Basic Info: While in Mysore, this is an essential destination to explore. It is overseen by the SGS Ashram and serves as a rehabilitation center for birds, housing more than 100 species.
District: Mysore
Location Type: Mysore district in the state of Karnataka, India
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
A brief overview of Shuka Vana
Shuka Vana is nestled in the picturesque city of Mysore in Karnataka, India. The Shuka Vana Bird Aviary stands as a testament to the beauty it holds in the place it is located and the diversity of avian life. With its expansive collection of rare and exotic bird species, meticulously designed enclosures, and a focus on conservation and education.
Shuka Vana has become a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists interested in the avian world. It is a rehabilitation centre for birds that are injured and abused. This place has numerous, rare and colourful species of parrots from all over the world.
Shuka Vana is home for more than 450 species of parrots. There lies a captivating world of Shuka Vana Bird Aviary, exploring its history, significance, timing and entry fee, conservation efforts, and the unique experiences it offers to visitors.
Shuka Vana Timing and fee
- The Shuka Vana opens in the morning at 10 AM to 12.30PM, later it is closed for a few durations. Again Shuka Vana is open from 3.30PM to 5.30PM.
- The Shuka Vana is closed on Wednesday, open on all other days of the week.
- One can get yourself photographed with exotic birds for a fee of Rs. 200 per bird
Historical Background of Shuka Vana
The Shuka Vana Bird Aviary was established by Dr. S. Subramanya, a well-known veterinarian and ornithologist, in collaboration with Avadhoota Datta Peetham. The main aspect of Shuka Vana was to have a spiritual organisation. The aviary was inaugurated in 2011 with the vision of providing a safe haven for a wide variety of birds, fostering their well-being and conserving their habitats. The name Shuka Vana translates to Parrot Park, and it aptly reflects the intention of the founders to create a sanctuary where parrots and other bird species could thrive.
Significance and Collection
Shuka Vana is not just a place for entertainment, but also serves a significant role in avian conservation. The aviary boasts a remarkable collection of over 2,000 birds from around 468 different species, making it one of the largest collections in India. These species hail from diverse habitats such as rainforests, grasslands, and wetlands, representing the incredible variety of avian life on our planet. The collection includes not only parrots but also a wide array of other bird species, each with its own unique colours, calls, and behaviours.
Conservation Efforts
At the heart of Shuka Vana's mission is its commitment to avian conservation. The aviary serves as a refuge for confiscated, injured, and abandoned birds, providing them with a safe environment to recover and flourish.
Additionally, Shuka Vana participates in various breeding programs for endangered species, contributing to the global efforts to prevent the decline of vulnerable avian populations. Through its conservation initiatives, the aviary educates visitors about the importance of protecting these creatures and their habitats.
Helpful tips before you reach the destination
- Visiting Shuka Vana on weekdays is preferable as there will be a lot of crowd on weekends.
- Mobile phones and Photography are not allowed inside the aviary. This is a different room for feeding the birds and to take photographs with them at a fixed price. It is reported that for official photography it costs 150-200 rupees.
- Also, there is an option to get photographed with exotic birds at Rs.200 per bird.
- While you exit the place, you also find a shopping area where you shop.
Educational Experiences
Shuka Vana goes beyond being a visual spectacle; it offers enriching educational experiences to visitors of all ages. The aviary conducts guided tours around the ashrama, workshops with different activities in ashrama, and also interactive sessions that delve into the world of avian biology, conservation, behaviour, and ecology.
These initiatives not only foster an understanding of birds or watching birds from around the different parts of the world but also Shuka Vana promotes environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility towards the conservation of nature. Visitors have the opportunity to witness feeding sessions, learn about nesting habits, and gain insights into the challenges faced by avian species in the wild.
Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden
Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden is a beautiful tour to be taken around 30-40 minutes of the exquisite collection of 450+ Bonsai trees that are beautifully shaped and miniaturised. Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden was built in 1986 in the ashrama.
The garden consists of the collection of trees from numerous countries around the world like China, Singapore, West Indies, Malaysia, Indonesia and more. Every tree has been taken care of and nurtured at the ashrama.
Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden has the trees ranging from year 1 to 200 years old. It is also reported that some of the trees are used for medical purposes by the guruji. Hence, the tour around Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden is going to be knowledgeable to tourists.
Architectural Marvel and Ethical Considerations in Shuka Vana
The design of Shuka Vana's enclosures is a marvel in itself. The aviary replicates natural habitats, incorporating lush greenery. Its architectural marvel also includes water bodies, and climbing structures to provide a comfortable and stimulating environment for the birds.
The architecture emphasises spaciousness and allows for the birds to engage in natural behaviours such as flying, perching, and nesting.The commitment that is put from the management of ashrama is ethical and humane treatment of birds. It's the core principle of Shuka Vana to set a positive example for other wildlife facilities.
What makes Shuka Vana Bird Aviary so special?
In conclusion , the Shuka Vana Bird Aviary in Mysore stands as a testament to the wonders of avian life and the dedication of individuals to its conservation. With its diverse collection of birds, educational initiatives, and commitment to ethical treatment.
Shuka Vana offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors of any age. As we face ongoing challenges related to habitat destruction and declining bird populations, such sanctuaries play an important role in promoting the awareness, the understanding, and the action to ensure a harmonious coexistence between humans and the world of birds.