Kuş Cenneti: Lake Manyas Bird Paradise National Park

✓ Last reviewed: 29 September 2026 — Verified and updated by İlyas Bayrak, licensed Turkish guide (licence 070867), with the My Turkey Adventure editorial team. Prices, opening hours, transport fares and visa rules reflect the latest 2026 guidance. Quick Answer: Kuş Cenneti, or Bird Paradise National Park , is a globally significant bird sanctuary on Lake Manyas , renowned for its massive, noisy breeding colonies of pelicans, cormorants, and herons. It is absolutely worth visiting for anyone interested in nature and wildlife, offering one of the most accessible and rewarding birdwatching Turkey experiences, just a short trip from Istanbul or Bursa . Fact Detail Location Balıkesir province, near Bandırma , on the northeastern shore of Lake Manyas ( Kuş Gölü ). Primary Attraction Mixed breeding colonies in a flooded willow forest; major migratory stopover point. What It Is One of Türkiye's first national parks ( 1959 ) and a designated Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Protection Status National Park; Ramsar Site (Not a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Entry A small park entrance fee is charged. (Fee was less than $5 USD per person, last checked September 2026 , confirm locally). Typical Visit Length 1-2 hours on site is sufficient for the main viewing areas. Nearest Airport Bursa Yenişehir Airport (YXE) , approximately 120 km away. Driving Time Roughly 2 hours from central Bursa ; about 30 minutes from Bandırma . Best Months March to June for the peak breeding season spectacle. What Is Kuş Cenneti National Park? Kuş Cenneti , a name that translates literally to "Bird Paradise," is one of the crown jewels of conservation in Turkey . Officially known as Kuş Cenneti National Park , it occupies a small but critical corner of Lake Manyas ( Kuş Gölü or "Bird Lake"). Established in 1959 , it holds the distinction of being one of the very first national parks in the Republic of Türkiye , a testament to the early recognition of its incredible ecological value. The park