5 wildlife sanctuaries for bird-watching enthusiasts

India is a country with spectacular biodiversity, featuring an abundance of habitats that present an interesting variety of settings for bird species to migrate to from across the globe. Here, you will find ideal settings for bird-watching enthusiasts to spot resident as well as migratory bird species in their natural habitats. Ranging from serene backwaters and dense forest covers to large wetlands, as well as lagoons. If you also love watching birds, here are some places that you need to bookmark.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary , Kerala

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is situated on a tiny island on Vembanad Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. This serene sanctuary welcomes many migratory birds, such as Siberian cranes, herons, egrets, and kingfishers. This mangrove cover is inhabited by a wide variety of birds, and hence it's heaven for bird enthusiasts. People visit this sanctuary by boat, through the serene backwaters, catching glimpses of rare and vibrant waterbirds amidst green vegetation.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park), Rajasthan
Keoladeo National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a World Heritage site famous for welcoming more than 370 species of birds. Situated in Rajasthan, it welcomes migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia, and elsewhere during the winter months. Birds like the Siberian crane, the spot-billed pelican, and the greater flamingo inhabit here. Trained eyes and telescopes can be utilized on well-manicured park trails and cycling tracks to take in the sights. The visit should be made between October and March when the birds are most active.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary , Kerala

Thattekad is Kerala's biggest bird sanctuary along the Western Ghats. With more than 300 species of birds, including endemic species such as the Malabar grey hornbill and great hornbill, the sanctuary provides perfect habitats for paradise flycatchers and babblers. Nature sightseeing is particularly fruitful after the monsoons (October to February) when the forest floor awakens with colorful bird calls and movement, drawing nature lovers.

Dudhwa National Park , Uttar Pradesh

Located in Uttar Pradesh's Terai region, the Dudhwa National Park has a variety of habitats—grasslands, wetlands, and forests—that support over 450 species of birds. It is home to rare and threatened birds like the Bengal florican, Indian paradise flycatcher, and great hornbill. Serene trails and high biodiversity offer good chances for bird enthusiasts to spot resident as well as migratory birds. The best time to visit is November through April, when the climate is agreeable and when bird sightings are the most common.

Chilka lake Bird sanctuary, Odisha

Odisha's Chilika Lake is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon and a critical wintering site for migratory birds. The sanctuary is renowned for flocks of flamingos, pelicans, herons, and many species of ducks and waders. Thousands of migratory birds pay a visit between November and February, bringing with them a bird-watching spectacle. Boat safaris across the lagoon provide close encounters with these birds amidst scenic waterscapes, and Chilika becomes a must-visit destination for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts.