Bird watching is one of the most fascinating and pleasurable hobby that has gained a lot of popularity in India. Bird watching may be done by naked eyes or with the use of binoculars and cams. India is a country rich with wildlife and numerous species of plants which attract many different types of birds. India is also home to some of the most rare bird species and tourists all over the world have started coming here for the hobby.
Below we have tried to compile some spots which give you the best sights of feathered beauty!
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Dharamsala is in the neighborhood of Kangra, approximately 20 km away. The Dhauladhar range present here offer opportunities for high altitude birding. Kalij and Koklass pheasants, Himalayan Snowcocks, Monals, Snow Partridges are some species that can be found here in huge numbers. Dharamshala also has the perfect climate for migratory birds. The best time to visit here is during winters.
Neora Valley National Park, Bengal
Trekking through the Neora Valley National Park gives you and opportunity to see some of the most spectacular bird species. Considered the best “birding mile” of India is the The Algarah Road in Lava. Planning a visit is no hassle as accommodation and trekking camps are always available. There are about 265 species of birds in the park. Several rarities like rufous-throated partridge, satyr tragopan, crimson-breasted woodpecker, Darjeeling woodpecker, bay woodpecker, golden-throated barbet, Hodgson’s hawk cuckoo live in the forests between 1600 m and 2700 m. Do note however, that the park is usually closed during monsoon months.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga is one of India’s most attractive wildlife destinations. Kaziranga in the North Eastern state of Assam is also the UNESCO world heritage. The birdlife here is rich and varied as it is also the most well-protected places in North East. Some of the best species to watch out for are the rare Bengal Florican, Palla’s Fish Eagle, Collared Treepie, Green-tailed and Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, Sultan Tit, Rufous-bellied and Large Niltava. Kaziranga has very comfortable viewing facilities but be sure to spend at least 4-5 days for the best experience. The incredible diversity in birds makes this destination, a highly sought after place.
Eaglenest Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area of India in the Himalayan foothills of West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh. It conjoins Sessa Orchid Sanctuary to the northeast and Pakhui Tiger Reserve across the Kameng river to the east. Altitude ranges are extreme: from 500 metres (1,640 ft) to 3,250 metres (10,663 ft). It is a part of the Kameng Elephant Reserve. Eaglenest is notable as a prime birding site due to the extraordinary variety, numbers and accessibility of species. An impressive 454 species have been recorded in the area. Eaglenest is the site where Bugun Liocichla, an endangered bird, was first discovered in 1995 and again observed and described in 2006 by Ramana Athreya. One of the famous base camps there where birds can be easily spotted is the Lama Camp.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Famous for its rich wildlife, the Corbett National Park is a paradise for bird watchers. The foothills of the Western Himalaya, in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand is home to the Corbett National Park. Much of Corbett falls in the biodiversity rich terai region covering a wide variety of habitats. More than 586 species of resident and migratory birds have been categorized, including the crested serpent eagle, blossom-headed parakeet and the red junglefowl, Ibisbill, Great Slaty Woodpecker and a variety of raptors.
Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary, Odisha
Chilika lake is a brackish water lagoon, spread over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha state on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal, covering an area of over 1,100 km. It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent. The lake is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals. Watchers keep coming back to this loved destination as it is home to some of the most unique species like sea eagles, greylag geese, and purple moorhen. Chilka proudly hosts the world’s largest breeding colonies of flamingos as well.
Read More: Bird Watching Must Haves For This Season!
Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur,Rajasthan, the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary is a famous avifauna sanctuary that hosts thousands of birds, especially during the winter season. Over 230 species of birds reside here. Furthermore, it’s also a major tourist center with scores of ornithologists arriving here in the hibernal season. The sanctuary was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971. It is also a World Heritage Site. The sanctuary is a delight to be in. Trained cycle rickshaw pulling guides make sure that you take back the best experience, and the paved walkways are helpful for an easy trek. Furthermore, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is also home to a variety of Cranes, pelicans, geese, ducks and eagles.
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
Sanand Village in Gujarat is home to the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. It consists primarily of a 120.82-square-kilometre (46.65 sq mi) lake and ambient marshes, Mainly inhabited by migratory birds in winter and spring, it is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat, and one of the largest in India. The sanctuary is famous for Indian Owl, and rare bird species like Spoonbills and Small Grebes. The best time to visit this place is from November to January.