In Kundapur, Udupi district, tourists now have a new attraction – a peaceful boat ride through beautiful mangrove forests. This area, located along the Panchagangavali River in Kodi, Kundapur, has become a popular eco-tourism spot. The forest department played a crucial role by planting mangroves over the last decade, increasing the plantation areas in the backwaters by 450 hectares.
The mangroves not only protect the shore but also enhance eco-tourism activities. Recently, about 15 hectares in Kodi were planted with mangrove seedlings, and now, these thriving mangroves create a lush green canopy for boat rides in the serene backwaters. Visitors can enjoy wildlife watching & recreational angling in this picturesque environment.
The boat ride through the enchanting mangrove forests in Kundapur costs Rs. 1500 per trip and can accommodate up to 15 people. It’s a great way for a group of friends or family to enjoy the serene beauty of the backwaters and experience the diverse eco-tourism activities offered in the area. I had the opportunity to take pictures of a couple of birds with my camera.
Black-Headed Ibis:
The black-headed ibis, also called Oriental white ibis or Indian white ibis, is a type of bird that likes to wade in water. It belongs to the ibis family and is often found in South and Southeast Asia, from India to Japan. These birds make their nests in these regions. They are known for their black heads and necks.
The Common Redshank
The common redshank, or simply redshank, is a type of bird that likes to wade in water. It’s part of a big bird family called Scolopacidae and is usually found in Europe and Asia.
Great Egret:
The great egret, which is also called common egret, large egret, or great white egret (sometimes even great white heron), is a big bird that is found in many places. There are four different kinds of this bird, and they live in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe. Lately, they have also started moving to more northern parts of Europe.
Pygmy cormorant:
The pygmy cormorant is a kind of seabird that belongs to the Phalacrocoracidae family. These birds make their nests in southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia. Some of them fly to warmer places during winter, especially those from the north, but mostly they stay in the same areas where they breed.
Asian Openbill:
The Asian openbill, also known as the Asian openbill stork, is a big bird that likes to wade in water. It belongs to the stork family. You can usually find this unique-looking bird in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
The Brahminy Kite:
The brahminy kite, also called the red-backed sea-eagle in Australia, is a medium-sized bird that hunts for prey. It belongs to a group of birds that includes eagles, buzzards, and harriers, called the Accipitridae family. You can spot these birds in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Little Cormorant:
The little cormorant is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds. Slightly smaller than the Indian cormorant it lacks a peaked head and has a shorter beak. It is widely distributed across the Indian Subcontinent and extends east to Java, where it is sometimes called the Javanesez.
Kingfishers:
Kingfishers are a group of small to medium-sized, colorful birds that belong to the Alcedinidae family. These birds are found all around the world, with many of them living in warm areas of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Some types of kingfishers can also be spotted in Europe.
Great Cormorant:
The great cormorant, also called the black shag or kawau in New Zealand, used to be known as the great black cormorant in the Northern Hemisphere, the black cormorant in Australia, and the large cormorant in India. It’s a bird that is found in many places and belongs to the cormorant family, which is a group of seabirds.
One should not miss this ride, while around!
Travel Tips
| Distance from Bengaluru | – | 410 Kms |
| Road Condition | – | Very Good |
| Nearest Town | – | Kundapura |
| Fuel Station | – | Kundapura |
| Near by places to visit | – | Kundapura, Udupi, Agumbe, Kodi Beach |