Birds at Kabar Taal
Bihar's Ramsar wetland, and a temple on an island in the middle of it
What it is
An oxbow lake in Begusarai, the largest freshwater wetland in Bihar and the state's first Ramsar site. Tens of thousands of migratory birds use it in winter. The Jaimangla Garh temple stands on an island in it and is reached across the water when the lake is full.
Why it matters
A Ramsar wetland with a working temple in the middle of it is an unusual combination, and in winter the bird numbers are serious.
How it works
- Go at first light. The birds move at dawn and settle by nine.
- A local boatman is arranged; the lake is shallow and the channels change.
- Who it is for
- Birdwatchers, and anybody who wants a quiet morning on water.
- Best season
- Nov - Feb
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- The boat and the guide.
- When
- Winter, for the migration. The lake shrinks by late spring.
- Booking
- Tirtham arranges the boat.
- Book ahead
- A few days
- Languages
- Hindi
What to bring
- Binoculars
- Layers
- Sun protection — there is no shade on the water
Where
- Jaimangla Garh Temple: It is counted among the 51 Shakti Peethas of India, reached across the lake
- Simaria Ghat: For Ganga Snaana, and above all for the month-long Kalpavas, when devotees from across Mithila camp on...
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