Bonal Bird Sanctuary, also spelled as Bohnal Bird Sanctuary, is the 2nd largest bird sanctuary in India. The 1st largest is Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka. The sanctuary originated from Bonal Tank. It used to be a water conservation tank built by Pam Naik, the 17th century ruler of Shorapur. Later, Meadows Taylor who was the British administrator of Shorapur extended the place to 1600 acres during the British Raj. The place had an average depth of 12 feet. He has mentioned everything in his autobiography ‘The Story of My Life’.

There were 12 water tanks built in this drought prone region and Bonal Tank was amongst the largest ones. These tanks gradually started attracting migratory birds. This area also used to be an economical pillar since several families depended on these tanks. Most of them were used for fishing. However, in 1998, the state government transferred this from the Fisheries Department to the Forest Department, abiding to the pleas, petitions and requests from conservationists. Though fishing was banned subsequently, but it took several years before it was formally sanctioned as a bird sanctuary.  

Location

Bonal Bird Sanctuary is located near Bonal Village, Shorapur taluk of Yadgir district, Karnataka. It is about 10 km away from the west of Shorapur city.

Flora & Fauna

The total number of bird species recorded here is 21 and some of them are white-necked stork, purple heron, black ibis, white ibis, bar-headed goose and brahminy duck.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit this sanctuary is from October to March.

How to Reach

Air

The nearest airport to Shorapur city is Begumpet Airport, which is located at a distance of about 210 kms. Hubli Airport is located at about 217 kms away from Shorapur.

Rail

The nearest railway station is situated at a distance of about 47 kms from Shorapur. Shorapur is about 48kms away from Narayanpet Road railway station.

Road

Bus services are available to Shorapur and from there, one has to travel to Bonal Bird Sanctuary.