About Chupi Char Oxbow Lake
Chupi Char Oxbow Lake is a natural oxbow lake formed by the Bhagirathi River at Chupi village near Purbasthali in Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal. Separated from the main river channel, it forms a horseshoe-shaped wetland known for its calm waters and rich biodiversity. It is notable as a winter habitat for migratory birds and a popular eco-tourism and birdwatching destination with traditional row-boat rides through the lake.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a calm, horseshoe-shaped freshwater wetland surrounded by villages, paddy fields and fishing areas. The lake offers quiet row-boat rides through narrow channels lined with aquatic vegetation, open water for birdwatching, and watchtowers for viewing migratory birds in winter. The setting is rural and natural with small ghats, fishing boats, and seasonal bird activity rather than developed tourist infrastructure.
Key highlights
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Natural oxbow lake formed by the cutoff of the Bhagirathi River
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Important wintering ground for migratory birds including Red-crested Pochard, Osprey and other waterfowl
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Traditional hand-rowed boat rides through the lake channels
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Designated bird sanctuary area within the Purbasthali wetland complex
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Scenic rural landscape with fishing activities and aquatic vegetation
History of Chupi Char Oxbow Lake
The lake is a natural oxbow formed when a meander of the Bhagirathi River, a distributary of the Ganges, was cut off from the main channel, creating a horseshoe-shaped wetland. Over time it has become part of the Purbasthali wetland system and is recognized for its ecological value as a bird habitat.
Culture & Context
The wetland supports local fishing communities and seasonal eco-tourism centered on birdwatching. It is locally known as Chupir Char and is valued as a community natural resource and bird sanctuary that attracts nature enthusiasts in winter.
Route
| By air |
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