The Best Bird Sanctuaries in India.
India is a hot spot for bird watching, with over 1,300 species of birds calling the country home.
If you’re a wildlife lover looking to get up close and personal with some of these feathered beauties, then you’ll want to check out one of India’s many bird sanctuaries.
Here are some of the best Best Bird Sanctuaries to consider adding to your travel itinerary.
Which is the largest bird sanctuary in India?
The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is the largest bird sanctuary in India.
It is located in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan and covers an area of around 1.30 km.
The sanctuary was established in 1971 to protect the endangered birds that migrate to India during the winter season.
Over 250 species of birds have been recorded at the sanctuary, including the rare Siberian crane.
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Why are sanctuaries important for birds?
Bird sanctuaries provide a safe haven for birds to nest and raise their young.
In addition to being a place of refuge, sanctuaries also play an important role in protecting species that are at risk of becoming extinct.
By safeguarding rare and endangered birds, sanctuaries help to ensure the future of these species.
In addition, sanctuaries serve as important research sites, providing scientists with valuable insights into bird behavior and ecology.
Moreover, many bird sanctuaries are located in areas of great natural beauty, offering visitors the chance to enjoy spectacular scenery and wildlife.
For all these reasons, bird sanctuaries play a vital role in the conservation of our feathered friends.
Here is the list of Best Bird Sanctuaries in India
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is located in Rajasthan. It is one of the most popular bird sanctuaries in India.
The sanctuary was created in 1951 and covers an area of 29 square kilometers.
Bharatpur is home to over 375 species of birds, including cuckoos, owls, parakeets, herons, shanks, and storks—just to name a few.
The sanctuary is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for anyone visiting Rajasthan.
The sanctuary is best known for its large population of residents and migratory waterbirds.
Species that can be found there include the greater flamingo, pelican, cormorant, and egret.
The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a popular tourist destination and provides crucial habitat for many bird species.
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
The Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is a wetland reserve located in Gujarat, India.
It is home to over 210 species of birds, including migratory birds from Siberia and Europe, making it the perfect place for bird-watching enthusiasts
The sanctuary covers an area of over 120 square kilometers and is surrounded by Nalsarovar lake.
The lake is shallow and fed by several freshwater springs. The sanctuary was established in 1969 and is managed by the Gujarat Forest Department.
In 2012, it was declared a Ramsar Site, which is an international designation for wetlands of importance to waterbirds.
The Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
You can take a boat ride through the sanctuary to get up close and personal with some of the resident birds or go on a nature walk to spot even more feathered friends.
Sultanpur National Park, Haryana
Sultanpur National Park is located in the Gurgaon district of Haryana, India.
The park covers an area of 1.42, Sultanpur National Park was established in the year 1972 and is home to 250 varieties of bird species.
The park has a [lake] which attracts many s wetland birds such as
- Eastern Imperial Eagle.
- Pallas’s Fish Eagle.
- Booted eagle.
- Sarus crane.
- Painted stork.
- Asian openbill stork.
- Black-headed ibis.
- Oriental darter.
The park also has a [heronry] which is home to the largest breeding colony of rooks in Asia.
This national park is located just outside of Delhi and is home to over 250 species of birds, as well as mammals like nilgai antelope, monitor lizards, and wild boar.
You can take an eco-tour of the park (which costs INR 300 per person) or go on a self-guided tour (which is free).
Just be sure to pack plenty of water and insect repellent.
Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary, Odisha
The Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary is located in Odisha, India. It is home to over 160 species of birds, including migratory birds from Siberia and Europe.
The sanctuary covers an area of 1,200 square kilometers and is divided into three zones: the Inner Core Zone, the Buffer Zone, and the Tourism Zone.
The Inner Core Zone is the most important part of the sanctuary, as it provides a habitat for the breeding and nesting of birds.
The Buffer Zone surrounds the Inner Core Zone and helps to protect it from human activity.
The Tourism Zone is open to visitors and offers bird-watching opportunities.
Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
The Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
It covers an area of 357 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and bison.
The sanctuary is also home to the Koundinya River, which flows through the sanctuary and provides a valuable source of water for the local wildlife.
The sanctuary was established in 1987 and is managed by the Forest Department of Andhra Pradesh.
It is open to the public all year round and provides a perfect opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to experience some of India’s most magnificent animals up close.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India.
Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, it was established in 1858 and covers an area of 32 hectares.
The sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, including herons, egrets, cormorants, and Pelicans.
It is also a popular stopover for migratory birds from Europe and Asia.
Every year, between November and February, over 30,000 birds can be seen at the sanctuary.
The best time to visit is between 6:00 am and 10:00 am when the birds are most active.
There is a small entrance fee, and visitors are asked to follow the sanctuary’s rules to protect the birds and their habitat.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, located in Goa, India, is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Covering an area of Just over 440 acres, the sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, including the rare Purple Sunbird.
The sanctuary was established in 1988 and is named after Salim Ali, one of India’s most famous ornithologists.
“Salim Ali was an Indian ornithologist and naturalist. He was one of the first Indians to study birds in the wild and is considered one of the founders of the study of Indian ornithology. He wrote several books on birds, including The Book of Indian Birds, which is still used as a reference guide by birdwatchers and scientists. Ali also established the Bombay Natural History Society, which promotes the study of natural history and conservation in India. In recognition of his contributions to ornithology and conservation, Ali was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor.”
Source – Wikipedia
The sanctuary is accessible by boat from the nearby town of Bhara studio and is a popular stop on birdwatching tours of Goa.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of other activities in the park, such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching.
With its abundance of birds and scenic beauty, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a must-see for anyone visiting Goa.
Conclusion
India is a veritable paradise for bird lovers—there are simply too many amazing sanctuaries to list them all.
These are definitely worth adding to your travel itinerary if you’re interested in getting up close and personal with some feathered friends on your next trip to the wild.
