India is a land of captivating biodiversity, where the wilderness stretches from the high peaks of the Himalayas to the lush mangroves of the Sundarbans, from the arid expanses of the Thar Desert to the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats. While India is widely recognized for with its iconic tiger reserves birdwatching in india and mammalian wildlife, it also boasts an equally remarkable array of bird species that attract birdwatchers from across the globe. In this blog post, we’ll explore India’s hidden avian treasures, highlighting some of the best birdwatching destinations beyond the well-known tiger sanctuaries and offering insights into the diverse birdlife that thrives in the country’s varied ecosystems.
The Birdwatching Paradise of India
India is home to more than 1,300 species of birds, making it a veritable haven for birdwatchers. Its geographical diversity — ranging from the snow-capped Himalayas to the coastal wetlands — provides a perfect environment for a wide variety of bird species. From migratory visitors To resident endemics, India’s birdlife is as colorful and diverse as the country itself.
While the Bengal tiger often steals the limelight in national parks like Ranthambhore or Jim Corbett, birdwatchers know that India’s national parks and sanctuaries offer much more than just big cats. India’s birding destinations are spread across different states, each offering something unique — whether it’s rare waterfowl, endemic species, or spectacular migratory birds that stop by during their seasonal journeys.
Best Birdwatching Destinations in India
1. Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Rajasthan
Keoladeo National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is one of the most famous birdwatching destinations in India. Located in Rajasthan, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a man-made wetland that has been attracting bird enthusiasts for decades. It’s renowned for its large population of waterfowl, including species such as the endangered Siberian Crane, pelicans, ducks, and herons.
From November to February, Keoladeo becomes a migratory haven as hundreds of species pass through its shallow wetlands. The park is not just about waterfowl; it’s also home to over 300 species of birds, including the Indian Peafowl, Painted Storks, and the Black- necked Stork. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bicycle, or on a rickshaw, making it an accessible and enjoyable birdwatching destination.
2. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, the Sundarbans National Park is famous for its mangrove forests and the Royal Bengal Tiger. However, the park is also a treasure trove for birdwatchers. It is one of the best places in India to observe coastal and migratory birds. The park is home to rare species such as the Lesser Adjutant Stork, the Olive-backed Pipit, and various species of kingfishers.
The Sundarbans are particularly attractive to birdwatchers during the winter months, when migratory birds such as waders, herons, and gulls arrive. The park’s unique landscape of tidal rivers, islands, and mudflats offers a dramatic backdrop for birding. A boat ride through the Sundarbans can provide unparalleled views of the birds in their natural habitat.
3. Western Ghats: Silent Valley and Parambikulam
The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a biodiversity hotspot that stretches across several Indian states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The range is home to a wide variety of endemic bird species, making it one of the top birdwatching locations in the country. Silent Valley National Park in Kerala and the nearby Parambikulam Tiger Reserve are two exceptional sites for birdwatching in this region.
The Silent Valley is known for its dense rainforests and the variety of birds that inhabit them. You can spot species such as the Malabar Trogon, Nilgiri Woodpigeon, and the Western Ghats endemic Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle. Parambikulam, located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, is famous for its rich diversity of birdlife, including the endangered Indian Vulture and the White-bellied Woodpecker.
4. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park, located in the northeastern state of Assam, is more famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses and tigers, but its wetlands, grasslands, and forests make it an excellent location for birdwatching as well. The park is home to over 500 species of birds, including the globally threatened Bengal Florican, the Indian Roller, and the Great Hornbill.
Kaziranga’s varied habitats provide birdwatchers with an opportunity to see a wide range of species, from grassland birds like the Indian Courser to waterfowl like the Bar-headed Goose. Early morning boat safaris on the Brahmaputra River and jeep safaris through the park offer great chances to spot these species in their natural environment.