Are you a nature lover and bird enthusiast looking for a weekend getaway?
India is a paradise for bird watchers, with a rich diversity of various species spread across the country. From the majestic Himalayas in the north to the lush Western Ghats in the south, India has a variety of habitats that support a stunning array of birdlife. Escape the chaos of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature by visiting the best bird watching places in India.
10 Best Weekend Bird Watching Places in India
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a nature enthusiast looking for a weekend getaway, there are plenty of options to explore. This blog will be your Indian bird watching guide as we have curated a list of the 10 best weekend bird-watching vacations in India that will take you to some of the most breathtaking locations in the country. So grab your binoculars and get ready for a thrilling adventure amidst the beautiful flora and fauna of India!
- Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
- Sultanpur National Park, Haryana
- Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
- Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary, Odisha
- Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa
- Kaziranga National Park, Assam
- Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
1. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo National Park, is one of the most famous bird watching destinations in India. Located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, the sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 370 species of birds. The sanctuary was originally created as a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Bharatpur but was later converted into a bird sanctuary in 1982. The park covers an area of 29 square kilometers.
The park is named after the Keoladeo temple located within its boundaries. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is an important wintering ground for several migratory birds such as the Siberian crane, greater flamingo, ruff, pelicans, and common teal, which come here from as far as Siberia and Central Asia. The sanctuary is also home to a large number of resident birds such as the painted stork, spoonbill, white ibis, and several species of eagles, vultures, and owls.
Apart from birds, the sanctuary is also home to several species of mammals, including the sambar, chital, wild boar, and mongoose. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and visitors can explore the park on foot, bicycle, or a cycle-rickshaw. This place can offer you some of the best birding tours in India.
How to reach Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
The park is well connected by road to prime locations and is just located 55 km from Agra which makes it a popular day trip destination from the Taj Mahal. Bharatpur railway junction is located just 5km away from the sanctuary making the train best option. Also, there are frequent flights between Delhi and Agra if you are willing to travel by air. Roads are well maintained and are connected with major cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Agra, Mathura, etc. You can hire a cab or travel via RTC or private buses.
2. Sultanpur National Park, Haryana
Sultanpur National Park is the best national park for bird watching located in the Gurgaon district of the northern state of Haryana, India. The park covers an area of approximately 1.42 square kilometers and is home to over 250 species of birds. The park was established in 1991 and was named after Sultanpur village, which is located nearby.
The park is situated on the banks of the Sultanpur Jheel, a shallow rain-fed lake, which is the main attraction for the birds. The park is home to various birds, including both migratory and resident species. Some of the commonly seen birds include the Siberian crane, pelican, common teal, painted stork, white ibis, and many species of ducks and geese. The park is also home to several species of mammals such as the blackbuck, nilgai, and jackal.
Sultanpur National Park is a great place for bird watching and nature photography. Winter is the best season for bird watching when migratory birds arrive. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and visitors can explore the park on foot or on a cycle-rickshaw.
How to reach Sultanpur National Park
Sultanpur National Park is easily accessible by road and rail and is located just 15 kilometers from the city of Gurgaon and up to 50 kilometers from Delhi, which makes it a popular weekend getaway destination for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.
3. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is a popular bird watching destination located in the western state of Gujarat, India. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 120 square kilometers and is home to over 200 species of birds. The sanctuary is situated around Nal Sarovar lake, which is a large, shallow freshwater lake that attracts a large number of migratory birds during the winter months. The lake is surrounded by marshes and swamps, which provide a perfect habitat for birds.
The sanctuary is home to various birds, including both migratory and resident species. Some of the commonly seen birds include the flamingo, pelican, spoonbill, stork, and several species of ducks and geese. The sanctuary is also home to several species of mammals such as the wild boar, jackal, and blackbuck.
It is a great place for bird watching and nature photography. Visitors can explore the sanctuary on foot, on a bicycle, or on a boat. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and February when the migratory birds arrive. Apart from bird watching, visitors can also enjoy activities like boating, fishing, and camping at the sanctuary.
How to reach Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is easily accessible by road and rail and is located just 64 kilometers from Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat. The sanctuary is a popular weekend getaway destination for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.
4. Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary, Odisha
Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary is a popular bird watching destination located in the eastern state of Odisha, India. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 1,165 square kilometers and is home to over 160 species of birds. The sanctuary is situated around Chilika Lake, which is the largest brackish water lagoon in India and the second-largest in the world. The lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow sandbar and is a crucial habitat for migratory birds during the winter months.
The sanctuary is home to various birds, including both migratory and resident species. Some of the commonly seen birds include the flamingo, pelican, spoonbill, stork, and several species of ducks and geese. The sanctuary is also home to several species of mammals such as spotted deer, jackal, and fishing cats.
The sanctuary is a great place for bird watching and nature photography. Visitors can explore the sanctuary on foot, on a bicycle, or on a boat. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and February when the migratory birds arrive.
How to reach Chilla Lake Bird Sanctuary
Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary is easily accessible by road and rail and is located just 100 kilometers from the city of Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha. The sanctuary is a popular weekend getaway destination for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.
5. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a popular bird watching destination located in the southern state of Kerala, India. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 25 square kilometers and is home to over 300 species of birds. The sanctuary is situated in the foothills of the Western Ghats and is home to a variety of habitats like tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, grasslands, and water bodies. This provides a perfect habitat for a wide variety of bird species.
The sanctuary is home to various birds, including both migratory and resident species. Some of the commonly seen birds include the Indian pitta, Malabar grey hornbill, great hornbill, and several species of woodpeckers and flycatchers. The sanctuary is also home to several species of mammals such as the leopard, sloth bear, and Indian bison.
Winters are the best season for bird watching and besides bird watching, visitors can enjoy activities like trekking, camping, and fishing at the sanctuary. The sanctuary has several facilities like a restaurant, a children’s park, and a souvenir shop.
How to reach Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is easily accessible by road and rail and is located just 60 kilometers from the city of Kochi. The sanctuary is a popular weekend getaway destination for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.
6. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a popular bird watching destination located in the southern state of Karnataka, India. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 40 acres and is home to over 170 species of birds. The sanctuary is situated around a group of small islands in the Cauvery River and is surrounded by lush greenery. The islands provide a perfect habitat for several bird species, including both migratory and resident birds.
The sanctuary is home to various birds, including the painted stork, Asian openbill stork, common spoonbill, and several species of herons, egrets, and cormorants. The sanctuary is also home to several species of mammals such as the bonnet macaque, flying fox, and Indian gray mongoose.
The sanctuary is a great place for bird watching and nature photography. Visitors can choose from the various birding tours available, or explore the sanctuary on foot or on a boat ride. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and June when the migratory birds arrive.
How to reach Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is easily accessible by road and rail and is located just 20 kilometers from the city of Mysore. The sanctuary is a popular weekend getaway destination for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.
7. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a popular bird watching destination located in the southern state of Kerala, India. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 14 acres and is home to over 180 species of birds. The sanctuary is situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. The sanctuary is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a perfect habitat for several bird species.
The sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, including both migratory and resident birds. Some of the commonly seen birds include the egret, heron, kingfisher, and several species of ducks and geese. The sanctuary is also home to several species of mammals such as the otter, squirrel, and flying fox.
Apart from bird watching, visitors can also enjoy activities like boating, fishing, and canoeing at the sanctuary. The sanctuary has several facilities like a restaurant, a children’s park, and a souvenir shop.
How to reach Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is easily accessible by road and rail and is located just 16 kilometers from the city of Kottayam. The sanctuary is a bird watcher’s paradise and one of the best bird-watching places in India.
8. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a popular bird watching destination located in the western state of Goa, India. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 1.8 square kilometers and is named after the famous Indian ornithologist, Salim Ali. The sanctuary is situated on the western tip of the island of Chorão, in the Mandovi River. The sanctuary is surrounded by mangrove forests and provides a perfect habitat for several bird species.
The sanctuary is home to various birds, including both migratory and resident birds. Some of the commonly seen birds include the black drongo, white-bellied sea eagle, and several species of herons and egrets. The sanctuary is also home to several species of mammals such as the flying fox, jackal, and Indian civet.
The sanctuary is a great place for nature photographers. Visitors can explore the sanctuary throughout the day. If you are in Goa and searching for the best bird watching places near me then Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is the best place to explore and have a picnic.
How to reach Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is easily accessible by road and ferry from the city of Panaji. The sanctuary is a popular destination for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers visiting Goa.
9. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park is the best national park for bird watching which is located in the northeastern state of Assam, India. The park covers an area of approximately 430 square kilometers and is known for its one-horned rhinoceros and other endangered species. The park is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and is surrounded by lush green forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and several species of deer and antelope. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 450 species of birds being recorded here. Some of the commonly seen bird species include the great Indian hornbill, the Bengal florican, and several species of eagles, vultures, and falcons.
Apart from wildlife viewing, visitors can also enjoy activities like jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and birdwatching tours in the park. The best time to visit the park is between November and April when the weather is pleasant and the animals and birds are easily spotted.
How to reach Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is easily accessible by road and rail from the nearby city of Guwahati. The park has several accommodation options ranging from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses. It is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers visiting Northeast India.
10. Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary is a lesser-known birdwatching destination located in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 7 acres and is situated near the town of Guntur. It is the best bird watching place in AndhraPradesh. The sanctuary is home to over 40 species of birds, including both migratory and resident birds. Some of the commonly seen birds include the painted stork, open-billed stork, and pelican. The sanctuary is also home to several species of ducks, geese, and cranes. The sanctuary was established to protect the birds and their habitat, which was threatened due to hunting and poaching. The sanctuary is also an important breeding ground for several bird species.
How to reach Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary
Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary is easily accessible by road from the nearby city of Guntur. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and February when the migratory birds arrive. The sanctuary is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or just starting, these 10 destinations offer a perfect weekend getaway to explore the beauty of nature and the diverse birdlife of India. So pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and get ready to embark on a journey that will leave you with an unforgettable bird-watching vacation!
