Nestled in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Punchakkari Paddy Fields offer a serene village atmosphere that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Part of the picturesque Vellayani Lake—one of the largest freshwater lakes in the area—Punchakkari is a mere 7 km from the city center, making it an easily accessible getaway for nature lovers.
A Birdwatcher’s Haven
One of Punchakkari’s main attractions is its rich biodiversity, particularly the thriving birdlife. This area serves as a crucial hub for both migrating and native birds, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers and nature photographers alike. The best time to visit is between October and March, with November and December being peak months for bird activity.
An Early Morning Adventure
On a beautiful early morning, my friend and I set out for Punchakkari, eager to soak in the sights and sounds of this enchanting landscape. As we walked through the lush green paddy fields, the rising sun cast a golden glow, illuminating the streams and creating a breathtaking backdrop.
As we strolled, we were greeted by the sight of various beautiful birds flitting through the fields. We also noticed several dedicated bird photographers, quietly waiting with their gear to capture the perfect shot. Inspired by their passion, we seized the opportunity to snap a few photos ourselves, but we quickly realized that a single day trip would never be enough to fully appreciate the area’s beauty. Once you visit Punchakkari, you’ll likely find yourself returning time and time again.
The Kireedam Bridge
Another notable spot in the area is the charming Kireedam Bridge, famous for its connection to the classic Malayalam film Kireedam, starring Mohanlal, released in 1989. This small bridge continues to attract fans of the film who come to capture its essence in photographs.
Capturing Nature’s Beauty
Throughout our journey, I managed to capture some stunning images of the local birds. I’ve included a few of these photos below, along with descriptions and details gathered from Wikipedia.
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone looking to escape the city for a day, Punchakkari offers a slice of paradise that’s sure to leave you enchanted. Don’t miss out on this natural gem the next time you find yourself in Thiruvananthapuram!
List of few birds that I found in the surroundings.
Grey-headed swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus) is a species of swamphen occurring from the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent to southern China and northern Thailand.
The bronze-winged jacana (Metopidius indicus) is a wader in the family Jacanidae. It is found across South and Southeast Asia and is the sole species in the genus Metopidius.
The black drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) is a small Asian passerine bird of the drongo family Dicruridae. It is a common resident breeder in much of tropical southern Asia from southwest Iran through India and Sri Lanka east to southern China and Indonesia and accidental visitor of Japan.
The green bee-eater (Merops orientalis), also known as little green bee-eater, is a near passerine bird in the bee-eater family.
White-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) also known as the white-breasted kingfisher.
The little cormorant (Microcarbo niger) is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds.
The whiskered tern (Chlidonias hybrida) is a tern in the family Laridae. This bird has a number of geographical races, differing mainly in size and minor plumage details.