6 Top Bird-Watching Destinations in India

Do you love watching birds? Do you love entertaining your ears with the melodious rhythmic sounds of the chirping birds? If Yes, then you would surely love today's article on the top bird-watching destinations in India. Imagine being surrounded by beautiful vibrant colored birds all around in their natural habitat. Isn't it amazing? Frequented by local birds and migratory birds, these places are a paradise for bird lovers and bird watchers.

India is fortunate to house many bird-watching sanctuaries hosting special tours to enjoy amid the tweeting of birds. Almost 1300 species of birds are present in India including domestic and migratory birds. Let's now explore the bird-watching destinations in India.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Rajasthan

Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Rajasthan is one of the spectacular bird-watching destinations in India. It was declared a national park on 10th March 1982. The park was earlier known by the name of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. In 1985, it was included in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. Spread over a stretch of about 29 km, it is the residence of about 370 species of birds. The unique attraction of the park is the visit of the migratory endangered Siberian cranes. The other common birds dwelling in the park are the ducks, pelicans, geese, cranes, hawks, eagles, larks, flycatchers, shanks, stints, wagtails, warblers, pipits, and wheateaters.

You can avail yourself of the jeep ride or the rickshaw safari to roam about the sanctuary and spot the birds. When the water level is high, some people even ride the boats. If you are willing to spend a sufficient amount of time with the birds, it is recommended to walk or ride a bicycle.

Entry Fee

500 rupees for foreigners and 75 rupees for the Indians

How to reach?

The nearest airport is Agra and the nearest railway station is Bharatpur Junction. Numerous buses ply between Bharatpur and the other prominent cities in India.

Best Time to visit the Park

For watching the migratory birds, the best months are November, December, January, February, and March. August, September, October, and November are best for watching the resident birds.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand is one of the finest bird-watching destinations in India. Covering an area of about 45 square km, it is home to almost 200 species of birds. The sanctuary is majorly inhabited by birds and hence a perfect place for bird watchers to observe and click some exclusive photos. The flora of the sanctuary with oak trees, Chir pine trees, and vast areas of agricultural land have made it a perfect dwelling for innumerable varieties of local and migratory birds. The key ones among them are blue whistling thrush, bar-tailed treecreeper, brown-fronted woodpecker, coal tit, Eurasian jay, Grey-winged Blackbird, Himalayan vulture, Long-tailed broadbill, oriental turtle dove, and Verditer Flycatcher.

Trekking opportunities are there for adventure lovers. You can also walk along the trails if you want to relax and leisure around. The tree and plant species in the sanctuary are a treat to the eyes with their lush greenery and dense vegetation.

Entry Fee

600 rupees for foreigners and 150 rupees for the Indians.

How to reach?

The nearest airport is Pantnagar and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam railway station. Numerous buses, private and shared taxis ply between Binsar and the other prominent cities in Uttarakhand and north India.

Best Time to visit the Park

The best months are February, March, April or October, and November. You can spend a good time watching the birds.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in Kerala

Spread across an area of 14 hectares, Kumarakom bird sanctuary in Kerala is one of the fascinating bird-watching destinations in India. The location of the sanctuary is awesome, along the banks of the Vembanad Lake in Kottayam. Siberian migratory birds are found in abundance along with the local birds. Besides, several rare bird species reside in the sanctuary. Among the domestic birds, the prominent ones are heron, duck, waterfowl, owl, cuckoo, egret, parrots, larks, teal, flycatchers, and wood beetles. The Siberian cranes are the key attractions among the migratory birds.

Motorboats, houseboats, and small boat cruises are available for bird watching. You can even leisure at the banks of the lake, relaxing amid the melodious chirping of birds.

Entry Fee

600 rupees for foreigners and 150 rupees for the Indians.

How to reach?

The nearest airport is Kochi and the nearest railway station is at Kottayam. Buses, cabs, and autorickshaws ply in large numbers between Kumarakom and other major cities of the state.

Best Time to visit the Park

The best months are June, July, and August since those are the breeding season for the local birds. If you wish to watch the Siberian cranes, the best time is November, December, January, February, and March.

Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha

Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha is my favorite and one of the most popular bird-watching destinations in India. Innumerable species of birds huddle up at the sanctuary, a marvelous treat for the bird watchers. Waterbirds like herons, spot-billed pelicans, open-billed storks, seagulls, stilts, kingfishers, and white-billed storks are the key attractions in the sanctuary. Observing the birds in their natural habitat along with the enigmatic flora of the sanctuary is a blissful experience. The special attraction of the sanctuary is the spectacular flamingoes.

You can avail a boat ride at the lake to be in the vicinity of the birds. Along with the birds, you can spend a great time watching the dolphins in the lake. Two small islands – The Breakfast Island and the Honeymoon Island are its other key attractions.

Entry Fee

There is no entry fee for the park but charges are there for the ferry or the boat ride.

How to reach?

The nearest airport is Bhubaneshwar and the nearest railway station is at Puri. Buses, cabs, and autorickshaws operate in abundance between Chilika lake and other parts of the state.

Best Time to visit the Park

The best months are October, November, December, January, February, and March. The migratory birds arrive near the lake premises during that time.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka is one of the exclusive bird-watching destinations in India. The sanctuary has derived its name from the Sri Ranganatha Swamy, the Hindu god, and incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Doctor Salim Ali, a renowned ornithologist, was instrumental in the establishment and recognition of the sanctuary. Located at the banks of the river Cauvery, its beauty is enthralling spanning across six surreal calm islands. Migratory birds from North America, Siberia, and Australia visit the sanctuary in large numbers. A wide variety of bird species reside inside the sanctuary, the prominent ones being kingfisher, cormorant, duck, heron, peafowl, stork, swallow, river tern, and white ibis.

You can avail of their guided boat rides for a tour along the sanctuary watching the exquisite local and migratory birds.

Entry Fee

300 rupees for foreigners and 50 rupees for the Indians.

How to reach?

The nearest airport is Mysore and the nearest railway station is at Srirangapatna. Regular buses and cabs ply between the sanctuary and other cities of the state.

Best Time to visit the Park

The best months are June, July, August, September, October, and November. These are the breeding seasons for the birds.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Goa

Salim Ali Bird sanctuary in Goa is one of the famous bird-watching destinations in India. Named after Dr. Salim Ali, the sanctuary attracts many visitors from India and abroad. Hosting innumerable species of domestic and migratory birds, the sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers. There are about 473 species of birds, truly a haven for ornithologists and bird admirers. The location is excellent, being situated at the banks of the River Mandovi. The key attractions of the sanctuary are drongos, cormorants, black kites, woodpeckers, white egrets, myna, and others.

There is an observation tower inside the sanctuary, the best place to wait and watch the birds.

Entry Fee

300 rupees for foreigners and 50 rupees for the Indians.

How to reach?

The nearest airport is Dabolim International airport and the nearest railway station is at Karmali. Buses, rental cars, taxis, and bikes operate in large numbers almost daily between the sanctuary and other parts of Goa and other cities of Maharashtra.

Best Time to visit the Park

The best months are October, November, December, January, February, and March. During this time, the migratory birds arrive at the sanctuary.

Hope you have enjoyed reading about the bird-watching destinations in India. Please share some of your experiences as well.