when you're ready. Your chauffeur handles the driving in an air-conditioned car, so you stay focused on the binoculars and the guide's identification calls. The tour wraps with a drop-off at your hotel or airport in Pune city.

What’s included

• Round-trip private transport from your Pune hotel or airport.
• bird-watching expert guide in English.
• air-conditioned car with private chauffeur.
• entry to Kumbhargaon Bird Sanctuary and Bhuleshwar Temple.
• stop at a traditional cane sugar factory.
• fuel, parking and government taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by City Tours India

Is this one for you?Book this if you're watching birds solo or with your own group: the private guide and early 6am start mean you move at your own pace while birds are most active, and you'll also visit Bhuleshwar Temple on the same trip.

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Top questions

What birds am I likely to see at Kumbhargaon Bird Sanctuary in Bhigwan?

The Yashwant Sagar reservoir draws migratory species in winter, including ruddy shelducks, eurasian spoonbills, red-naped ibis, black drongos, pratincoles and spotted owlets. Your guide specializes in identifying these birds and explaining their behavior as you watch them move through the backwaters.

How far is Bhigwan from Pune, and how long is the drive?

Bhigwan village is about 60 miles (110 km) from Pune, and the drive takes roughly two hours each way. You'll be picked up at 6am to arrive during the best light for bird-watching.

What is Bhuleshwar Temple, and why do we visit it?

Bhuleshwar is a 13th-century hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, originally called Mangalgadh. It features carved stone walls and holds historical significance as the site where Devi Parvati danced for Lord Shiva before they traveled to Kailas. Your guide shares the temple's story as you explore it on the return journey to Pune.

Is this tour suitable for someone who has never been bird-watching before?

Yes. Your bird-watching expert guide handles all identification and positioning, so you don't need prior experience. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to the early start and outdoor time.

What's included in the price, and what should I bring?

Round-trip transport, the private guide and chauffeur, fuel, parking and taxes are all included. Bring adequate sun protection, drinking water and modest clothing suitable for a temple visit. Binoculars are useful but not required. Your guide can help you spot birds without them.