Birdwatching is a popular activity in India, thanks to the country’s diverse ecosystem and abundance of rare and beautiful bird species. India is home to over 1,300 bird species, and birdwatchers from around the world come to India to catch a glimpse of some of these rare species. In this post, we will explore the top 10 birdwatching spots in India and what makes them special.
Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan
Keoladeo National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the state of Rajasthan. It is one of the most popular birdwatching spots in India, and the park is spread over an area of 29 square kilometers.
The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with around 400 species of birds, including rare and endangered species such as the Siberian Crane and the Great Indian Bustard. Some of the most notable bird species at Keoladeo National Park include the Painted Stork, White-Breasted Kingfisher, Indian Grey Hornbill, Spoonbill, Bar-headed Goose, Pelican, and Indian Peafowl. The park is also home to several species of migratory birds, including the Northern Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, and the Common Teal. The park is also home to several other wildlife species, including deer, wild boar, and jackals.
The best time to visit Keoladeo National Park is from November to February when the weather is pleasant, and the migratory birds arrive. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and visitors are advised to plan their visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the birds are most active. The park is closed during the monsoon season from July to September.
Mishmi Hills, Arunachal Pradesh
If you are a birdwatcher and want to explore the stunning biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas, then Mishmi Hills is a place you should visit. Located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, Mishmi Hills is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 450 bird species. The region’s unique topography and diverse climate have created an ideal habitat for a wide range of bird species.
Mishmi Hills is home to several rare and endangered bird species, including the Mishmi Wren Babbler, Ward’s Trogon, and Beautiful Nuthatch. The region’s dense forests and high-altitude wetlands provide habitat for a diverse range of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Mishmi Hills is a must-visit destination for any birdwatcher and nature lover. The region’s stunning biodiversity and unique topography provide an ideal habitat for a wide range of bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
The best time to visit Mishmi Hills for bird watching is from November to April, as this is the time when most of the migratory birds arrive in the region. However, the weather can be cold during this time, so make sure to carry warm clothes.
Apart from birdwatching, Mishmi Hills also offers several other experiences for nature lovers. You can go on a trek to explore the region’s stunning landscapes, visit the local villages to experience the unique culture of the Mishmi tribe and indulge in local cuisine.
Chilika Lake, Odisha
Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, is a paradise for birdwatchers. The lake is a Ramsar site spread over an area of 1,100 square kilometers and is home to over 275 species of birds, including both resident and migratory birds.
Some of the birds you can spot here include the flamingo, pelican, kingfisher, spoonbill, white-bellied sea eagles, and many more. Apart from birdwatching, you can also enjoy boating, fishing, and camping.
species. The best time to visit Chilika Lake is between November and February when migratory birds arrive here from Central Asia and Europe. The lake is closed during the monsoon season from June to September.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is a small bird sanctuary located in Kerala. This sanctuary is home to over 300 bird species, including some rare and endemic species such as the Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon. Some of the other notable bird species at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary include the Ceylon Frogmouth, Indian Pitta, and many more.
The best time to visit Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is between October and March when the migratory birds arrive here from Central Asia and Europe. You can also go for a nature walk in the forest to spot different bird species.
Sultanpur National Park, Haryana
Located just 15 kilometers from Gurgaon, Sultanpur National Park is a popular destination for birdwatching near Delhi. The park is spread over an area of 1.43 square kilometers and is home to over 250 species of birds, including resident birds and migratory birds that arrive from November to March.
Some of the birds you can spot here include the White-throated Kingfisher, Eurasian Hoopoe, Indian Roller, Common Myna, and many more. Apart from birdwatching, you can also explore the park on nature walks, treks, and bicycle rides.
The best time to visit Sultanpur National Park is from November to March. The park is closed during the monsoon season from July to September.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famous one-horned rhinoceros. Apart from the rhinoceros, the park is also home to over 300 species of birds, making it one of the best birdwatching spots in India.
Some of the birds you can spot here include the Bengal Florican, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Swamp Francolin, Black-necked Stork, and many more.
The best time to visit Kaziranga National Park for birdwatching is from November to April. The park remains closed from May to October due to the monsoon season.
Sattal, Uttarakhand
Sattal is a small town located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, and it is known for its seven interconnected freshwater lakes. The lush green surroundings of Sattal provide an ideal habitat for a wide range of bird species.
The best time to visit Sattal is between March and June when migratory birds arrive here from Central Asia and Europe, and Sattal is home to over 325 species. You can spot birds like the Himalayan bulbuls, blue-throated barbets, red-billed blue magpies, and many more. You can also go for a nature walk in the forest or take a boat ride in the lake to spot different bird species.
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, located near Ahmedabad, is a popular destination for birdwatching in Gujarat. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 120 square kilometers and is home to over 250 species of birds.
Some of the birds you can spot here include the Sarus Crane, Flamingo, Spoonbill, Kingfisher, and many more. Apart from birdwatching, you can also enjoy boating and fishing.
The best time to visit Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is from November to February. The sanctuary is closed during the monsoon season from June to September.
Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra
Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary is located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, and it is one of the best birdwatching spots in the state. The sanctuary is located on the backwaters of the Ujani Dam, which makes it an ideal habitat for migratory birds.
The best time to visit Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary is between December and March when migratory birds arrive here from Central Asia and Europe.
Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary is home to over 310 bird species, and you can spot birds like the greater flamingos, painted storks, pelicans, bar-headed geese, and many more. You can also take a boat ride in the backwaters to spot different bird species.
Latpanchar, West Bengal
Latpanchar, located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, is a quaint village known for its scenic beauty and exotic bird species. The region is situated at an altitude of 4,500 feet and is surrounded by lush green forests, making it an ideal birdwatching spot in India.
Latpanchar is home to over 200 species of birds, including the rare and endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill, Himalayan Griffon, and Blue-fronted Robin. Other species that can be spotted in the area include Sunbirds, Yuhinas, Barbets, Laughingthrushes, and Woodpeckers.
The best time to visit Latpanchar for birdwatching is between October and May, when the weather is pleasant, and the birds are most active. There are several homestays and guesthouses in Latpanchar, which offer comfortable accommodations to tourists.
The local guides are well-versed in the region and can take visitors to the best spots for birdwatching. The guided tours include trekking through the forests, which offers a unique opportunity to observe the birds in their natural habitat.
Conclusion – Birdwatching Spots in India
India is a paradise for birdwatchers, and there are many places in the country where you can spot a wide range of bird species. The places mentioned above are some of the best birdwatching spots in India and offer a unique experience for nature lovers. Make sure to plan your visit during the best time to visit and hire a local guide to get the most out of your birdwatching experience.
Hope you liked the article. You can support me by sharing the article with your family and friends, who may be interested in this topic. Also, don’t forget to check and subscribe to my Youtube Channel. Would love to hear from you if you have any feedback.
