With its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, India is a paradise for birdwatchers. The country's vast geographical expanse encompasses everything from snow-capped mountains to dense forests, sprawling wetlands, and coastal regions, providing a haven for a wide variety of bird species. Whether you are an avid birder or a curious nature lover, India offers a plethora of top-notch birdwatching destinations that will leave you amazed. Here are some of the best places to visit for an unforgettable birdwatching experience.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
Rajasthan's Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, is a renowned bird paradise and a highly sought-after tourist destination. This sanctuary attracts many exotic and endangered birds yearly during winter migration. Conveniently located on the Agra-Jaipur road, the park can be reached within just a three-hour drive from Delhi and boasts an impressive diversity of over 300 bird species. Birdwatchers can revel in the presence of several species of cranes, pelicans, geese, ducks, eagles, and countless other bird varieties thriving within the sanctuary.
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Haryana
Situated in Gurgaon, the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is ideal for spotting colourful bird species. Being just an hour's drive from Delhi, this sanctuary holds significant appeal among bird enthusiasts, drawing many migratory birds each year. With approximately 2500 bird species, birdwatchers flock to this sanctuary for captivating sightings, including Northern Pintail, Greater Flamingo, Common Teal, and Siberian Cranes.
Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary, Odisha
Situated near Puri in Odisha, the Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary encompasses Asia's largest inland seawater lagoon&mdashthe Chilka Lake. This pear-shaped lake spans 1,100 square kilometres, making it a significant habitat for migratory birds during winter. Birdwatchers flock to this beloved destination to witness the abundance of unique avian species, including sea eagles, greylag geese, and purple moorhen. Chilka Lake also hosts the world's largest breeding colonies of magnificent flamingos.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett Park is the country's oldest national park and serves as a haven for bird enthusiasts. With over 500 bird species residing within its boundaries, the park is a paradise for bird watchers. Two must-visit spots within the park are the Solluna Resort and Kalagarh Dam, renowned for their abundant birdlife. The journey to this scenic park from Delhi takes approximately six hours by car.
Lava and Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal
Lava and Neora Valley present a beautiful paradise for bird watchers, though the dense greenery challenges enthusiasts to keenly peer through to spot the fascinating avian residents. The sheer variety and range of bird species found here are nothing short of spectacular. This region is a haven for several rare bird species, including the Satyr Tragopan, Rufous-throated Partridge, White-Tailed Robin, and Rusty-bellied Shortwing.
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