Eco-Getaway Calling? Explore 3 Beautiful Wetlands And Their Hidden Wonders

Sick of the same ol’ weekend grind? You know, the classic farmhouses, malls, and overpriced restaurants? If you’re saying yes, we’re saying it’s time for a change,  it’s time to vibe with nature! Say hello to the ultimate eco-getaway – where the hidden wonders of wetlands await to be explored. Yup, these underrated coastal regions are lowkey amazing and A1 guardians of nature, Period.

To begin with, wetlands are exactly what they sound like: areas of land that are always wet (year-round or seasonally). Wetlands are like nature’s VIP lounge, providing a home for 40% of all plant and animal species.

Here’s a list of 3 beautiful wetlands that you must visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and for “greening” your aura.

1. Kokkarebellur Bird Sanctuary

If you are a nature enthusiast and an avid bird lover, Kokkarebellur is a must-visit. This sanctuary is home to over 135  species of birds, with the migratory painted storks and spot-billed pelicans stealing the show. Every year between November and December, they arrive here to breed and build their nests high up on the branches of tamarind, banyan, and mango trees. It’s wild to think that these birds have been visiting this wetland for hundreds of years, keeping a tradition alive – showing up every year, following the same path.

However, the number of birds visiting this site has declined, primarily due to the shrinking wetland area, raising major red flags for environmentalists.

Conservation in Action

There are some seriously cool conservation moves underway to protect this wetland’s biodiversity. From local communities to corporations and government agencies, everyone is pitching in to protect this stunning natural habitat.

Children are being taught about the importance of living in harmony with birds. Villagers have found innovative ways to use the bird droppings as organic manure for their crops, keeping the site area clean and sustainable.

To further protect the birds, a local electrical supply company has gone the extra mile by insulating power lines throughout the village, preventing accidental electrocution. And to top it off, they’ve set up rehab centres to help any injured or sick birds get back on their feet.

What’s the buzz here?

Here, you can enjoy bird-watching, snap aesthetic nature pics, take nature walks through the village, and visit the Nature Interpretation Centre—an initiative by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in partnership with HSBC’s Water Programme, designed to educate visitors about the vital role wetlands play in the ecosystem. Also, if you’re looking to make an impact, consider supporting local conservation efforts.

2. Bhandup Mangroves

Imagine stepping into a world buzzing with birds. Bhandup mangroves, with its rich biodiversity and scenic views, is an absolute paradise for bird lovers. This rare treasure in the heart of Mumbai is a refreshing escape from the city chaos.

The array of bird species – flamingos, storks, spoonbills, ibises, ducks, stilts, avocets, curlews, egrets, and kingfishers – is mesmerising. The mangroves host not only migratory and residential birds but also a variety of other creatures, such as mongoose, jackals, and Russell’s vipers. Plus, the mangrove forest here serves as a natural shield protecting the coastal ecosystem from floods and erosion.

Understanding the importance of these powerful ecosystems, the locals have also joined the conservation efforts by keeping the area clean, providing guided tours, sharing their knowledge about the mangroves, particularly during the Flamingo season, and earning livelihood benefits from eco-boat rides.

What’s in store here?

If you live nearby, you can bike to the Bhandup Pumping Station and then take a scenic walk to reach the wetlands. After all, what could be more enjoyable than cycling on a peaceful Sunday morning, away from the chaos of city traffic? Arriving before sunrise makes the visit even more worthwhile, as you can capture the stunning sight of the sun gradually enveloping the area in its warm glow.

We recommend hiring a boat to further explore the region. Wildlife and nature photography are must-do activities here, and don’t forget to snap some selfies with the picturesque mangrove backdrop for your Insta-fam! If you’re lucky, some starlings may just put on a majestic show of murmurations just for you!

Just be sure to check the tide and tour timings before you head out, and don’t forget to get any permits you need to keep things chill.

3. Bhigwan

Looking for an aesthetic nature escape? Bhigwan should definitely be on your radar. Imagine this—flamingos for days. These stunning, rose-hued birds flock together in huge numbers, creating a surreal, almost dreamy landscape that will make your camera roll pop! Bhigwan, located near Pune, is a treasure trove for bird lovers. The contrast between the bright pink of the flamingos and the tranquil swamps and marshes is a sight that feels straight out of a nature documentary.

The wetland ecosystem here is rich with a variety of birds, fishes, and other wildlife, making it a biodiversity hotspot for nature enthusiasts. The swamps and marshes around Bhigwan are absolutely thriving, creating that perfect balance of calm and wild energy at the same time.

What’s the vibe here?

Bhigwan is the perfect place for you if you are a bird and nature-loving person looking for some chill by some serene waters. You can catch the flamingos in all their pink glory as they grace the wetlands. The area is also home to a variety of other migratory birds. So, be ready with your camera and binoculars to capture some major content for your feed. You can also go boating to get a closer look at the stunning landscapes, sunsets, and peaceful surroundings.

The Buzz About Wetlands

According to the UN, wetlands cover only around 6% of the Earth’s land surface. Yet, in just 50 years — since 1970 — 35% of the world’s wetlands have been lost. That’s a major L for the environment.

Why does this matter? Wetlands are like nature’s superheroes. Though small, wetlands are like the unsung heroes doing the most for the planet! They help with flood control, improve water quality, provide habitats for countless species, and fight climate change.

Let’s spill the tea on how wetlands absorb and store tons of carbon (aka blue carbon) in their soil and plants for centuries, a process known as carbon sequestration. Wetlands act like a natural vacuum for greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Thus, healthy wetlands help to reduce the impacts of global warming and build climate resilience.

It’s a bit like being the planet’s natural air conditioner, fighting climate change with their tiny but mighty punch! Cool (pun intended) isn’t it?

Now, here’s the scoop: when wetlands get destroyed, all that trapped carbon gets released into the atmosphere, making climate change even worse. So, protecting wetlands? Yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.

How can I step up to help?

You don’t have to be a scientist to help. Whether it’s advocating for wetland protection, sharing your experience, joining conservation efforts, or simply spreading the word, you can be part of the solution and keep the eco-hype alive. As for corporations, you can initiate significant funding for the restoration and preservation of wetlands, while also encouraging your employees to visit these vital ecosystems and help flip the script. Bonus carbon credits for your ESG reporting, anyone? 

Now that you’re in the know, be part of the wetland convo and keep the vibe going. Swing by Green Pistachio and hop on the “green boat” to build a sustainable and greener place for all of us (and future peeps too!).

Also, we’d love to hear about any of your wetlands adventures. Drop a comment, a story, or even your best swamp selfie in the discussion below!