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Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary is located in Niphad
Tehsil of Nashik district in Western Maharashtra.
A stone pick up weir was constructed in 1907-13 across the river Godavari
just below the confluence of Kodwa and Goadavari rivers at Nandur
Madhameshwar. The water level is always fluctuating in Nandur Madhameshwar
Lake.
The water released from Gangapur and Darana water reservoirs is stored at
Nandur Madhameshwar and subsequently released from here through canals for
irrigation. Silts and organic matter that are carried away with water flow
are accumulated in the lake, due to which islands and shallow water ponds
have been created. This resulted in the biological enriched conditions by
which aquatic vegetation has been stabilised. Thus the site has turned
into good wetland habitat aptly described as 'Bharatpur Of Maharashtra".
There are about 460 species of plants, out of which nearly 80 are aquatic plant species. The trees that are found on the outskirts of the lake are Babul, Neem, Tamarind, Jamun, Maharukh, Vilayati Chinch, Mango, Pangara, Nilgiri, etc. The surrounding areas and partly submerged areas are intensively cultivated for wheat, Jowar, Sugarcane, Vegetables etc.
Nandur
Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary is a harbour for thousands of beautiful and
migratory birds. There are more than 230 species of birds, out of which 80
are migratory species. The migratory birds found in this sanctuary are
White Stork, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbills, Flamigo, Goose Brahminy Duck,
Pintails, Mallard, Wigeon, Gargenery Shoveller, Pochardds, Cranes Shanks,
Curlews, Pratincole Wagtails, Godwits, Weavers, etc.
The resident birds include Black Ibis, Spot Bills, Teals, Little Grabe,
Cormorants, Egrets, Herons, Stork, Kites, Vultures, Buzzards, Harriers,
Osprey, Quails, Patridges, Eagles, Water Hens, Sand Pipe, Swifts, Grey
hornbill, Peafowl, etc
Though this sanctuary is principally a bird sanctuary, many other interesting forms of wildlife can also be spotted over here. The animals spotted here are Ottar, Palm Civet, Fishing Cat, Jackal, Mangoose, Wolves and many species of Snakes, etc. Nearly 24 species of fishes have been recorded in the reservoir.
The area has many temples in the vicinity. The water reservoir when filled in with water gives panoramic view of the surrounding and its fascinating fauna attracts the visitors through out the year.
Air: Nearest Airport is in
Aurangabad at 180-km from the
sanctuary.
Rail: Nearest railway station is Niphad a small station at 12-km
on Mumbai-Bhusaval railway line.
Road: The sanctuary is easily approachable by road either via
Niphad, Nashik and Sinnar.
There is a rest house with two suits at Khangaonthadi, for which reservation is to be done in advance from Executive Engineer Irrigation, Nashik district, Nasik.
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