10 Best Bird Watching Destinations in India to Visit

This article focuses on the Best Destinations in India for Bird Watching, showcasing places where enthusiasts can admire the beauty of various bird species in wetlands, forests, and hills.

From Rajasthan’s Keoladeo National Park to Chilika Lake in Odisha, these locations provide wonderful experiences with migratory and resident birds in their natural surroundings.

Key Points & Best Bird Watching Destinations in India to Visit

Destination	Key Highlights
Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan	UNESCO site; over 370 species; winter haven for Siberian cranes and pelicans.
Chilika Lake, Odisha	Asia’s largest brackish lagoon; flamingos, spoonbills, sea eagles.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala	Western Ghats gem; Malabar grey hornbills, frogmouths, trogons.
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh	Rare Bugun liocichla; Himalayan species hotspot.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan	Migratory birds galore; wetlands teeming with ducks, storks, and herons.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam	Known for rhinos and birds; storks, pelicans, and raptors.
Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand	Himalayan foothills; over 600 bird species including crested serpent eagle.
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat	Wetland habitat; flamingos, herons, and migratory ducks.
Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh	Alpine birds like Himalayan monal and snow partridge.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka	Riverine sanctuary; painted storks, kingfishers, and spoonbills

Best Bird Watching Destinations in India to Visit

1. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan

Keoladeo National Park, similarly called Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is one of the most notable places to use to observe birds in India.

This bird sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains more than 370 species of birds, including Central Asian and Siberian migratory birds.

In winter, the Siberian crane, pelicans, storks, and herons can be easily seen. The wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands of the park create a suitable atmosphere for resident and migratory birds.

The park can be explored by eager birders on foot, bike, or rickshaw, making it an enjoyable experience. It’s a wonderful spot for ornithologists and nature photographers.

Famous For	Details
UNESCO Heritage Site	Recognized for its exceptional bird diversity and wetland ecosystem.
Migratory Birds	Famous for Siberian cranes, pelicans, and storks during winter.
Photography	A paradise for bird photographers due to its rich wildlife and scenic beauty.
Eco-Tours	Bicycle and rickshaw tours available for birdwatchers.

2. Chilika Lake, Odisha

As the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, Chilika Lake is exceptional in the incredible birding opportunities it provides.

It covers more than 1,100 square kilometers and during the winter attracts more than a million migratory birds.

It is a treat for the eyes with its vast population of flamingos, white-bellied sea eagles, herons, and sandpipers.

Nalaban Island, one of the islands in the lagoon, is a bird sanctuary and a hotspot for various migrating birds.

The lagoon has a unique and very biodiverse combination of saline, brackish, and freshwater. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the opportunity to spot Irrawaddy dolphins while they are boating.

The combination of incredible scenery and diverse birds is what makes Chilika one of the best birding locations in India.

Famous For	Details
Largest Lagoon in Asia	Spreads over 1,100 sq km and connects to the Bay of Bengal.
Flamingo Congregation	Hosts thousands of flamingos during migratory season.
Nalaban Island	A core bird sanctuary area within the lake.
Irrawaddy Dolphins	Unique species found in the lake’s brackish waters.

3. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is also known as Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Kerala’s first bird sanctuary, and where Dr.

Salim Ali, Kerala’s first bird sanctuary, and one of the richest in the country in terms of the diversity of species.

Located in the Western Ghats, it spans about 25 square kilometers and is home to over 300 species.

Bird watchers can see the Malabar grey hornbill, Sri Lanka frogmouth, and Indian pitta, to name a few.

The sanctuary’s expansive forests, wetlands, and streams provide ideal conditions for both endemic and migratory birds.

Being close to Cochin, it is a gentle escape for bird watchers in South India as it combines both vibrant and serene bird watching.

Famous For	Details
Dr. Salim Ali Sanctuary	Named after India’s renowned ornithologist.
Endemic Birds	Home to Malabar grey hornbill and Sri Lanka frogmouth.
Western Ghats Location	Nestled amidst lush tropical forests.
Birding Trails	Offers guided walks for beginners and experts alike.

4. Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh is a hidden gem for serious birdwatchers.

Situated in the Eastern Himalayas, the sanctuary is home to over 450 bird species, including the rare Bugun liocichla, which was discovered here in 2006.

Because the sanctuary has a varied altitude from 500 to 3,000 meters, it has different habitats for birds ranging from subtropical forests to alpine meadows.

During the winter months, birdwatchers can see the brightly colored birds like ward’s trogon, the various wren-babblers, and laughingthrushes.

Eaglenest is unique for the pristine beauty of its surroundings and is one of the best locations for birding in all of Asia.

The sanctuary has rich biodiversity and untouched nature, which make it an unforgettable location

Famous For	Details
Rare Discoveries	Home to the Bugun liocichla, discovered in 2006.
Altitudinal Diversity	Ranges from 500m to 3,000m, supporting diverse species.
Pristine Environment	One of India’s least disturbed birding habitats.
Himalayan Species	Spot Ward’s trogon, laughingthrushes, and wren-babblers.

5. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan

For those passionate about birdwatching, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, or Keoladeo National Park, is a perfect place to a birdwatchers gathering.

Formerly a royal hunting ground, it was the first bird sanctuary in the country. With its wetlands and waterlogged habitats, it attracts and sustains over 370 species of resident and migratory birds.

During winter, the large waterfowl, including cranes and pelicans, become a delight for birdwatchers. Other birds like kingfishers, owls, and raptors are permanent residents.

The sanctuary offers several well-kept paths for cycling and birdwatching, among marhses and cycling paths situated about the sanctuary.

Famous For	Details
Migratory Hub	Hosts over 370 bird species each year.
UNESCO World Heritage Site	Recognized for conservation and biodiversity.
Wetland Habitat	Ideal for cranes, ducks, geese, and pelicans.
Accessible Birding	Walking and cycling trails throughout the park.

6. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga National Park is most popular for its rhinoceros, but is also a remarkable place for birdwatchers.

It is situated at the floodplain of the Brahmaputra River and boasts over 480 species of birds, including many threatened globally.

The varied habitats created by the mixture of grasslands, wetlands, and forest allow a variety of migratory and resident birds to make the park their home.

Birdwatchers have the opportunity to see the Bengal florican, great hornbills and several species of eagles.

The jeep and boat safaris, along the river, and Kaziranga’s wetlands and variety of birds, create a great experience for photography and birdwatching.

Famous For	Details
One-Horned Rhinoceros	World-famous population of the Indian rhino.
Bird Diversity	Over 480 bird species, including Bengal florican.
Brahmaputra Floodplains	Lush landscapes perfect for birdwatching.
Jeep & Boat Safaris	Unique wildlife viewing experiences.

7. Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Not only is Corbett National Park a tiger reserve, it is also a captivating place for birdwatching.

India’s oldest national park is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is home to over 600 bird species, including the crested serpent eagle, Himalayan rubythroat, and great hornbill.

The park’s Ramganga River, dense forests, and grasslands, together with the seasonal changes, are rich ecosystems for both migratory and resident bird species.

Birdwatchers can visit the Dhikala or Bijrani zones for a diversity of sightings. The park is a unique spot for nature photographers and those into birding who desire a complete wildlife experience to visit.

Famous For	Details
India’s Oldest National Park	Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park.
Avian Variety	Home to over 600 bird species.
Scenic Terrain	Mix of riverine, grassland, and Himalayan foothills.
Tiger Reserve	Offers a combination of birding and wildlife safaris.

8. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat

Located near Ahmedabad, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat. The sanctuary also provides a winter refuge for migratory birds.

The sanctuary covers an area of 120 square kilometers, and the shallow lake within the sanctuary, during winter, attracts over 200 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and spoonbills.

Furthermore, the lake provides winter sustenance for migratory birds from ubiquity as Siberia and Europe. Nalsarovar is a birdwatchers sanctuary and provides the opportunity for early morning boat rides

Which are a great way to experience the winter and bird watching. The calm and still water of the lake also provides great photographic opportunities which are enhanced every winter with the social birds.

Famous For	Details
Migratory Flamingos	Thousands of flamingos arrive during winter.
Shallow Lake Habitat	Ideal for wading and aquatic birds.
Sunrise Boat Rides	Popular among photographers and birders.
Proximity to Ahmedabad	Easily accessible weekend destination.

9. Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh

Located in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu region, Great Himalayan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a secluded birding spot.

Spanning altitudes of 1,500 and 6,000 meters, it shelters more than 200 bird species, among them the western tragopan, Himalayan monal, and lammergeier.

The rugged terrain, high-altitude, and variety vegetation of the park-e be alpine meadows, dense forests, or the mix provide sufficient and diverse habitat for high-altitude birds.

The Himalayan region provides a setting for the unique birds and the Himalayan species that are rarely seen.

The remote wilderness and it’s stunning natural wilderness are rich in rare sightings, finally, it is a barren must for tourist and birders.

Famous For	Details
UNESCO World Heritage Site	Recognized for its Himalayan biodiversity.
High-Altitude Birds	Home to Himalayan monal and western tragopan.
Trekking Trails	Combine adventure with birding.
Alpine Meadows	Perfect for spotting mountain bird species.

10. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka

Karnataka’s largest bird sanctuary and a birdwatching paradise, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, is located near Mysuru.

The Sanctuary is located in the middle of the Kaveri river and is the habitat of over 170 bird species which include painted storks, spoonbills, pelicans, and kingfishers and migratory birds in winter.

By nesting in the sanctuary, the birds provide the guests excellent close birdwatching and photography opportunities, and the greenery that is bird speckled provide soft winter light.

The forest department is so organized that the birds and patrons provide shelter and a great environment that is a great place is Ranganathittu sanctuary and birding destination for the whole of South India.

Famous For	Details
Riverine Islands	Formed by the Cauvery River near Mysuru.
Migratory Birds	Pelicans, spoonbills, and painted storks flock here.
Boat Safaris	Offer close-up views of nesting colonies.
Lush Scenery	Serene landscapes ideal for nature lovers.

Conclusion

To sum up, India celebrates bird-watching destinations that are among the most diverse and stunning in the world.

Every location guarantees one-of-a-kind bird experiences, whether in the lowlands of Keoladeo and Chilika or the Himalayan heights of Eaglenest and Great Himalayan National Park.

These bird sanctuaries are a haven for the bird enthusiasts and for the nature and photography lovers.

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