Top Bird Sanctuaries In India to Go BIrdwatching

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo National Park, is one of the most famous bird-watching destinations in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to over 350 species of birds, including migratory species from Siberia. The park features a variety of habitats, such as wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands, providing ample opportunities to spot rare birds. A visit here is a delight for ornithologists and nature lovers alike.

Location: Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Birds Found: Siberian crane, painted stork, grey heron, egrets, and various migratory birds.

Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is famous for its scenic beauty and rich avian population. It attracts migratory birds from different parts of the world, especially during the winter season. The sanctuary also offers boat rides, allowing visitors to explore the area’s natural beauty while spotting birds. It's a peaceful haven for bird watchers and photographers.

Location: Kumarakom, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Birds Found: Siberian crane, pintail, heron, cormorants, and kingfishers.

Ranganathittu is a small but significant bird sanctuary located near the Kaveri River. It is an important nesting site for several migratory birds and is particularly famous for its large population of painted storks. The sanctuary also offers boat tours for close-up bird watching, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. It is one of the best places in South India to observe a diverse array of bird species.

Location: Mandya District, Karnataka
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Birds Found: Painted stork, spoonbill, white ibis, egret, and kingfishers.

Vedanthangal is one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India, located in Tamil Nadu. It is spread across 30 hectares of land and is home to a wide variety of migratory and resident birds. The sanctuary is particularly famous for its large population of migratory waterfowl that visit between November and February. Its serene surroundings make it a perfect spot for bird watching.

Location: Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Birds Found: Migratory waterfowl, painted storks, herons, ducks, and teals.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, located on the island of Chorao in Goa, is a haven for bird enthusiasts. It is home to a variety of bird species, especially those found in the mangrove ecosystems of the area. The sanctuary is named after the renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali and is an excellent place to observe birds in their natural habitat. It offers peaceful walks along nature trails, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the coastal biodiversity.

Location: Chorao Island, Goa
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Birds Found: White-bellied sea eagle, mangrove whistler, black-crowned night heron, and waders.

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, located just outside Delhi, is a hotspot for bird watchers, particularly during the migratory season. The sanctuary’s wetlands attract a wide variety of waterfowl, making it an ideal location for bird photography. The peaceful surroundings also offer walking trails, making it easy for visitors to explore. The sanctuary is home to several endangered species, providing an important habitat for conservation.

Location: Sultanpur, Haryana
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Birds Found: Sarus crane, duck species, migratory waders, and waterfowl.

Pangot, located near Nainital in Uttarakhand, is a charming hill station with a rich avian diversity. The area is known for its dense forests, which attract over 200 species of birds. It is a popular bird-watching destination for those seeking a peaceful environment with the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Pangot is a great place to spot Himalayan species and migratory birds.

Location: Nainital, Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Birds Found: Himalayan griffon vulture, koklass pheasant, woodpeckers, and Himalayan bulbul.

Known For : Seven Lakes Bhimtal Subhash Dhara

Sattal Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful, tranquil sanctuary located near Nainital, surrounded by a cluster of seven lakes. It is an excellent destination for bird watchers, especially those interested in observing high-altitude bird species. The sanctuary is known for its pristine natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The lush forests and lakes provide perfect habitats for various bird species.

Location: Nainital, Uttarakhand
Birds Found: Himalayan bulbul, woodpecker, brown-headed barbet, and pheasants.

Best Time: April to June, September to December

11 Sattal Attractions

Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a small but vibrant sanctuary located near Mumbai. It is home to a wide variety of avian species, including several migratory birds. The sanctuary’s primary attraction is its location near the Karnala Fort, which offers excellent trekking opportunities along with bird watching. It is a great spot for nature enthusiasts looking to explore the forests of the Western Ghats.

Location: Panvel, Maharashtra
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Birds Found: Ashy prinia, paradise flycatcher, grey hornbill, and violet-crowned hummingbird.

Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, located in the Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the best places in India for bird watching. It is renowned for being home to one of the largest populations of the endangered Siberian cranes in India. The sanctuary is spread across vast wetlands, which provide a perfect breeding ground for numerous bird species. It’s an important site for both migratory and resident birds.

Location: Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Birds Found: Siberian crane, painted stork, white ibis, and several wader species.

Known For : Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Bhoothathankettu Dam

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is situated near the banks of the Periyar River in Kerala, known for its dense forests and diverse wildlife. The sanctuary is particularly famous for its rich birdlife, with over 270 species of birds, including several rare and endemic species. It is often considered one of the best places in Kerala for bird watching, with peaceful surroundings and excellent trekking routes. A great destination for both amateur and professional ornithologists, it offers a unique bird-watching experience.

Location: Thattekad, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Birds Found: Indian hornbill, Sri Lanka frogmouth, black baza, and grey-headed fish eagle.

Best Time: Throughout the year

2 Thattekad Attractions

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a small but rich sanctuary located in the heart of Kochi city, Kerala. It is a critical mangrove ecosystem that attracts a variety of resident and migratory birds, particularly during the winter months. The sanctuary offers a calm and peaceful setting, ideal for bird watching and nature walks. It also serves as an important site for preserving the coastal biodiversity of Kerala.

Location: Kochi, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Birds Found: Indian shag, white-bellied sea eagle, terns, and migratory waders.

Karikili Bird Sanctuary, located near the Tamil Nadu border in Kerala, is a popular spot for bird watchers. The sanctuary is known for its vast water bodies and wetlands, which attract a large number of waterfowl and migratory birds. The serene environment and surrounding forest make it an ideal place to observe birds and other wildlife. It also features a small hillock offering panoramic views of the sanctuary.

Location: Karikili, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Birds Found: Indian spot-billed duck, great cormorant, herons, and teals.

Karera Bird Sanctuary, located in Madhya Pradesh, is a prominent haven for migratory birds, especially during the winter season. It is known for its grasslands and wetlands, which attract a variety of species of birds, including the endangered bustard. The sanctuary is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a great spot for bird photography and nature walks. The peaceful surroundings provide a perfect escape for bird enthusiasts.

Location: Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Birds Found: Great Indian bustard, demoiselle crane, painted stork, and lapwings.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, located near the city of Kanpur, is one of the most popular bird-watching spots in Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of birds, especially migratory species during the winter months. The wetland areas and surrounding grasslands provide an ideal habitat for birds. It is also a great spot for nature photography, offering scenic views of the birds in their natural environment.

Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Birds Found: Sarus crane, teal, painted stork, and spot-billed ducks.

The Porbandar Bird Sanctuary, located in Gujarat, is an important bird-watching destination along the Arabian Sea coast. The sanctuary is known for its coastal habitats that attract various species of seabirds, particularly during the migratory season. It also has salt marshes, wetlands, and mudflats, which are vital for bird breeding and feeding. The sanctuary is a peaceful place for bird watching, with opportunities to spot various coastal birds.

Location: Porbandar, Gujarat
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Birds Found: Flamingos, herons, egrets, and sandpipers.

Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary, situated at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers, is a vital wetland habitat for a variety of bird species. It is an important stopover for migratory birds on their way to northern India during the winter months. The sanctuary is also a major breeding ground for various species of birds, and offers boat rides for better bird-watching experiences. It is an ideal spot for ornithologists and nature lovers.

Location: Tarn Taran, Punjab
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Birds Found: Siberian crane, bar-headed geese, greylag goose, and waders.

Located near the banks of the Hooghly River, Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary is a haven for migratory birds, especially during the winter months. The sanctuary's wetlands and paddy fields attract numerous waterfowl and other bird species. It is a relatively less explored bird-watching spot, offering peaceful surroundings for bird enthusiasts. The sanctuary also offers scenic views of the surrounding rural landscape.

Location: Purbasthali, West Bengal
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Birds Found: Bar-headed geese, migratory waders, herons, and teals.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, located along the Kadalundi River in Kerala, is famous for its rich variety of migratory birds. The sanctuary is home to over 100 species of birds, making it an important bird-watching spot in South India. The tidal rivers and backwaters offer a perfect environment for birds, particularly during the winter months. The area also supports a wide range of marine life, adding to its ecological significance.

Location: Kozhikode, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Birds Found: Migratory shorebirds, white-bellied sea eagle, herons, and egrets.

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is a serene haven located near the town of Sorab in Karnataka, known for its dense forests and wetlands. The sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, particularly during the migratory season when it attracts a diverse range of species. It is an ideal destination for birdwatchers looking to witness both resident and migratory birds in their natural habitat. The peaceful environment, along with the surrounding greenery, makes Gudavi an ideal place for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Location: Sorab, Karnataka
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Birds Found: Painted stork, white ibis, grey heron, and black-headed ibis.

Phansad Bird Sanctuary, located in Maharashtra, is known for its rich flora and fauna and offers a great setting for bird watching. The sanctuary is surrounded by dense forests and provides a safe habitat for a variety of birds, including several endangered species. It is a perfect spot for bird lovers looking to explore Maharashtra’s natural beauty while witnessing birds in their natural environment. The sanctuary is also home to other wildlife, including leopards and various species of reptiles.

Location: Raigad, Maharashtra
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Birds Found: Malabar whistling thrush, Indian hornbill, woodpeckers, and Malabar parakeet.

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is a small but significant sanctuary located on the Tunga River in Karnataka. This sanctuary attracts numerous migratory birds, especially during the monsoon and winter months, and is known for its diverse avian population. It provides a perfect setting for birdwatchers, offering clear views of birds in flight and perched on the surrounding trees. The sanctuary is also home to several species of aquatic plants, making it a natural haven for various waterfowl.

Location: Mandagadde, Karnataka
Best Time to Visit: June to September (Monsoon) and November to February
Birds Found: Asian openbill stork, cormorants, darters, and herons.

Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary is one of the best places for bird watching in northern India. The sanctuary is an important stopover for migratory birds traveling along the Central Asian Flyway. It is a mix of wetlands and drylands, attracting a wide range of bird species, making it a popular destination for both bird watchers and nature photographers. The sanctuary also offers walking trails for visitors to explore its diverse habitat.

Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Birds Found: Migratory ducks, waders, egrets, and kingfishers.

Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, located in the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala, is a hidden gem for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Situated at an altitude of about 1,700 meters, it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, especially those of the highland and migratory species. Its rugged terrain and natural beauty make it a unique place to explore for bird lovers seeking an offbeat experience.

Location: Idukki, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Birds Found: Nilgiri wood-pigeon, Indian swiftlet, brown shrike, and Malabar grey hornbill.

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh, is famous for its rich biodiversity and avian diversity. The sanctuary offers a mix of montane and tropical habitats, attracting a variety of bird species, including some rare and endangered ones. It is considered one of the best places in India for spotting exotic birds. Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts flock here for the chance to spot species that are found nowhere else in India.

Location: West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: March to October
Birds Found: Himalayan griffon vulture, black-necked crane, Kalij pheasant, and several species of hornbills.

The Kutch Bustard Sanctuary, located in Gujarat, is a vital conservation area for the endangered Indian bustard. This sanctuary is characterized by its dry, arid landscape and salt marshes, which provide an ideal habitat for the bird. The sanctuary is also home to other species of birds and wildlife, making it an excellent destination for both bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Despite its arid terrain, the sanctuary is teeming with life, especially during the migratory season.

Location: Kutch, Gujarat
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Birds Found: Great Indian bustard, lesser florican, harriers, and cranes.