Best Places for Birding in India

Now known as the Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur National Park is a famous avifauna sanctuary and a bird watching paradise listed among UNESCO's World Heritage sites. The 29 km reserve is locally known as Ghana and is a mosaic of dry grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps, and wetlands. These diverse habitats are home to 366 bird species, 379 floral species, 50 species of fish, 13 species of snakes, 5 species of lizards, 7 amphibian species,7 turtle species, and a variety of other invertebrates. Every year thousands of migratory waterfowl visit the park for winter breeding.

Best Time For Bird Watching: August to February

A perfect weekend getaway from Delhi, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is an amazing escape, especially for nature lovers and birding enthusiasts. It is home to a number of migratory birds and is a great spot for spotting the various species, especially during winters. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is located at a distance of 40 kilometres from Dhaula-Kuan in Delhi on the Gurgaon-Farukh Nagar Road. There are astonishing 250 species of birds here during the peak season, i.e. September and during winters.

Best Time For Bird Watching:  October to February

Located in the picturesque state of Karnataka, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Srirangapatna is a haven for a wide array of bird species. It is the largest bird sanctuary in the state and comprises of six small islands on the banks of the river Kaveri. The beauty that finds a place here in Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a sight to sore eyes. The scenery of the local vegetation and landscape, coupled with the colourful variety of wildlife makes it a unique learning experience for everyone. This destination offers many activities to its tourists; the most popular ones include bird watching, boating, and some good old nature photography.

Best Time For Bird Watching: December to February

Situated in the city of Kancheepuram, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a protected sanctuary covering a total area of 30 hectares. This sanctuary is a popular migratory home for around 40,000 different species of birds from all over the world. It is said that such a vast number of birds are attracted to this location because of its various small lakes that prove to be a fertile feeding ground for the birds. As soon as one enters here, the birds can be seen eating, swimming, homemaking, diving, squawking or simple perching on the trees. 

Best Time For Bird Watching: November to February

A little away from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is the Karnala Bird Sanctuary filled with species of both flora and fauna that are sure to astound you. The Sanctuary was established in 1968 and initially covered an area of 4.45 sq.km. However, in 2003 the area was increased to 12.11 sq.km. Today the Karnala Sanctuary is popular among bird watchers as well as hikers who want to get away from the busy urban jungles of their cities. Located around the Karnala Fort the sanctuary also has an added historic attraction besides being a wonderful weekend getaway for hikers, picnickers and of course, bird lovers.

Best Time For Bird Watching: October to April

Named after the 'BirdMan of India', Dr Salim Ali, a famous ornithologist, Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is one of the major attractions in Munnar. Finding itself at the foothills of the Western Ghats, it occupies an area of 25 km sq. Also known as Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, the place is even called as the richest bird habitat of Peninsular India. Bird watching is addictive. Once you encounter this beauty there is no turning back. You would wish to watch more and more. Here you can find Crimson-Throated Barbet, Sunbird, Bee-eater, Night Heron, Black-winged Kite, etc.

Best Time For Bird Watching: December to January

If you wish to have a walk through the best birding mile, then you must surely visit Lava. Lava is located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalaya in the district of Darjeeling. One just has to agree that the eastern Himalayas can offer you a large biodiversity range for you to explore. The Lava Valley along with the nearby Neora Valley is a blissful treat for every bird lover, and one can spot the Satyr Tragon and the Rusty- Bellied Shortwing out there.

Best Time For Bird Watching: October to April

Since the lake is located on the east coast of India and has large water bodies, the place is a heaven for migratory and resident birds, and an equal delight for visitors, especially bird watchers, who stop by to have a look at these majestic creatures. The Chilika Lake Sanctuary is spread over an area of 1100 square kilometres and is home to a myriad of birds. This pear-shaped sanctuary is also one of the most visited sanctuaries in the state of Odisha. The Chilika Lake attracts an array of birds that choose this spot as their winter stopover, and come to visit this lake from as far as Iran, Siberia and Central Asia.

Best Time For Bird Watching: November to February

Known For : Seven Lakes Bhimtal Subhash Dhara

A group of seven fresh water lakes, a stash of nature's bounty and loads of migratory birds and panoramic vistas make this wonderful place called Sattal. A paradise for nature buffs and bird watchers, Sattal has mystery to it that makes it all the more charming and photographer's paradise.

Best Time: April to June, September to December

11 Sattal Attractions

Located just 15 kilometres away from Nainital, Pangot, located in the Kosiyakutoli tehsil of the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, is a small and picturesque hamlet. The village is at a height of 6,300 feet above sea level and is well known all across the nation for its rich and exotic bird life. Set in The Naina Devi Himalayan Bird Conservation Reserve, Pangot is also a hub for photography enthusiasts when hundreds of different species of birds flock here during the harsh winters in the upper Himalayas and settle down here temporarily. A step into the wilderness of Pangot, and you will find yourself in the midst of a remote Himalayan village.

A paradise for wildlife lovers, Kali Tiger Reserve, is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It covers an area of 834.16 sq km and has been recognised as the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in the state. Declared the National Wildlife Sanctuary in 1956, it is home to various flora and fauna, including tigers, woodpeckers, hornbills, kingfishers, leopards, elephants, etc. It was renamed from Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary to Kali Tiger Reserve in 2015.