Nidhi
Subhash Staff answered 5 months ago
India is renowned for its diverse avian population, and several bird sanctuaries offer exceptional opportunities for birdwatching and nature experiences. Here are some of the top bird sanctuaries in India, along with essential details for first-time visitors:
1. Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Rajasthan
Location: Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Highlights: Home to over 370 species of birds, including the Siberian Crane, egrets, herons, and pelicans. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Activities: Birdwatching, cycling, and guided tours.
Accommodation: Options range from budget lodges to luxury hotels in Bharatpur.
2. Sultanpur National Park, Haryana
Location: Sultanpur, Haryana (approximately 50 km from Delhi)
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Highlights: Known for migratory birds like the Siberian Crane and various waders. The park hosts around 250 bird species.
Activities: Birdwatching, photography, and nature walks.
Accommodation: Limited options; nearby Delhi offers various accommodations.
3. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka
Location: Near Mysore, Karnataka
Best Time to Visit: December to June
Highlights: Hosts over 150 species of birds, including the Indian and the Little Cormorant. Known for its riverine ecosystem.
Activities: Boat rides, birdwatching, and nature walks.
Accommodation: Various options in Mysore.
4. Chilika Lake, Odisha
Location: Odisha (spread over Ganjam, Khurda, and Gajapati districts)
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Highlights: Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, home to migratory birds like the Greater Flamingo and the Black-tailed Godwit.
Activities: Boat rides, birdwatching, and dolphin watching.
Accommodation: Options in Bhubaneswar, Puri, and other nearby towns.
5. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Location: Wayanad, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Highlights: Known for its diverse bird species, including the Malabar Hornbill and the Nilgiri Tahr. Part of the Western Ghats.
Activities: Birdwatching, wildlife safaris, and trekking.
Accommodation: Options in Wayanad, including eco-lodges and resorts.
6. Hemis National Park, Ladakh
Location: Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Highlights: Known for high-altitude birds like the Himalayan Snowcock and the Tibetan Partridge.
Activities: Birdwatching, trekking, and exploring the unique high-altitude ecosystem.
Accommodation: Basic accommodations in Leh and nearby villages.
7. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
Location: Nalsarovar, Gujarat (near Ahmedabad)
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Highlights: A large wetland area, known for migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans, and various waders.
Activities: Boat rides, birdwatching, and photography.
Accommodation: Options in Ahmedabad and nearby areas.
8. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
Location: Kumarakom, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Highlights: Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, home to various migratory birds and local species like the Cattle Egret and the Kingfisher.
Activities: Boat rides, birdwatching, and exploring the backwaters.
Accommodation: Options include luxury resorts and hotels in Kumarakom.
9. Jorbeer Vulture Sanctuary, Rajasthan
Location: Jorbeer, Rajasthan (near Bikaner)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Highlights: Dedicated to the conservation of vultures, it is home to species like the Griffon Vulture and the Long-billed Vulture.
Activities: Birdwatching and educational tours.
Accommodation: Options in Bikaner.
10. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha
Location: Kendrapara, Odisha
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Highlights: Known for its estuarine ecosystem and bird species like the White-bellied Sea Eagle and the Grey-headed Fishing Eagle.
Activities: Boat rides, birdwatching, and exploring the mangroves.
Accommodation: Options in Kendrapara and nearby towns.
Each of these sanctuaries offers unique birdwatching experiences and opportunities to explore India’s rich avian diversity.
Anvi Staff answered 3 months ago
India is home to several bird sanctuaries that attract both migratory and resident bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Here are some of the top bird sanctuaries across India:
1. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park), Rajasthan
Famous for: Migratory birds, especially the Siberian Crane, Painted Storks, and Pelicans.
Best time to visit: October to February.
2. Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary, Odisha
Famous for: Flamingos, White-bellied Sea Eagles, and a wide variety of waterfowl.
Best time to visit: November to February.
3. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Haryana
Famous for: Grey Heron, Black-necked Stork, and Common Teal.
Best time to visit: October to March.
4. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
Famous for: Egrets, Herons, and Siberian Cranes.
Best time to visit: June to August for resident species and November to February for migratory birds.
5. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka
Famous for: Painted Stork, Spoonbills, and Kingfishers.
Best time to visit: December to February.
6. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Famous for: Openbill Storks, Cormorants, and Darters.
Best time to visit: November to March.
7. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
Famous for: Flamingos, Pelicans, and Cranes.
Best time to visit: November to February.
8. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary), Kerala
Famous for: Malabar Grey Hornbill, Indian Pitta, and the rare Sri Lankan Frogmouth.
Best time to visit: October to March.
9. Mayani Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra
Famous for: Flamingos, Brahminy Ducks, and Kingfishers.
Best time to visit: November to January.
10. Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
Famous for: Flamingos, Pelicans, and Ducks.
Best time to visit: October to March.
11. Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary, West Bengal
Famous for: Warblers, Drongos, and Woodpeckers.
Best time to visit: December to February.
12. Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Delhi
Famous for: Greater Flamingos, Black-headed Ibis, and Eurasian Wigeon.
Best time to visit: October to March.
These sanctuaries offer unique experiences and opportunities to spot both rare and common bird species. Visiting during the migratory season is ideal for the best birdwatching experience.