India is home to some of the world’s most spectacular bird sanctuaries, renowned for the breathtaking landscapes they are set in and the incredible variety of rare and endangered birds found there.
The world’s bird sanctuaries welcome visitors daily, from dawn till dusk, all year round. While most breeding occurs between June and September, these locations are at their most accessible and enjoyable throughout the winter months. In some of India’s most well-known and acclaimed bird sanctuaries, visitors can see uncommon migratory birds of all shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns during this time of year.
There are 20 bird sanctuaries all over the world that are most popular among bird lovers:
1. Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Senegal River
Senegal, a nation in West Africa, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary. More than a million birds call this refuge home, mostly comprised of wetland habitats.
White pelicans and pink flamingos, among other species, frequent the lakes and streams surrounding the sanctuary, where they may swim and find food.
2. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
One of the many reasons the town of Kumarakom in Kerala is well-known is the presence of the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Sprawling across 14 acres of thick vegetation on the Vembanad Lakeshore, it was a sight to see. Because of its status as one of India’s most well-known aviaries, it is visited by many birdwatchers every year.
In this area, birdwatchers have a good chance of seeing migratory and resident birds. Pathiramanal Island, located in the middle of the lake, is a haven for migrating birds from Siberia and Russia. Other common birds include woodpeckers, parrots, teals, owls, and kingfishers.
3. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
Bharatpur, now officially called Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park, is one of India’s most well-known aviaries. This protected sanctuary in Rajasthan harbors more than 360 bird species and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sambar, Nilgai, Boar, and Chital are just a few of the well-known animals that can be seen at Bharatpur Sanctuary. All those interested in nature and animals will find this location paradise.
4. Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Gujarat
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary of Kutch is a prominent Indian bird sanctuary part of the Kutch xerophytic grassland. As the name suggests, the Great Indian Bustard, a ground-dwelling bird species with a long neck and long legs reminiscent of an ostrich, constitutes the vast majority of the avian population here.
The refuge also provides a haven for nilgais, chinkaras, desert cats, and jungle cats. If you’re in Kutch, you should stop at this attraction.
5. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Haryana
Haryana is home to the largest bird reserve in the world, covering an impressive 1.43 square kilometers. When it comes to bird sanctuaries in India, this one is right up there with the best of them. Many migratory birds spend the winter here after flying from Turkey, Siberia, Eastern Europe, and Russia.
There are more than 250 native bird species, plus an additional 100 species that visit throughout various periods of the year on their annual migration.
6. Weltvogelpark Walsrode – Walsrode, Germany
World’s largest bird sanctuary, Weltvogelpark Walsrode, is located in southern Germany. If you’re into bird watching or just generally fascinated by different kinds of birds, here is the place to go since most of the birds that dwell here are yet to be seen in zoos.
7. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
Thousands of waterbirds have found a haven in India’s biggest bird sanctuary. The area’s 120 square kilometers of marsh vegetation and diverse birdlife have made it famous. Several kinds of birds, both migratory and permanent, may be seen.
More than 250 species of wetland birds spend the spring and winter months at this Indian bird sanctuary. Many migrating birds stop between November and February. In addition, various enjoyable pursuits are available, including boating.
8. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary – Karnataka, India
The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary has existed for many decades, established in the 1940s. Otters, mugger crocodiles, and the Indian Gray Mongoose are just a few of the tiny creatures that have made their home in this reserve throughout the years.
9. Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
More than 250 species of migratory and domestic birds find refuge in the Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary, located in the Unnao area of Uttar Pradesh and centers on a freshwater lake. Previously known as Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, it was given a new name in 2015.
10. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa
In the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, you may see many different kinds of birds, both permanent residents and travelers. Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali, a renowned ornithologist, inspired the name of this refuge.
This bird sanctuary in Goa is located along the small strip of land between the Mandovi River and the western edge of Chorao Island. Many birds and other animals, such as crocodiles, foxes, and mudskipper fish, may be seen.
11. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
The Vedanthangal bird sanctuary in the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu is the country’s first and oldest water bird sanctuary. During the annual migration season, the sanctuary is visited by around 40,000 birds (including 26 endangered species) from all over the globe.
12. Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary – Bac Lieu Town, Vietnam
Visit the Bac Liew Bird Sanctuary in Vietnam if you are traveling through that country’s verdant countryside. There are more than 45 different birds here, along with fish, reptiles, and mammals, all of which help create a balanced ecosystem reminiscent of what would exist here if the park didn’t exist.
13. Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
Nature enthusiasts will find Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary to be a paradise on earth. This 358-square-kilometer refuge is located around 86 kilometers from Horsley Hills and is famous for its diverse plant and animal life.
Roseate pelicans, pumas, jungle cats, and monitor lizards are some exotic birds that may be seen here. Numerous species of animals, such as porcupines, sloth bears, tigers, and pumas, call the wildlife reserve home.
14. Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary, Orissa
Many migrating birds make their home at India’s biggest brackish water lake. Every year, over 260 bird species journey here from as far away as the Caspian Sea, Russia, the Aral Sea, Mongolia, Ladakh, the Himalayas, and more. It is a popular destination for visitors to the state.
The stunning scenery will leave you in awe, especially since birds nest and spend many months in this area. In addition to being a popular place to go fishing, the lake is also home to several saltpans. While on the water, keep your eyes peeled for the fascinating creatures that call the Irrawaddy Delta home, such as the Irrawaddy dolphin, the limbless lizard, and the crustacean. Read More: Top 7 Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks in Odisha.
15. Najafgarh Drain Bird Sanctuary, Delhi
This is one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India, and it is situated in a wetland ecology by the Najafgarh Drain, not far from Delhi.
Many species of migratory birds are at risk of extinction there. Many other animals are here, such as cobras, monitor lizards, reptiles, jackals, porcupines, and more.
16. Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary, West Bengal
Our next stop will be Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary. Outside of Kolkata itself, in a more rural setting. A perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the unique beauty of the local birdlife. Black-headed Bulbul, small spider hunter, and fish eagle are just a few common names.
17. Mayani Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra
Mayani Bird Sanctuary in the Satara district of Maharashtra is a paradise for bird watchers and environment enthusiasts, as it is home to more than 400 bird species. Many dedicated bird watchers travel from all over the globe to see this area.
During their annual migration, Siberian flamingos may be seen floating down the Chand Nadi river in Mayani. Photography fans also look forward to seeing birds like the coot, brahmin duck, black ibis, painted stork, common spoonbill, and so on.
18. Jurong Bird Park, Singapore
With almost 3,000 birds representing 500 different species, Jurong Bird Park is Asia’s largest bird park. Wow, there are a lot of birds there!
Visitors may participate in various activities, including handling and feeding live birds. Without the requisite cages and amusements, this bird sanctuary is a theme park for avian enthusiasts.
19. Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
Children will enjoy visiting the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Shaheed Chander Shekhar Azad Sanctuary, near Noida, at the Okhla barrage over the Yamuna River.
Over 400 kinds of birds make their permanent home within its 4 km radius, and over 1,000,000 migratory birds stop by over the winter. People with mobility issues have access to electric rickshaws.
20. Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Malaysia
This park is located in the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens neighborhood, just a ten-minute drive from the city’s heart. Over 200 different kinds of birds, both native and migratory, make their homes there.
Zones 1 and 2 are the free-flight area, Zone 3 is the Hornbill Park, and Zone 4 is where birds are housed in cages and tiny aviaries around the park’s about 20.9 acres.
Conclusion
While there are numerous places where birds may be protected, these are among the best and most popular spots for birdwatchers.
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