Take a look at India&rsquos avian fauna at these popular bird sanctuaries, some of them also home to migratory visitors in winter
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
This former royal hunting ground is a paradise for bird watchers. Formally known as the Keoladeo Ghana National it is home to more than 360 different bird species. Cranes, pelicans, geese, ducks, eagles, hawks, shanks, stints, wagtails, warblers, flycatchers, buntings, larks, pipits, etc. can be seen here.
Chilika Bird Sanctuary, Uttarakhand
Dotted with tiny islands, this brackish water lake is home to a unique array of fauna and aquatic animal species. The sanctuary, which is spread out across a large region, provides a home for around 160 species of migratory birds. These birds come from faraway places such as the Caspian Sea, the Aral Sea, Lake Baikal, and other remote locations in Central and Southeast Asia, Russia. Enjoy sunrise and sunset views from this stunning location, and bring back some more beautiful memories of Odisha. Mangalajodi, Satpada, Barkul and Rambha are four of the major entry points with tourist infrastructure.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a scenic waterbody, home to a large number of bird species, including migratory birds in winter. Some of the birds found are pintails, garganeys, grey wagtails, blue-winged teals, common sandpipers, spoonbills, and herons.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
This is the finest spot for birdwatchers and visitors alike since it includes Kerala's backwater area and is home to numerous bird species. It is located near the famed Vembanad Lake and spans 14 acres, Some of the birds found are paradise flycatchers, pheasant-tailed jacanas, golden-backed woodpeckers, parrots, teals, larks, owls, herons, egrets, and kingfishers.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka
Ranganathittu, Karnataka's largest bird sanctuary, is a fantastic day trip from Mysore or Bangalore. It consists of a succession of islands and islets that must be navigated by boat. A ranger may take you on a park tour and point out the many migrating bird species. Some of the birds seen here include Oriental darters, streak-throated swallows, stork-billed kingfishers, Indian shags, and whistling ducks