Menar Bird Village

Menar Bird Village is a renowned wetland and Ramsar site located in Udaipur district, Rajasthan. Known as the 'Bird Village of Rajasthan', it features twin lakes—Brahma Talab and Dhand Talab—that serve as a sanctuary for over 150 bird species, including numerous migratory and endangered birds. The village has been recognized globally for its community-led conservation efforts, earning the Best Tourism Village 2023 award and Ramsar designation in 2025.

Visitors can expect a serene rural setting with expansive freshwater wetlands surrounded by the Aravalli Hills. The area offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, particularly during winter months when migratory species arrive. Visitors can observe diverse birdlife including flamingos, pelicans, cranes, and vultures from the lake periphery. The village maintains traditional Rajasthani culture with ancient temples and hosts cultural festivals. Local volunteers known as Pakshi Mitras assist visitors with bird identification and conservation insights.

Menar has a two-century history of bird conservation dating back to the British era. In 1832, villagers famously banished a British officer who attempted to hunt birds near the wetland, establishing a tradition of protecting avian life. The village has maintained this conservation commitment through generations, with the Menaria Brahmin community serving as stewards of the wetland ecosystem.

Menar is celebrated for its unique community-led conservation model where locals consider birds as family members rather than mere wildlife. The village hosts vibrant cultural festivals including Gavri festival after Raksha Bandhan and Rathyatra procession during Navratri in October. It received the Best Tourism Village 2023 Silver medal from the United Nations in collaboration with Indian government ministries, recognizing its sustainable tourism practices and cultural heritage preservation.