India is a Land rich in its Diversity of Wildlife and one can find a variety of Flora and Fauna in various parts of the country. There are several Wildlife Sanctuaries and Bird Sanctuaries in India where Tourists can spot the wildlife creatures in their Natural environs.
These Sanctuaries are further separated as Tiger Reserves, Elephant Reserves, Crocodile Reserves and Bird Sanctuaries etc. A Bird Sanctuary is that Natural Habitat where you can watch Exotic Species of Birds in their diverse moods of Chirping and Dancing together.
Now a Days, Bird Watching is treated as a recreational activity by many Nature Lovers and Adventure Enthusiasts. Bird Watching generally refers to a wildlife activity of watching Domestic and Migratory Birds in their Natural Habitat.
In this Article, you can find the Top 12 Bird Sanctuaries in India for the Best Bird Watching Experience.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
Also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary always top the list because of the Rare to Rarest Endangered and Migratory species of Birds found here. This is one of the best Destinations in World for having a Splendid Experience of Bird Watching. Every Year, in winter season the sanctuary welcomes thousands of Migratory Birds coming from various parts of World.
It is a mosaic of Wetlands, Dry Grasslands, Woodlands and Woodland Swamps, that attracts rare migratory birds including Siberian Cranes. Other popular and rare birds of this sanctuary are Painted Stork, Great Egret, Eurasian Spoonbill, Darter, Indian Saurus, Crested Serpent Eagle and much more.
The place is a Paradise for Bird Watchers and Wildlife Photographers as the Avifauna of Bharatpur offers a unique attraction. It is advised to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Winter Season for an extraordinary Bird Watching Experience.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka
One of the largest Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary offers an ample of opportunities for Nature Lovers and Bird Watchers. Covering 6 Isles of Crocodile swarming Backwaters around River Cauvery, Ranganathittu is a nesting ground for almost 170 species of local and Migratory Birds. The famous Ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali first observed the area as a home to many Birds and it is declared as a Bird Sanctuary in 1940. Spoonbills, Egret, Partridge, Snake Bird and Oriental Darters are some important Bird Species found here.
Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary, Odisha
Chilika Lake – The Largest Coastal Lagoon in India is home to a variety of Avifauna and Aquafauna. The Sanctuary hosts thousands of Migratory Birds in the Peak Seasons far from many parts of the world as Russia, Mongolia, Baikal Lake, Caspian Sea, Iran, and Siberia. Some Migratory Birds even fly for over 12,000 km to reach this Lagoon for Breeding and Wintering.
Chilika Lake offers a mesmerizing Bird Watching Experience while Boating in Lake where one can spot the Bird species like Flamingo, Brahminy Duck, White Bellied Eagle, Bar-Headed Goose, Spoon Billed Sandpiper and much more. Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary is a complete Blend of extreme Serenity and Wildlife at its best.
Pong Dam Bird Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh
Located in the Beautiful Indian State of Himachal Pradesh, Pong Dam is a favorite Breeding and Wintering place for a variety of Migratory Birds coming here in large numbers every year. The Pong Reservoir is the Largest Earthfill Dam in India and is home to 54 Species of Waterfowl Birds.
Tourists can also witness some of the Rare Species of Fishes in the Reservoir and the place also offers Breathtaking Views of The Neighboring Himalayan Ranges. Bar-headed Geese, Northern Lapwing, Ruddy Shelduck, Plovers and Black Stork are some of the Birds found in the Pong Dam Bird Sanctuary.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
On the banks of Vembanad Lake in Kerala, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the Most Scenic and Best Bird Sanctuaries in India. Spread over 14 acres of Diversified Topography, the sanctuary is home to many Resident and Migratory Birds like Cuckoo, Waterfowl, Brahminy Kite, Flycatcher and much more. The Backwaters of Kumarakom offer an exceptional way of Watching Birds through Houseboats, Cruises, and Local Rice Boats.
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
Nal Sarovar is one of the Largest Bird Sanctuaries in India and Largest Wetland in Gujarat. The Adventure Enthusiasts and Bird Watchers have a great opportunity to watch various Local and Migratory Birds in Winter and Spring Seasons especially. The Sanctuary also offers the chance to observe a variety of Aqua-Fauna in the Nal Sarovar Lake, which spread over an area of 121 sq. km. It is best to book an Early Morning Boat Ride to hear the ultimate chirping melodies of Birds in Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa
Along the banks of the Mandovi River in Goa, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is surrounded by the Mangroves of Avicennia officinalis and Rhizophora mucronata. The Sanctuary is located in the western part of Chorao Island and is accessed by a Ferry Service from Ribandar to Chorao.
Some beautiful birds that can be watched in the Sanctuary are Jack Spine, Red Knot, Black Bittern, Little Bittern and Pied Avocet. The best way to watch these Beautiful Birds are the Watch Towers located within the Sanctuary.
Nawab Ganj Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
In the State of Uttar Pradesh, Nawab Ganj is a Small Bird Sanctuary, which hosts a number of Migratory Birds in Chilling Winters. The main Migratory Birds that found here came from the Himalayan Ranges of China, Tibet, and the Upper Indian States. That’s why it is best to visit the Sanctuary between the months of November to March to have a Glimpse of these Beautiful Himalayan Birds. Other main attractions of the Sanctuary are Pheasant Tailed Jacana, Purple Moorhen, Indian Roller, Painted Stork and much more.
- Also Read: Top Places for Tiger Safari in India
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Haryana
Located at a mere distance of 50 km from the capital city of India, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the Finest Bird Sanctuaries in India. The Sanctuary is located in Gurgaon district of Haryana and is home to over 250 species of Migratory and Resident Birds.
In winters, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary offers a Breathtaking Panorama of Migratory Birds for Bird Watchers and Photography Lovers. Red Collared Dove, Spotted Owlet, Rock Pigeon and White Throated Kingfisher are some of the Resident Birds found here. Along with Resident birds, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is home to many species of Migratory Birds like Siberian Crane, Northern pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, Wood Sandpiper and much more.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Vedanthangal is one of the oldest Water Bird Sanctuaries in India and is a prime Tourist Attraction in Tamil Nadu. Every Year during the Migratory Season, more than 40,000 Birds visits the Sanctuary from different parts of the world. Spoon Bills, Herons, Ibises, Egrets, and Storks are some of the Migratory Birds found in the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary.
Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
The Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary is one of the Largest and Popular Bird Sanctuaries in India because of its variety of Avifauna and Aquafauna. Spread over a total area of 481 Sq. Km, Pulicat Lake is home to over 100 species of Birds along with 160 species of Fishes, 12 species of Prawns and much more. This sanctuary offers an ultimate experience of Bird Watching and Nature Photography.
Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra
Karnala is a Famous Weekend Getaway near Mumbai and is a popular destination for Trekking, Hiking, Picnic and Bird Watching. Around 37 species of Migratory Birds visit the Sanctuary every year and is Home to 150 Species of Resident Birds. Another major attraction here is Karnala Fort which is situated on the Top of Hill in the Karnala Sanctuary. Malabar Trogon, Ashy Minivet, and Three-Toed Kingfisher are some of the Rare Bird Species Sighted Here.
There are many other Bird Sanctuaries in India where you can have a perfect experience of Bird Watching. Above are 12 Popular Bird Sanctuaries of India to witness the Beauty of Birds in their Natural Habitat. So whenever you plan your Next Trip, have a visit to one of these Bird Sanctuaries and get a great experience of their world.