5 Great Birdwatching Locations in India

India has a rich avifauna. Thanks to the perfect breeding grounds, and the rich natural habitat, that provides the birds of different species home to thrive. These bird, no matter their size, play an important role in maintaining an ecological balance. 

If you have been fascinated by the various colourful birds or if birdwatching expedition was on your to-do list, with the winter season approaching, it would be the perfect time to visit bird sanctuaries. 

In winter season, many migratory birds throng various places in India. So, grab your binoculars and DSLRs and visit these five great spots for birdwatching this winter. 

• Keoladeo Ghana National Park
• Nalbana Bird Sanctuary
• Sultanpur National Park
• Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
• Neora Valley National Park

1. Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Rajasthan 

Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, it is one of the best places for birdwatching in India. Situated on the Agra-Jaipur Road, the place is globally famous for the wide range of exotic birds you can spot here. Besides more than 350 resident birds, the park also hosts numerous exotic and endangered migratory birds in winter. 

The national park is situated on the Agra-Jaipur road, about 67 km from Ramada Plaza by Wyndham, one of the best resorts in Agra hosted by Club Mahindra. You can stay here and reach the national park in less than two hours.

2. Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, Odisha 

Nalbana is a large island in the middle of Odisha’s Chilka lake, Asia’s largest inland seawater lagoon and one of the best places for birding in India. The lake is about 120 km away from Bhubaneshwar. While the island gets submerged during the monsoon season, it reemerges in the winter season as the lake's water level gradually recedes. 

This is the time when migratory birds flock to the lake area. Flamingos, Sea Eagles, Purple Moorhen, and Greylag Geese are some of the 172 species of birds that regularly visit the place during the winter.

3. Sultanpur National Park, Haryana 

Sultanpur National Park is situated on the Gurugram-Jhajjar highway. It is about 50 km from New Delhi, making it a popular weekend gateway for NCR residents. One of the most acclaimed birdwatching destinations in India, the park is famous for hosting some exotic foreign guests in winter, such as Common Teal, Siberian Crane, Northern Pintail, and many more.

4. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala 

Dr Salim Ali, the birdman of India, described Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary as “the richest bird habitat in peninsular India.” The legendary ornithologist had good reasons to believe so. It is one of the best birding hotspots in India to spot beautiful bird species like the India Hawk Cuckoo, Oriental Darter, Ceylon Frogmouth, Blue Kingfisher, and many more. 

Check into Olive Downtown Resort, a Club Mahindra affiliate resorts in Kochi, and explore the nearby tourist places first. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is about 61 km away from here. Rent a car to reach this enchanting kingdom of birds in less than two hours via NH 85.

5. Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal 

Situated in the picturesque Kalimpong district of West Bengal, Neora Valley National Park has rich Himalayan biodiversity. Most of the 88 km² area of the forest comprises rugged hilly terrain with rich flora and fauna, providing natural protection to numerous exotic animal and bird species. 

The park is home to the highly endangered Red Panda and animals like the Indian leopard, Asiatic black bear, etc. Additionally, it is one of the few bird sanctuaries in India with an astonishingly diverse number of Himalayan bird species like Satyr Tragopan, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Jerdon’s Baza, Fire-tailed Sunbird, etc.  

Check into Summit Barsana Resort, a Club Mahindra affiliate, while at Kalimpong and explore the rich flora and fauna all around. 

Not just birdwatchers but wildlife enthusiasts too can feel the joy and elation of spotting a shy, beautiful bird among the wishes. Visit these birding areas in India and experience the delight for yourself.