Are you a bird watcher? Are you a bird enthusiast? Yes? Then, you should certainly explore the top 10 bird sanctuaries in India. The best part is that all of these bird sanctuaries are open all-round the year. Moreover, you can visit these beautiful sanctuaries anytime from morning to evening.
However, the breeding season of maximum sanctuaries is from June to September. What is the best season to visit these bird sanctuaries? The answer is throughout the winter. It is in winter when you can discover vibrant, rare, and vivid migratory birds.
Did you know approx 20 popular bird sanctuaries are present in the country? These places house different even rare bird species. The first bird sanctuary in India is the Ghana Bird Sanctuary. Moreover, the largest bird sanctuary in India is the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary.
Check out the Top 10 Indian bird sanctuaries:
1. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is located in Rajasthan. Currently, it is called Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Keoladeo National Park. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is among the most famous bird sanctuaries in the country. The declaration of this sanctuary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has made it more popular.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is home to over 360 bird species. Moreover, various animal species are also there. It includes Sambar, Chital, Boar, etc. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts should visit this place.
- Things to Do: Birdwatching, photography, and cycling through the park.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March for migratory birds.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Jaipur (186 km); nearest railway station is Bharatpur Junction (5 km). Taxis and rickshaws are available for local transport.
- Nearby Attractions: Lohagarh Fort, Deeg Palace, and Fatehpur Sikri.
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2. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Haryana
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary spreads more than 1.43 sq km. It is a famous bird sanctuary in Haryana. It houses over 250 species of migratory as well as resident birds. Moreover, various wandering birds reach here from different locations in winter. It includes Turkey, Siberia, Eastern Europe, and Russia.
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary houses a built-in tourist complex. It features comfortable rooms with all modern facilities, a restaurant, etc. Read more about the List of Religious Places and Temples in Haryana
- Things to Do: Birdwatching, nature photography, and exploring seasonal wetlands.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February for migratory birds.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is IGI Airport, New Delhi (48 km); nearest railway station is Gurgaon (15 km).
- Nearby Attractions: Kingdom of Dreams, Damdama Lake, and Sheetla Mata Mandir in Gurgaon.
3. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa
Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali was a popular ornithologist. And Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (Goa) is named after him. The line of mangrove forest spreads throughout the Mandovi River’s estuarine part. The forest also nestles along with Chorao Island’s western tip.
In short, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is among the most popular bird sanctuaries in the country. If you are planning to visit Goa, do not forget to visit this place.
You can arrive at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary via daily ferry services. Besides, this sanctuary houses a bird-watching tower. Tourists can take a glimpse of various species of birds from here. Moreover, various species of fauna are also present here. It includes jackals, mudskipper fish, marsh crocodiles, etc.
- Things to Do: Birdwatching, boat rides through mangroves, and exploring forest trails.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Dabolim Airport (25 km); nearest railway station is Karmali (11 km). Taxis and river cruises are also available.
- Nearby Attractions: Panaji, Old Goa Churches, and Divar Island.
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4. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in Kerala spreads on the banks of the popular Vembanad Lake. The total area of this bird sanctuary is 14 acres. Visit this place and you will experience beautiful greenery in the surrounding.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary houses different species of migratory and resident birds. Are you a bird watcher? Then, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary sets an ideal destination for you.
- Things to Do: Birdwatching, boating in Vembanad Lake, and backwater cruises.
- Best Time to Visit: June to August for local species; November to February for migratory birds.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (85 km); nearest railway station is Kottayam (16 km).
- Nearby Attractions: Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Pathiramanal Island, and Kumarakom Beach.
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5. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Are you planning a Tamil Nadu trip? Then, add Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary to your itinerary without fail. It spreads more than thirty acres of land.
Moreover, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is the smallest as well as the oldest bird sanctuary. However, around 40,000 migratory birds visit this spot every year. The best time to explore the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is from October to January.
- Things to Do: Birdwatching, nature photography, and scenic walks.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March for migratory bird activity.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (60 km); nearest railway station is Chengalpattu (20 km).
- Nearby Attractions: Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, and the hill station Yelagiri.
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6. Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh has nestled around 86 km from Horsley Hills. The total area of this bird sanctuary is more than 358 sq km. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and bird experts.
The rich and colorful biodiversity has made Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary a very popular place. The place houses different species of endemic birds. Numerous migratory birds also visit this place. Other than birds, Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary is home to many animal species. It includes elephants, porcupines, monitor lizards, spotted bears, pumas, tigers, etc. Read Also: Top 10 Most Famous Temples of Andhra Pradesh
- Things to Do: Birdwatching, nature walks, and exploring rock formations.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Bengaluru International Airport (120 km); nearest railway station is Chittoor (58 km).
- Nearby Attractions: Horsley Hills, Kaigal Waterfalls, and Chittoor Fort.
7. Mayani Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra
If you are going to travel to Maharashtra, do not forget to visit Mayani Bird Sanctuary. It is situated in Vaduj town. Mayani Bird Sanctuary is a wetland ecosystem, which is popular for its biodiversity.
Since it is a drought-prone locality, cactus and sprawled forests are evident. The sanctuary is home to 400 migratory birds. The ideal season to explore them is winter from November to January.
- Things to Do: Birdwatching, scenic walks, and lakeside picnics.
- Best Time to Visit: November to January for migratory bird sightings.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Pune International Airport (135 km); nearest railway station is Satara (40 km).
- Nearby Attractions: Thoseghar Waterfall, Ajinkyatara Fort, and Chalkewadi Windmills.
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8. Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Gujarat
Are you about to travel to Gujarat? Then, you should visit Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary. As the name suggests, the maximum number of bird inhabitants in this place is the Great Indian Bustard.
Apart from the Great Indian Bustard, this sanctuary houses many other species. It includes desert cats, nilgais, jungle cats, and chinkaras.
- Things to Do: Birdwatching, desert safaris, and photography.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Bhuj Airport (110 km); nearest railway station is Naliya (20 km).
- Nearby Attractions: Rann of Kutch, Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary, and Kutch Museum.
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9. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
Another popular bird sanctuary in Gujarat is Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. It is situated 60 km away from Ahmedabad. Do you know Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is the biggest bird sanctuary in our country?
You can expect to explore various resident and migratory birds here along with other fauna. Nature lovers and bird watchers can opt for boat riding. Thus, they can discover places around the lake also explore numerous birds.
- Things to Do: Boat rides, birdwatching, and nature walks.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February for migratory birds.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (64 km); nearest railway station is Viramgam (40 km).
- Nearby Attractions: Lothal Archaeological Site, Adalaj Stepwell, and Ahmedabad city attractions.
10. Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary, Odisha
Do you know Chilika is the biggest brackish water lake in entire Asia? It houses various bird species, ranging from common to uncommon species. Tourists can explore both migratory and residential birds in Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary in Odisha.
- Things to Do: Birdwatching, boat rides on the lake, and dolphin spotting.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (120 km); nearest railway station is Balugaon (35 km).
- Nearby Attractions: Kalijai Temple, Satapada Dolphin Sanctuary, and Gopalpur Beach.
Hence, if you are a nature enthusiast and bird watcher, you should visit this place. The scenic views and vibrant birds will make your day-out special. You can expect to explore various animal species here. It includes crustaceans, prawns, Irrawaddy dolphins, crabs, and limbless lizards. Experience the place while boating. It will add a unique experience to your travel diary.
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Wrapping Up
Are you ready to explore vibrant, chirping, amazing birds? Then, you should certainly visit these popular bird sanctuaries. You can experience bountiful nature along with birds. So, why are you waiting for? Plan your trip today!
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which is the largest bird sanctuary in India?
The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park) in Rajasthan is the largest and most famous bird sanctuary in India.
2. How many bird sanctuaries are there in India?
India has over 60 bird sanctuaries, spread across different states and regions.
3. What is the best time to visit a bird sanctuary?
The best time to visit most bird sanctuaries is during the winter months (November to February), when migratory birds visit India.
4. Which bird sanctuary is famous for migratory birds?
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary are famous for attracting thousands of migratory birds each year.
5. Are there any bird sanctuaries in South India?
Yes, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in Kerala and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka are popular sanctuaries in South India.
6. What types of birds can you see in Indian bird sanctuaries?
Indian bird sanctuaries are home to a wide variety of birds, including storks, herons, cranes, kingfishers, pelicans, and migratory species like Siberian cranes.
7. Is there an entry fee for visiting bird sanctuaries?
Yes, most bird sanctuaries have a small entry fee, which helps with the maintenance of the sanctuary.
8. Which is the oldest bird sanctuary in India?
The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu is the oldest bird sanctuary in India, established over 250 years ago.
9. Can you take photographs in bird sanctuaries?
Yes, photography is allowed in most bird sanctuaries, but it’s advisable to use a quiet camera to avoid disturbing the birds.
10. Are guided tours available in bird sanctuaries?
Many bird sanctuaries offer guided tours with expert guides to help you spot and identify different bird species.
11. Which is the best bird sanctuary in Kerala?
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the best-known bird sanctuaries in Kerala, located on the banks of Vembanad Lake.
12. Can we stay overnight in bird sanctuaries?
Some bird sanctuaries, like Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary in Odisha, offer accommodation options nearby for visitors who wish to stay longer.
13. Is there any bird sanctuary in Gujarat?
Yes, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is a famous bird sanctuary in Gujarat, known for its large variety of migratory birds.
14. What are the rules for visiting bird sanctuaries?
Visitors must follow certain rules, such as maintaining silence, not feeding the birds, and staying on marked trails to avoid disturbing the birds and their habitats.
