India is blessed with some of the finest bird sanctuaries in Asia, where both resident and migratory species find refuge. From wetlands and coastal lagoons to dense forests and mangroves, these destinations offer birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts an unforgettable experience. Here are eight must-visit bird sanctuaries across the country.
Located in Bharatpur, Keoladeo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for bird lovers. The park is home to nearly 400 bird species, including pintails, shovellers, cotton teals, and numerous migratory species that arrive every winter.
Spread along the banks of the Cauvery River in Mandya district, Ranganathittu is Karnataka’s largest bird sanctuary. More than 170 species, including painted storks, Asian openbill storks, and spoonbills, can be spotted here. Winter months are ideal for watching migratory flocks.
Known as Kerala’s very first bird sanctuary, Thattekad near Kothamangalam boasts rich deciduous forests and diverse avian life. Species such as the large-billed leaf warbler, Jerdon’s nightjar, Indian cuckoo, and Oriental darter make it a hotspot for birding.
Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika Lake is famous as the biggest wintering ground for migratory birds in India. More than 160 species, including greylag geese, purple moorhens, and white-bellied sea eagles, visit these waters every year.
Situated close to Gurugram, Sultanpur is a favourite spot for birdwatchers, especially during the winter season. With around 250 species recorded, visitors can see purple sunbirds, hoopoes, pipits, little cormorants, and several migratory species.
Nestled in the backwaters of Kottayam, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary offers a serene environment to spot waterfowl, egrets, herons, owls, and migratory birds. Its location along the Vembanad Lake makes it a top destination for eco-tourism.
Declared a Ramsar site, Bhindawas in Jhajjar district is visited by over 30,000 birds annually. It supports around 250 species, including rare and endangered birds like the Egyptian vulture and Pallas’s fish eagle.
Located on the western tip of Chorao Island along the Mandovi River, this mangrove-rich sanctuary is Goa’s only notified bird sanctuary. Birders can spot striated herons, western reef herons, black bitterns, and several migratory waders.