Bird Watching in India

Bird watching in India can prove to be an experience of a lifetime for those who love exploring the avifauna and capturing them on film. There are many renowned wildlife sanctuaries in India which offer chances to view several exotic species of birds- both native and migratory. Visitors are intensely delighted while visiting the bird sanctuaries namely, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur, the Corbett National Park and the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. These sanctuaries are home to both domestic and migratory birds which come from all over the world and can be seen fishing, nesting and breeding.

Bird Watching in Keoladeo Ghana National Park

It is located 175 kms away from Delhi on Agra- Jaipur road. The park is delared as World Heritage Site and is spread on 28.7 sq km.. It is the most favourite destination for the bird watcher. Visitor can see more than 330 species of birds which also includes, many migratory birds. The park comprising of forest, marshy swamps and lakes makes it an ideal habitat for birds . Bird watchers are enthusiatic to see the migratory birds like Siberian Crane, Geese, Ducks, Raptors, Warblers and Waders. Other frequently seen birds are pelicans, storks, herons, egrets and kingfishers. It is best to visit this park in the month of November to March.

Bird Watching in Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

Sprawling on a vast landscape of 800 sqkm, this park houses more than 200 species of birds. It is situated in the hills of Aravalli ranges in Rajasthan. Birds which can be seen here are mainly Wryneck Woodpecker Babbler, White Breasted Kingfisher, Little Brown Dove, Small Minivet, Gray Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Black/Red Headed Bunting, Golden Oriole, Little Brown Dove, Small Minivet, Great Gray Shrike, Pale Harrier and Tailor Bird and many more. Bird watchers feels happy to see the birds from so close and shoot their activities so that they can see afterwards.

Bird Watching in Corbett National Park

Bird Watchers can view around 600 species of birds. It is a perfect spot for the bird lovers attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world. Spread on an area of 600 sq km, this park is located in the western Himalayas in Uttranchal. In the winter months visitors can see many migratory birds such as Bareheaded goose, snipe, gull, duck, grepe, graylag, wagtail and sandpiper. Raptors, darters, egrets, black-necked stork and cormorants are commonly seen here.

Bird Watching in Sunderbans National Park

This national park is 72km away from Kolkata and spread on a vast landscape of 2,585 sq km. This renowned World Heritage Site is known for the mangrove forest. Bird sanctuary at Sajnekhali provides habitat to several variety of birds like Heron, Egret, Tern, Brahmini kite, White ibis, Cotton Teal, Curlew and other countless birds.

Bird Watching in Kaziranga National Park

This park is situated on the bank of River Brahmaputra in Assam. It is spread on an area of 430 sq km covered with thick forest and lakes making it a bird paradise. More than 100 species of migratory birds can be watched like Pallas's fish eagle, black necked stork, lesser adjutant stork, grey pelican. Bengal floricans, grey peacock-pheasant, green imperial pigeon attracts the bird watchers most. November to March is best time to see the birds.

What to bring

Cotton cloths are best for summer but in winter visitors must carry woollen clothes. A pair of binoculars to have a clear view of birds is a must. Cameras must not be forgotten at any cost. Tour operators provide guides who assist in exploring and identifying the birds.