Tourists flock Varanasi to see migratory birds

VARANASI - Migratory birds from Siberia visiting the banks of the holy river Ganges in Varanasi are luring many foreign and domestic tourists.

With the onset of winter in Russia, thousands of birds arrive in the region to spend their winter in relatively warm climes.

Tourists were seen enjoying the experience of feeding the birds while sailing on boats in the Ganges River.

“I came here from Germany, and one of the first things that we saw here on the banks of river Ganges was these migratory birds. There are so many of them and they are very attractive. Whenever you call them, they come to you because they are always hungry,” said Philip, a tourist.

“Earlier, the tourists used to come to visit the temples in the region, but now they are attracted more to the migratory birds. These birds have enhanced the beauty of the banks of the river Ganges,” said Ramesh, an oarsman.

From early November onwards, these migratory birds keep arriving till December and return during the spring season.

Among the popular varieties that were sighted on the banks of river Ganges include Ruddy Shelduck, Great Crested Grebe, Gadwall, Coot, Tufted Pochard and Bar-Headed Geese. (ANI)