In one-of-its-kind initiative, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) brings a royal treat to the nature and especially, bird lovers with India’s first Bird Festival in Pune from January 9 to 11 at The mission Raja Ravi Verma art gallery , Ghole road Pune and Indradhanushya Paryavarn Kendra , Rajendranagar, Pune .The event is to promote eco-tourism in Maharashtra.

The 3-day Birdfestis supported by various NGO’s like GIB foundation, Bombay Natural History, Important Bird Conservation Network and Forest Department. The major attraction at the festival are bird watching sessions which will be held at Bhamburda Hill on 10th Jan and Kawadi on the 11th Jan. Festival also highlights various workshops on artificial nest building and bird photography. The photo exhibition on the birds and interaction with expert bird photographers is worth an experience.

Srimati Valsa Nair Singh, Secretary Tourism GoM, Managing Director MTDC says, “Bird Fest is an attempt to explore the nature, especially the diversity of the natural ecosystem. This is an innovative, effective and meaningful method to educate people for preserving our great natural heritage. This will help boosting eco-tourism.” The Festival will also give a chance to the tourists to interact with renowned bird watchers from Maharashtra. Also, audio visual talks by expert and films on birds will be screened at the Festival.

Maharashtra posses a distinct identity with its geography, history and cultural diversity. Its natural ecosystems enhances the rich heritage. Our country has 1300 species of birds which is approximately 13% of the total birds found in the world. Maharashtra has habitats which support different bird species, therefore MTDC has initiated this festival that will help tourist understand our rich bird diversity.

The entry to the festival is free for tourists with prior registration at MTDC’s offices, forest department’s offices and various NGO offices across the country.

source : Sachin Murdeshwar