TRAVEL SPECIAL....Take a birding break!

Take a birding break!   From sea eagles of Goa to pigeons in Mauritius and Pink flamingoes  in Mexico ­ birdwatching holidays are becoming popular all over  the world. Here are a few destinations to choose from. Do you remember waking up to birdsongs? Can you recall the sound of chirping birds? In our concrete jungle, it is impossible to enjoy the simplest gifts of nature, which were once an inseparable part of our lives. However, the good news is that bird-watching vacations are on the rise. Whether it's bird spotting or bird photography, nature is high on the wishlist of people taking a break, in fact, birds have become the sole focus of some travellers. Birding expedition expert Bopana Pattada believes the rise in birding vacations is due to a boom in bird photography  in the last few years. “It's a great way to enjoy outdoors and learn about  different species of birds. I've seen people getting curious by the day over the last year. You can see people uploading bird pictures on social media and bloggers writing detailed descriptions about bird-watching  trips,“ says the Bengaluru-based expert. There are birding packages along with vacation getaways, birding blogs, and birding apps to spot and identify rare birds. According to research, The Calls of the Wild by Universities of Salford and Surrey reported that bird sounds aid relaxation after stress and mental fatigue. One of the researchers Eleanor of the study concluded:  “The results tell us that bird sounds help people calm down after stress and recover from mental fatigue.“ CUCKOOS OF THATTEKAD BIRD SANCTUARY, KERALA At this sanctuary known as `Cuckoo Paradise', you can find different varieties of the cuckoo, a vocal bird. There are more than 280 species of birds in the area, including crimson-throated barbet, sunbird, fairy blue bird and a few varieties of the hornbill family.Pack your birding  vacation with Kerala massages and some great meals in god's own country. BLOOD PHEASANT OF SIKKIM Birders love Khangchendzonga National Park, home to about 550 species  of birds, including blood pheasant, the state bird. The birding trek route  in Sikkim is led by enthusiasts who are always looking out for a rare species. MAGPIE-ROBIN OF MEGHALAYA At Balphakram National Park, Meghalaya, spotting a magpie-robin is a memorable occasion. Some of the other birds here are ­ hoopoe, longtailed  broadbill, scarlet minivet, Burmese roller, blue-throated barbet, Himalayan black bulbul. You could also indulge in a tribal tour of  Meglalaya after your birding tour. SEA EAGLES OF GOA Not just a backpacker's destination, Goa's sea eagles are a birder's delight. You can spot yellow-wattled lapwing or the impressive white-bellied sea eagle too. HORNBILLS OF ANDAMANS Die-hard bird lovers go to Andamans to watch 240 species of birds on the island, of which 18 are endemic, and forest-dwelling species. You can spot the birds as they perch on the balcony of your cottage. On Havelock Island, you can spot the Andaman woodpecker, mangrove whistler, hawk eagle, Andaman hawk owl. Birding expeditions to the Andaman give enthusiasts top-notch birding adventure. Says Jijo Mathew, a birdwatching guide in Andamans, “This is one of the best places to go birding and bring back memories of a lifetime. Just listen to the bird calls. It's a perfect way to soothe the mind and calm your nerves.“ WATERFOWLS AT BHARATPUR BIRD SANCTUARY This birder's haven gets more than 400 bird species. Birders go on early  morning treks to see landbirds like warblers, babblers, bee eaters and  bulbuls. A pair of binoculars, some patience and a good guide, and you will spot a rare bird. ERGETS OF CORBETT NATIONAL PARK If you are on a bird watching holiday, this is the place for you. Groups of enthusiasts undertake trekking expeditions to spot 600 species at this bird paradise. Nona Walia TL22NOV15