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Discover the Amazing Birds Sanctuary in India
India is winter home to more than 1300 species of birds, making it one of the richest countries in the world in terms of avian diversity. From the Himalayas to the Andaman Islands, from the Thar Desert to the Western Ghats, India offers a wide range of habitats and ecosystems for birds to thrive.
Whether you are a casual bird watcher or a serious ornithologist, you will find plenty of opportunities to observe and admire these feathered wonders in India’s spectacular bird sanctuaries. Here are some of the best places to visit if you want to experience the beauty and variety of India’s birds.
Table of Contents
- Table of Contents
- Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan
- Chilika Lake, Odisha
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
- Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
- Bakhira Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Identify the birds: Here is list of Birds in India. List of birds in India - Wikipedia
Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan
Located in the state of Rajasthan, Keoladeo National Park - also referred to as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - is a renowned world heritage site. This expansive national park was first designated as such in 1982 and is dutifully managed by the Rajasthan Forest Department. Encompassing a vast expanse of 29 square kilometers, the park is home to an impressive and diverse array of bird species, ensuring a truly unique and awe-inspiring experience for all who visit.
It is home to more than 350 species of birds and 50 species of fish and turtles. It is also home to Siberian Cranes, one of the rarest species of birds in the world. Whether you are a casual birdwatcher or a serious ornithologist, you will find plenty of opportunities to observe and admire these feathered wonders in India’s spectacular bird sanctuaries.
Entry Fee
- Indians: 75 INR
- Foreigners: 500 INR
Best Time to Visit
Keoladeo national park is open all year round but the best time to visit is from October to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant and you can see a large number of migratory birds.
How to Reach
- By Bus: The sanctuary is well connected by bus and 1-hour drive from Agra and a 3-hour drive from pink city, Jaipur.
- By Railway: The nearest railway station is Bharatpur railway station which is approx 6 km away and can easily be accessed by taxi.
- By Airplane: Jaipur is the nearest (186 km) international airport to the sanctuary. The airport is well connected with all major cities of India.
Nearby Attractions
- Taj Mahal, Agra
- Jaipur, Rajasthan
Chilika Lake, Odisha
Chilika Lake, Odisha is the largest brackish water Lake on the east coast of India and is spread over 1100 sq km. The Zoological Survey of India in 1985–87 recorded over 800 species in and around the lagoon. It’s protected under Bird Sanctuary under Wildlife Act, 1972
Entry to the Lake is from Barkul, Balugaon, Rambha, and Satapada. Mangalajodi is the best place to see birds in Chilika Lake.
There are many hotels and resorts available in Chilika Lake. You can also stay in Puri or Bhubaneswar and visit Chilika Lake on a day trip.
Entry Fees
The entry fee for bird and dolphin watching by boat is 800 INR to 3000 INR per person. It can be booked online from Chilika Development Authority.
Best time to visit and things to do
There are many things to do in Chilika Lake. You can enjoy boating, bird watching, dolphin watching, etc.
November to February is the best time to visit Chilika Lake. During this time, you can see a large number of migratory birds.
How to Reach
Chilika Lake is well connected by road, rail and air. It is approx 100 km away from Bhubaneswar and 37 km from Puri. The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar and the nearest railway station is Puri. Taxi and bus services are available from both places.
Nearby Attractions
- Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri
- Konark Sun Temple, Konark
- Chandrabhaga Beach, Konark
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
Nestled in the serene district of Kottayam in Kerala, lies the breathtaking Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, also known as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary. This magnificent sanctuary stretches over a sprawling area of 14 hectares, home to over 140 species of delightful birds. It is a haven for breeding and feeding, attracting a wide variety of birds, including those that migrate from the Himalayas, Siberia, and other parts of the world. This sanctuary is a must-visit destination for any nature enthusiast seeking to marvel at the beauty of nature and its feathered friends.
Entry Fees and visiting time
Visiting time: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Entry Fees: 100 INR per person
Best time to visit and things to do
The best time to visit the sanctuary is from June to August. To spot the migratory birds, the best time to visit is from November to February.
How to Reach
The nearest railway is Kottayam, which is 13 km away from Kumarakom. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 94 km away from Kumarakom. Taxi and bus services are available from both places.
Nearby Attractions
- Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall
- Bay Island Driftwood Museum
- Jatayu Rock
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is located in Gujarat and spread over 120 sq km also known as Nalsarovar Lake Bird Sanctuary. It is home to more than 250 species of birds and home to many migratory birds like flamingos, pelicans, cranes, storks, ibises, spoonbills, etc.
in 1969, it got recognition as a bird sanctuary and in 2012, it got recognition as a Ramsar site.
Entry Fees
The entry fees for Indians are 40–75 INR. Boating charges are 200 INR for 30 minutes and 400 INR for 1 hour.
Camera charges are 200 INR for Indians and $20 for foreigners.
Best time to visit and things to do
The best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to February. During this time, you can see a large number of migratory birds.
How to Reach
By Rail: Viramgam is the closest railway station with frequent trains within the state.
By Air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport in Ahmedabad connects all major cities in India and key cities abroad to the state.
By Road: Nalsarovar is well connected by road to Ahmedabad, which is 64 km away. State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect Ahmedabad to other cities in Gujarat and India.
Nearby Attractions
- Wild ass sanctuary
- Lothal
Bakhira Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
The Bakhira Bird Sanctuary, situated in St. Kabir Nagar, was designated as a bird sanctuary by the Uttar Pradesh government back in 1990. It boasts an impressive array of over 30 different bird species, including migratory birds from far-flung regions such as Siberia, Tibet, China, and Europe. This sanctuary offers a safe haven for these birds to thrive and flourish, and on February 2, 2022, it was further recognized for its significance by being declared a Ramsar site.
Entry fees
Indian tourists are obligated to pay an entry fee of 50 INR to gain access to the designated area, whereas foreign tourists are required to pay a higher entry fee of 400 INR.
Best time to visit
The bird sanctuary offers a remarkable experience where you can witness an awe-inspiring exhibition of migratory birds from various parts of the world during the months of November to January.
How to reach
It’s 44 km away from Gorakhpur and it’s well connected with all major cities by road and train.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Kaveri River lies a picturesque bird sanctuary spanning over 40 acres in the beautiful state of Karnataka, India. This haven is home to a remarkable 170 different bird species, each one a unique and captivating sight to behold. Since being designated as a bird sanctuary back in 1940 and more recently as a Ramsar site in 2022, this sanctuary has become a highly sought-after destination. It offers a serene and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking respite in the midst of nature’s glory.
- Kingfishers
- Cormorants
- Darter
- Indian Roller
Entry Fee
Entry fees are 60 INR for Indian tourists and 300 INR for foreign tourists.
Best time to visit
The period spanning from November to February marks the peak season for bird enthusiasts as this is the best time for bird watching. During this time, birds from different parts of the world gather here for breeding and feeding, creating a spectacle that draws in a significant number of tourists. The birds are particularly active during the early hours of the morning and late hours of the evening, which makes it an ideal time for bird watching.
How to reach
The sanctuary can be conveniently accessed by bus from the major cities of Bengaluru, Mysore, and Mandya. In addition, the Mysore railway station and airport are easily accessible via taxi or bus. This means that visitors have multiple options for transportation and can choose the one that suits them best to reach the sanctuary.
Nearby Attractions
- Srirangapattana
- Mysore city
Whether you are a birdwatcher, a nature lover, or a curious traveler, you will find something to marvel at in these places. From the Himalayan foothills to the coastal wetlands, from the desert sands to the tropical forests, India’s bird sanctuaries offer a glimpse into the rich and varied avian life of this incredible land.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your binoculars and camera, and head to one of these destinations to discover the amazing diversity of birds in India’s spectacular bird sanctuaries.
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