Kuş Cenneti

About Kuş Cenneti

Kuş Cenneti is a wetland in Davutoğlan village, within Ankara’s Nallıhan district, where the Aladağ Stream meets the Sarıyar Dam. Its character comes from the meeting of flowing water, reservoir shoreline, reed beds, rocky ground and bird habitat. The site belongs to the Davutoğlan Wildlife Development Area, where hunting is prohibited. Covering approximately 425 hectares, it is a landscape-led destination for observing wildlife and water rather than a conventional urban park or enclosed museum. The experience is shaped by weather, light, seasonal conditions and the patience of the visitor. Come prepared to spend time looking across the habitat, listening and moving quietly through an outdoor protected setting.

Checked 2026-09-02 · Source

What's inside

The visitor experience centres on the wetland and selected observation points around it. Project material describes a visitor information centre, birdwatching hides, viewpoints and walking areas at parts of the site. These facilities provide places to orient yourself and observe without moving directly towards birds. The wider setting combines open water, reed beds, rocky slopes and reservoir views, so the character changes from one position to another. Official records report 191 bird species observed in the area, although the species visible on any particular visit will depend on conditions and timing. Treat the structures as aids to wildlife watching; the wetland itself remains the principal attraction.

Checked 2026-09-02 · Source

How long to spend

Allow at least two hours for a first visit that includes quiet observation. That time can cover the visitor information centre, a viewpoint and a nearby birdwatching hide, with pauses to scan the water and surrounding habitat. A shorter stop is possible if you only want a quick look, while birdwatchers may wish to stay considerably longer and revisit more than one observation point. No official route length is recorded, so your walking time will depend on pace, weather, daylight and ground conditions. Plan the journey separately from the visit itself: reaching Nallıhan does not mean you have reached Davutoğlan or the wetland entrance.

Checked 2026-09-02 · Source

Season and crowds

Plan to visit in daylight, when the open water, reed beds, slopes and observation structures are easiest to distinguish. Let weather and natural-ground conditions influence how far you walk and which viewpoints you use. This is an outdoor wetland, so expect exposure to sun and wind and dress accordingly. Keep voices low and maintain distance from wildlife throughout the visit. The area is protected, and hunting is prohibited within the Davutoğlan Wildlife Development Area.

Checked 2026-09-02 · Source

Tickets

Accordingly, no ticket price or free-admission claim is made here. The confirmed visitor experience is centred on the wetland, observation points, hides, viewpoints and walking areas. Keep admission separate from other possible costs connected with reaching Davutoğlan, such as arranging local transport from Nallıhan. Those transport arrangements are part of the journey, not evidence of an entrance charge to the bird sanctuary.

Checked 2026-09-02 · Source

Getting there

From Ankara, follow the Beypazarı–Nallıhan route to Nallıhan, then continue towards Davutoğlan village. Kuş Cenneti lies north of the Sarıyar Dam, at the point where the Aladağ Stream joins the reservoir. Ankara Governorate information identifies EGO services from Ulus to Nallıhan and Nallıhan Birlik buses from Akköprü Varlık Mahallesi. These services reach Nallıhan, not necessarily the wetland entrance. Arrange a local vehicle for the final connection to Davutoğlan and the sanctuary, and plan that Nallıhan-to-site leg as a separate part of the journey if you are travelling by public transport.

Checked 2026-09-02 · Source

What to watch out for

Kuş Cenneti is a natural wetland with varied ground, not a uniformly level city-park route. The project material describes visitor infrastructure at selected points, while the wider landscape includes reed beds, rocky slopes and natural surfaces. Wear suitable outdoor shoes and choose walking areas according to conditions. Keep noise low, stay at a respectful distance from birds and follow protection instructions on site. Natural ground may slow movement after wet weather, and a visible track should not automatically be treated as a formal path. Hunting is prohibited in the Davutoğlan Wildlife Development Area.

Checked 2026-09-02 · Source

Photography

The wetland offers subjects for both landscape and bird photography: open water, reed beds, rocky slopes and the Sarıyar Dam create changing backgrounds, while viewpoints and birdwatching hides provide places to observe from a distance. Work in daylight and use binoculars or a long lens instead of approaching wildlife. Move quietly, secure equipment on uneven natural ground and avoid blocking other observers. Patient framing from an established observation point suits this protected habitat better than trying to get closer for a dramatic image. The changing light across water and slopes can make a single viewpoint worth revisiting.

Checked 2026-09-02 · Source

Where it is

• 45 min

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External links