Out of the 8650 species of birds' known in the world, India boasts of being a home to as many as 1200 species. Popular bird species in Indian bird sanctuaries include Racquet Tailed Drogas, Sun Birds, Kingfishers, Drogas, Tree Pies Jungle Owlets, Minvets, Mynas, Pipits, Larks, Siberia Crane, and more.
Located in the midst of verdant greens, Indian bird sanctuaries support thick forests and a variety of vegetation. Generally these bird sanctuaries surround natural or made-made water bodies such as rivers and lakes.
Among the most distinguished bird sanctuaries in India are - Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur in Rajasthan, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in North Goa, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in Kerala, Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary in Orissa, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat.
Bird Sanctuary in India
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, North Goa
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary, Orissa
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary ,Gujarat
Nawab Ganj Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary Aurangabad
Karnala Bird Sanctuary Raigad ,Maharashtra
Kolleru Bird Sanctuary ,Andhra Pradesh
Manjira Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
Nandurmadhmeshwar Bird Sanctury Nashik, Maharashtra
Nelapatta Bird Sanctuary Andhra Pradesh
Porbandar Bird Sanctury Porbandar, Gujarat Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary Andhra Pradesh
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary,Tamil Nadu
Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary
Keoladeo National Park
Keoladeo National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is counted among finest bird sanctuaries in the world. Designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the park is famous for water-birds as well as migratory birds.
Location : Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Area : 29 sq. kms
Prime attractions : Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Boar, Migratory Birds
How to reach : Nearest Airport is Agra (56 kms), Bharatpur railway station is nearest railhead, which is 6 kms from the park. Bharatpur railway station is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and other parts of the country. Bharatpur is well-connected by roads with Jaipur, Agra and other important places of Rajasthan.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Situated on the banks of the picturesque Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is famous all over the world for its avian population. Known as an ornithologist's paradise, the bird sanctuary spreads over an area of 14 acres.
Location : 12 kms from Kottayam, Kerala
Area : 14 acres
Prime attractions : Siberian Cranes, Waterfowls, Cuckoos
How to reach : Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (70 kms), Nearest railhead is Kottayam (14 kms), Kumarakoam is connected by State highway and National Highway with rest of the country.
Sultanpur National Park
Sultanpur is a beautiful country of birds, which is covered with lush green lawns, trees, shrubs and masses of Bougainvillea. The park is home to a large number of birds and animals, which can be seen wandering, swimming or flying around the lake or other areas.
Location : Sultanpur, Haryana
Area : 143 sq. kms
Prime attractions : Migratory Birds, Kingfishers, Blue Bulls
How to reach : Nearest Airport is Delhi (46 kms), nearest railway station is Delhi. Sultanpur is connected by road with Delhi, Gurgaon (15 kms) and other places. Taxis and Buses are available from Delhi and Gurgaon.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is located in the Ernakulam district of Kerela. Situated on the banks of the Priver river, Thattekad is amongst most popular National Parks in Kerala. Spreading over an area of 25.16 sq.kms, the bird sanctuary draws nature lovers from all parts of the India and world as well.
Location : 13 kms from Kothamangalam, Kerala
Area : 25.16 sq. kms
Prime attractions : Rare Mottled Wood Owl, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Malayan Night Heron
How to reach : Nearest airport is Kochi (71 kms), Aluva (48 kms) is the nearest railhead and the bird sanctuary is connected by road with Kothamangalam and other important places. Tourists can take a pleasant bus-ride from Kothamangalam early in the morning to the southern bank of the Periyar.
Valley of Flowers
Valley of Flowers not only attracts the nature lovers, but also the trek enthusiasts. Surrounded by snow-capped mountain ridges and peaks, the picturesque park is home to around 500 wild flower species and variety of wild animals. Most important flower species found in the park are Brahmakamal etc.
Location : Chamoli District, Uttaranchal
Area : 87.50 sq. kms
Prime attractions : Around 500 Wild flower Species, Tahr, Snow Leopard, Red Fox, Musk Deer and Himalayan Black Bear
How to reach : To reach the Valley of Flowers, one has to trek a distance of 17 kms. Nearest major town is Joshimath in Garhwal, which is connected by rail and road links with Hardwar (270 kms) and Dehradun (270 kms).
Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary
Covered with rugged high hills and deep valleys, Kaundinya Sanctuary offers the best of wildlife and bird watching in India. Two streams, the Kaigal and the Kaundinya flow through the sanctuary, adding to its attraction and beauty. The southern tropical type of forests dots this entire bird sanctuary of India.
Location : 50-kms from Chittor, Andhra Pradesh
Area : 358sq. Kms
Prime attractions : Cheetal, Four horned Antelope, Sambhar, Mouse Deer, Hare, Porcupine, Wild boar, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Panther, Jungle Fowl, Pea Fowls and Elephants.
How to reach : Buses, taxis and other modes of transportation are available from Chittor and Bangalore.
Kawal Sanctuary
Established in 1965, the magnificent Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary was originally managed as a 'Game Reserve'. The sanctuary is covered by a variety of flora including dry deciduous teak forest and bamboo trees. Due to its rich bio-diversity, it earned the status of a sanctuary. It is a great Indian wildlife sanctuary to visit.
Location : 50-kms from Mancherial, Andhra Pradesh
Area : 893sq. Kms
Prime attractions : Sloth Bear, Panther, Tiger and variety of birds like Peacocks, Patridges, Quails, Vultures, Eagles, Kites, Owls, Mynas, Pigeons, Tree - pies, Kingfishers.
How to reach : Nearest railhead is at Mancherial. Tourists can also take buses from Adilabad.
Kinnerasani Sanctuary
The sanctuary traces its name from the River Kinnerasani, which bisects the sanctuary and ultimately drains into the Godavari River. It is covered with dry deciduous mixed type forests with teak, bamboo and terminals and offers a great Indian bird watching tour.
Location : 12-km From Paloncha, Khammam District, Andhra Pradesh
Area : 635.4sq. Kms
Prime attractions : Peafowl, Jungle Fowl, Qualis, Partridges, Doves, Ducks, Teals, Spoonbills, Nuktas, Open bill stork.
How to reach : The sanctuary can be reached from Khammam by bus.
Kolleru Bird Sanctuary
This picturesque bird sanctuary of India is described as "Peerless Fisherman's Paradise and birds' heaven" in the Imperial Gazetteer. The Kolleru Bird Sanctuary receives water from four rivers that include Budameru, Ramileru, Tammileru and Errakalva and 18 drains.
Location : Near Eluru and 60-km From Vijayawada, West Godavari District Area : 673 sq. Kms
Area : 673sq. Kms
Prime attractions : Painted storks, open bill storks, Grey Herons, cormorants, white Ibises, glossy Ibises, egrets, Reef Herons, Ducks, Coots, Shovellers, Terns, Jacanas, Moorhens
How to reach : This Sanctuary is approachable from Atapaka, 1.5-km from Kaikaluru town, Murthiraju Tanks 8-km from Nidamarru and Gudivakalanka 3-km from Gudivakalankas
Manjira Bird Sanctuary
The Manjira Bird Sanctuary is a haven to a variety of migratory as well as domestic feathered species. It has an Environmental Education Center with a museum, a library, and an auditorium. All these facilities enable the tourists to know about nature conservation and maintenance of ecological balance. They also make it a perfect place for bird watching tours in India.
Location : 50-km From Hyderabad near Sangareddy in Medak District, Andhra Pradesh.
Area : 20sq. Kms
Prime attractions : Painted Storks, Herons, Coots, Teals, Cormorants, Pochards, Black and White Ibises, Spoon Bills, Open Billed Storks
Neelapattu Bird Sanctuary
Neelapattu Bird Sanctuary is reputed as one of the largest pelican habitats in Southeast Asia. It is a small fresh water irrigation tank in the village of Neelapattu Grey Pelicans, Neelapattu Bird Sanctuarywith Barringtonia trees spread in the water. It's really exciting and adventurous to enjoy the bird watching holiday with rare bird species and a must bird sancturary tour package of India.
Location : 50-km From Chennai, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh
Area : 404sq. Kms
Prime attractions : Grey Pelicans on Barringtonia trees in the Tankbed. Other nesting birds include Cormorants, While Ibis, Night Heron, Open Bill Storks, Teals, Ducks.
How to reach : Neelapattu bird sanctuary is at a distance of 100 km from Chennai. Buses and other modes of transpositions can be hired from Chennai.
Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary
The magnificent Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary is reputed for its variety of flora and bird species. The vegetation is varied with dry thorny type of forests, interspersed with dry carrel crops, cotton, groundnut and castor. It is a ideal place for Bird watching holidays in India.
Location : 60-km From Kurnool near Nandikotkuru, Andhra Pradesh
Area : 614sq. Kms
Prime attractions : Black Buck, Bonnet Macaque, Indian Bustard, Indian Roller, Sparrows, Mynas, Russell's Viper, Indian Cobra, Jackal, Wolf and Indian Fox How to reach : State transport buses operate from Kurnool and Nandikotkuru at regular intervals.
How to reach : State transport buses operate from Kurnool and Nandikotkuru at regular intervals.
Sonai Rupai Sanctuary
The Sonai Rupai sanctuary is a picturesque Indian wildlife sanctuary, Hill Bird, Rollapadu Bird Sanctuaryoffering breathtaking views of natural beauty and wildlife. The admirers of feathered species frequently visit the sanctuary in search of rare domestic and migratory birds.
Location : Sonitpur District
Area : 175sq. Kms
Prime attractions : Elephant, Indian Bison, Deer and a variety of hill birds.
Flamingo Colony
It is reputed among the admirers of feathered species as the largest flamingo colony in the world. It receives countless variety of birds from the other corners of the globe. Birds come here to breed and feed before their journey back to a distant land. It is one of the great bird sanctuaries in India and is very attractive and adventurous for all foreign tourists.
Location : Khavda, Gujarat
Prime attractions : Flamingos
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
The delightful Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, nestling around the Nal Lake, offers a sheer variety of color, pattern and a cacophony of sounds that the birds use for recognition and courtship. Exploring this Indian birs sanctuary with a pair of binoculars and a person well versed in local bird life is definitely the best outing you can have.
Location : 65 Kms Southwest of Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Area : 115sq. Kms
Prime attractions : Cranes, flamingoes, pelicans, ducks, storks and other birds
How to reach : Regular state and private buses ply at regular interval from the Ahmedabad.
Porbandar Bird Sanctuary
The serene and tranquil environ of Porbandar Bird Sanctuary attracts a variety of migratory and domestic birds. The sanctuary echoes with the chirping of birds that populate the park. It's a great Indian adventure tour package.
Location : In the heart of the city of Porbandar, Gujarat.
Area : 1sq. Kms
Prime attractions : Wildfowl, Teals, Ibis, Curlews and variety of migratory birds.
How to reach : Regular state and private buses ply at regular interval from the Ahmedabad and other major cities in Gujarat
Velvadar Bird Sanctuary
This is the home of the Indian black buck. Velavadar is a unique grassland ecosystem that has attracted fame for theBlack Buck, Velvadar Bird Sanctuary successful conservation of the black buck and is important part of Gujarat tourism. Once found in open plains throughout the country, its largest population at present occurs in Velvadar National Park.
Location : Bhavnagar, Gujarat
Prime attractions : Black Buck and a variety of birds.
How to reach : Buses and taxis are available at regular interval from Bhavnagar.
Overa Wildlife Sanctuary
Overa Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its population of pheasants. The park has a diverse flora and offers 13 species of mammals and over 80 species of birds. It is best to visit this Indian wildlife sanctuary with a person having some knowledge about the local wild species and birds.Pink Strok ,Overa Wildlife Sanctuary
Location : Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.
Area : 32sq Kms
Prime attractions : Pheasants
How to reach : Buses and taxis are available at regular interval from Pahalgam.
Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary
A little way outside the town of Srirangpatna, is a bunch of islands in the river. It is a natural refuge to variety of waterbird species that flock here. Boating out into the crocodile-filled waters can make your adrenaline pump up and makes this a real adventure birdwatching tour of India.Plover, Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary
Location : Mysore, Karnataka
Prime attractions : Flying Fox, Otter, Python, Tortoise, Crocodile, Cormorant, Darter, Egrets, Heron, Ibis, Kingfisher, Plover, Parakeet, Spoonbill, Whistling Teal and Peregrine.
How to reach : Buses and taxis are available at regular interval from Bangalore, which is the nearest railhead and airport.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
The sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundipuzha River flows into the Arabian Sea. Over a hundred varieties of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory birds flock here in large numbers.Kingfisher, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Location : 19 km from Kozhikode, Kerala
Area : 3sq. Kms
Prime attractions : Terns, Gulls, Herons, Sandpipers, Whimbrels and other migratory birds.
How to reach : Buses and taxis ply at regular intervals from Kozhikode.
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary
The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is reputed as a haven to several migratory and resident water birds. The sanctuary offers enough opportunities for bird watching and photography. It is a huge marshland and shallow lake bordered with mixed dry forest. Altogether, a complete bird sanctuary tour of India.Deer, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary
Location : 45kms from Lucknow, the state capital of Uttar Pradesh.
Area : 395sq Kms
Prime attractions : Pochard, Shoveller, Woodpecker, Parakeet, Coot, Purple Moorhen and Common Teal.
How to reach : The sanctuary is located on National Highway No. 25, 45 kms both from Lucknow and Kanpur. Nawabganj is well connected by bus to Lucknow and Kanpur.
Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary
Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Keoladeo Ghana National Park And Bird Sanctuary
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary
Kolleru Bird Sanctuary
Kulik Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary
Manjira Bird Sanctuary
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Mayani Bird Sanctuary
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
Nandurmadhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary
Nawab Ganj Bird Sanctuary`
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
Porbandar Bird Sanctuary
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Chilka Lake is one of the most visited and largest inland salt water lakes in Asia. It has dazzling honeymoon island and the superb Breakfast Island. This is the place where you can see many colorful native and international birds at time.
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