Pondicherry is home to numerous attractions, and every visit will be a delightful surprise. No wonder exploring completely this beautiful coastal town in one go is not possible. There are many beautiful places to visit in Pondicherry.Beyond the Pristine beaches, French colonies, churches, and temples Pondicheery is home to diverse flora and fauna. Ousteri Wetland and National Park. Exploring Pondicherry beyond the White Streets is one of the best things to do in Pondicherry.
Join us on this journey and let’s explore Ousteri Wetland and National Park together, learn more about these flora and fauna, the best time to visit Ousteri Wetland and National Park, entry tickets, etc..Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a photographer, or simply a lover of nature, Ousteri Wetland and National Park promises a memorable experience.
Ousteri Wetland and National Park Overview
Ousteri Wetland is also known as Ousteri Lake and it is situated around 10 km away from the main city. Ousteri Lake is a large man-made lake that was constructed a century ago. It is one of the largest freshwater catchments in the whole of Puducherry. Stretching over nearly 390 hectares from Puducherry to Tamil Nadu, it acts as a swampy area. The wetland supplies water to the whole city throughout the year.
How to Reach Ousteri Wetland and National Park
Reaching Ousteri Wetland and National Park is not at all a difficulty. It is located about 10 km from the city center of Pondicherry. One can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Pondicherry to reach the park. If you take the Villianur Road, which starts directly from the center of the city, you will reach the place If you rely on public transport, local buses and shared autos are available.Suggested to read – Bike rentals in Pondicherry
Best Time to Visit to Ousteri Wetland and National Park
You can visit the Ousteri Wetland and National Park anytime throughout the year. But to truly experience its essence, the best time to visit is during the winter months (November to February)The weather is pleasant and the park will be inhabited by a wide array of immigrating birds. Morning and late afternoons are the best times for bird watching and photography due to ideal light conditions and high activeness among the bird populace.
Activities in Ousteri Wetland and National Park
There are so many adventure activities to do in Pondicherry. One would visit the Ousteri Wetland and National Park, mostly because of the birds that one gets to see there.
It houses over 200 birds, both migratory and resident, which also includes painted storks, open-billed storks, white ibises, white-breasted waterhen, and many more.
It is a photographer’s paradise, with the landscapes and sceneries offered by the place and its birdlife. Getting those special moments of a sunrise over the marshland or the grace of birds in flight can be captured and it would be one of the best photography places in the world.
Take a peaceful boat ride through the placid waters of the marshland. Indeed, boating gives quite a different view of the park and brings one closer to the birds.
Stroll along Nature Walks winding through the Park. Everything around seems to be green and calm, refreshing the minds.
Places to Visit Near Ousteri Wetland and National Park
After exploring the Ousteri Wetland and National Park, one can explore the nearby attractions like:- Botanical Garden: Located in the heart of Pondicherry, this botanical garden offers several STRUs, exotics, and a cool, serene ambiance for a leisurely stroll.
- Auroville: Auroville is an experimental township, just a short drive from the park, and is an attempt at manifesting human unity. Its visiting card comes in the form of the Matrimandir in the shape of an iconic golden globe structure.
- Promenade Beach: Take up an ambling walk in the succinct and serene Promenade Beach, located 10 kilometers from the park. The beach is perfect to relax and enjoy the coastal beauty of Pondicherry.
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram: This is one of the most famous ashrams in India that offers a tranquil retreat to those who seek spiritual solace.
- Paradise Beach: Paradise Beach is one of the beautiful Blue Flag beaches in Pondicherry. It is truly a tropical paradise. With its pristine crystal blue waters, and soft sandy shores. It is one of the must-visit beaches in Pondicherry.
Timings and Entry fees Of Ousteri Wetland and National Park
The wetland park stays open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM throughout the year. Entry to the park is free. However, a fee payable exists for the use of cameras, boat rides as well as food items/soft drinks. But the chargers are bare minimal and serve as a necessary means of sustaining this natural park area.Suggested to read- Cycling in Pondicherry
How to Plan a Visit to the Ousteri Wetland and National Park
- Proper Attire: The best attire for this kind of visit involves negligibly prepared clothes made up of light and airy fabric. The summer heat is high here, and you’d better be prepared to sweat out.
- Good binoculars: You will really want to possess good-quality binoculars to truly enjoy the attraction of a bird-watching venture.
- Snacks and Water: Inside the park, there is less possibility of getting any benefits, so it’s good to carry the snacks and the water you need.
- Do respect the animals: Try to keep enough distance from the birds and other animals, so they are not disturbed.
- Lastly, the cleanliness of Ousteri Wetland and National Park is to be ensured. Use jute bags for refuse carrier wastes and avoidance of plastics. The cleanliness of the park is of much importance to its beauty and the sustainable tourism in India. We should ensure as responsible tourists that these pristine natural wonders are preserved for our future generations.
By this, we come to the end of this journey and we hope we have provided you with all the information about Ousteri Wetland and National Park.The Ousteri Wetland and National Park, situated in Pondicherry, is an offbeat destination in itself. It has its own reasons for influencing the visiting population. This wetland is very important for nature lovers and birdwatchers, not only because of its serene, quiet environment but also due to the variety of birds seen here and the landscapes one comes across.
Have a visit scheduled to this enchanting wetland in Pondicherry and soak yourself in serene beauty in one of its most precious ecological treasuries. This place undoubtedly has to be on the list of must-visits in Pondicherry for one and all until its rich biodiversity and tranquil surroundings completely mesmerize the senses.
