Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary

Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, also known as Kabar Taal, is Asia's largest freshwater oxbow lake located near Manjhaul in Begusarai District, Bihar. Formed by the meandering of the Burhi Gandak River, it covers about 67.5 sq km. Notified as a bird sanctuary in 1986 and designated as Bihar's first Ramsar Site in 2020, it is notable for its wetland ecosystem and seasonal congregation of migratory birds.

Visitors can expect a vast shallow wetland and open water body surrounded by marshes, agricultural fields and floodplains. The sanctuary offers open landscapes for birdwatching with watchtowers and earthen tracks for walking. During winter, large flocks of migratory birds can be seen. A small island within the lake houses the Jaimangla Garh Temple. Facilities are basic and the area is best explored on foot with binoculars.

Kanwar Lake is a natural oxbow lake formed due to the meandering of the Burhi Gandak River, a tributary of the Ganga. It was declared as Kanwar Jheel Bird Sanctuary in 1986 by the Government of Bihar and notified as a protected area. In July 2020, it was designated as a Ramsar Site, becoming the first wetland of international importance in Bihar.

The wetland holds local cultural importance due to the Jaimangla Garh Temple situated on an island within the lake, dedicated to Goddess Jaimangla. The lake supports local fishing and agriculture and is traditionally revered by surrounding communities.