Top 10 Bird Sanctuaries in India for Bird Lovers India is home to numerous beautiful bird species, both local and migratory. Therefore wildlife sanctuaries are a hot spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers in India. Some of India’s most beautiful locals such as National Pigeon, Great Indian Bustard, Indian Hornbill, Kingfishers and Indian Eagle.
Kulik (Raiganj) Bird Sanctuary is one of Asia’s most comprehensive bird sanctuaries. Nawabganj is one of the most lucky sanctuaries in India which has such a wide variety of wildlife creatures. It is an perfect birding and bird watching tourist destination in India.
Both bird sanctuaries in India are open from morning till evening throughout the year. Although the breeding season for the most part varies between June and September, winter season is the best time to visit and explore those areas. This season is where one can see colorful, vivid, and uncommon migratory birds in some of India’s most common and best bird sanctuaries.
Best Top 10 Bird Sanctuaries in India for Bird Lovers
Our nation is home to a number of native and migratory bird species. And the shrines are the perfect place to soak up the sweet melodies. The nation hosts more than 10 sanctuaries of birds that the winged creatures visit each year. As growing numbers of Indians are addicted to bird watching, they explore the sanctuaries and enjoy the company of these beautiful birds.
1. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
The Bharatpur bird sanctuary, situated in Rajasthan, is a slice of heaven for bird watchers. It is one of the world’s most beautiful parks, attracting indigenous marine and migratory birds from various parts of the globe. Bharatpur Sanctuary was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1985. Often referred to as Keoladeo National Park, it derived its name from an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Around 30 species of mammals, more than 350 species of birds and a rich flora inhabit this sanctuary.
2. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
This bird sanctuary is situated in the Kottayam district of Kerala and attracts both visitors and enthusiastic birdwatchers. Covering Kerala’s backwater area, this sanctuary attracts birds such as parrot, flycatcher, lark, teal, Brahminy kite, darter, egret, moorhen and more. For those who want to get as close to the birds as possible, the bird sanctuary has a resort right in the centre.There is also a Visitor Interpretation Center. Tourists need to hire a boat along the Kavanar River or Vembanad Lake for an fun trip to spot the birds
3. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa
The bird sanctuary is named after Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali, an eminent ornithologist. The small strip of mangrove forest lies along the Mandovi River estuary and the Chorao Island west tip in Goa. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is one of India’s most common bird sanctuaries, and is accessible via regular ferry services. The bird watching tower provides broad reach To watch not only the various species of birds, but also other species of fauna including foxes, jackals, marsh crocodiles and mudskipper.
4. Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
Kaundinya bird sanctuary, situated near Chittor in Andhra Pradesh, is one of India’s best bird sanctuaries. The landscape is rugged with high hills and deep valleys and two beautiful streams are Kaigal and Kaundinya, which pass through the sanctuary. Kaundinya sanctuary provides India ‘s best for wildlife and bird watching. Kolleru Lake Bird Sanctuary also provides a number of migratory birds to its Kolleru Lake, its largest fresh water.
5. Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary, Orissa
Chilika-Asia ‘s largest brackish water lake-is home to various bird species. The sanctuary houses a huge variety ranging from normal to uncommon, and residential to migratory. Besides being one of India ‘s famous bird sanctuaries, Chilika Lake is a popular tourist attraction where people get fascinated by the natural backdrop, and spot beautiful birds while boating. Some of the creatures you can find here are Irrawaddy dolphins, prawns, crabs, limbless lizards, and crustaceans.
6. Mayani Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra
Located near Vaduj in Maharashtra, Mayani Sanctuary is one of the country’s most prestigious sanctuaries. A rich ecosystem blesses the area and lures nature lovers from every nook and corner. The sanctuary is packed with numerous native and migratory bird species including Coot, Black Ibis, Painted Storks, Flamingos and many more. In the winter season, the uncommon species of migratory birds may be seen so be sure to bring your binoculars. You can find plenty of insects, plants and animals, too. The humid environment also favors medicinal and herbal plant production.
7. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
As one of India’s most esteemed bird sanctuaries, Gujarat’s Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is reckoned global for its enriched wildlife. It houses a wide variety of flora and fauna, beckoning for a definite visit to nature lovers. Over 250 bird species, both local and migratory, find their habitat in this area. Nal Sarovar’s wetlands have rare plant species which grow in them Though Lake Nal Sarovar is home to many fish and crab species as well. This bird sanctuary is rightly renowned for its appeal and splendour.
8. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
Nestled in the Unnao region of Uttar Pradesh, Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary is situated around a freshwater lake that offers habitat to more than 250 species of nomadic and domestic birds. This beautiful sanctuary was renamed in 2015 and before that, it was known as Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary.
9. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka
The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is the best bird sanctuary in the state of Karnataka, and a famous one in the world. It occupies an area of only 0.67 square kilometres, but has a very high bird population density. Having six islets, this sanctuary is home not only to birds but also to a great range of other flora and fauna.
The crocodile-infested waters attract many flocks of avian birds, making it a very common location for ornithologists. Driven tour bouts are available during the day to experience the birds, crocodiles, otters, and bats. The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and its unspoilt countryside make it an perfect picnic spot for locals and visitors.
10. Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary, West Bengal
Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is situated in the rural outskirts of Kolkata. It is owned and operated by the government and is open everyday between 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. to the public visit.