Top News

New Delhi: India transforms into a vital stopover for migratory birds every winter, as wetlands, lakes, rivers, and forest reserves welcome species travelling thousands of kilometres. Between October and March, changing temperatures and abundant food sources draw birds from Central Asia, Europe, and Siberia. These seasonal visitors bring colour, movement, and sound to protected landscapes, offering a rewarding experience for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts across the country. From well-known UNESCO sites to lesser-explored wetlands, migratory bird destinations in India reflect ecological richness and regional diversity.

Some locations are easily accessible weekend escapes, while others lie deep within forested regions. Together, they highlight India’s importance on global migratory routes and offer visitors a chance to observe rare species in their natural winter habitats. Here are the famous places in India to see migratory birds.

Popular places in India to watch migratory birds 1. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan

Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is widely regarded as one of India’s finest bird habitats. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it supports over 370 bird species, including cranes, pelicans, eagles, and the endangered Siberian crane. Winter months see the park filled with migratory birds arriving from Central Asia and Europe. Well-maintained walking and cycling trails make birdwatching accessible for visitors of all ages.

Best time to visit: October to March

2. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Haryana

Located about 40 km from Delhi, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is among the most accessible birdwatching destinations in northern India. It hosts more than 250 resident and migratory bird species, including kingfishers, herons, storks, and seasonal flamingos. Paved walking paths and watchtowers allow easy exploration, making it popular for short winter getaways. The sanctuary becomes especially active during peak migratory months.

Best time to visit: November to February

3. Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary, Odisha

Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest coastal lagoon, plays a crucial role in global bird migration. Recognised as a biodiversity hotspot, the lake attracts over 160 migratory bird species each winter, including flamingos, sea eagles, and herons. Nalabana Island within the lake serves as a protected core area and is considered one of India’s most important birdwatching zones. Boat rides offer close views of birds resting across shallow waters.

Best time to visit: November to February

4. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka

Situated near Mysore, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary consists of six small islets formed by the Kaveri River. It supports nesting colonies of painted storks, spoonbills, kingfishers, and stone plovers. Boat safaris provide excellent opportunities to observe birds at close range, especially during breeding season. The surrounding greenery and river ecosystem also support reptiles and freshwater species.

Best time to visit: June to November

5. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

Vedanthangal is India’s oldest bird sanctuary, with a conservation history spanning over two centuries. Despite its small size, it attracts more than 40,000 migratory birds annually, including pintail ducks, grey wagtails, and open-billed storks. What sets Vedanthangal apart is sustained protection by local communities, who have preserved the wetland through generations.

Best time to visit: November to March

6. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala

Located along the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary combines birdwatching with Kerala’s serene backwater landscape. Migratory species such as herons, egrets, cormorants, and the rare Siberian crane visit the area during winter. Visitors can explore forest trails or observe birds from houseboats, offering varied viewing experiences within a peaceful setting.

Best time to visit: Mid-November to February

7. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala

Also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad lies within the Western Ghats and is recognised as one of the richest bird habitats in peninsular India. It hosts over 300 bird species, including Malabar grey hornbills, flame-throated bulbuls, and Sri Lanka frogmouths. Dense forest cover and biodiversity make it ideal for serious birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.

Best time to visit: November to April

8. Mayani Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra

Located in the Satara district, Mayani Bird Sanctuary is a growing favourite among birding enthusiasts. Built around a dam, the wetland attracts over 400 bird species during winter, with large numbers of flamingos, painted storks, and black ibis. Limited commercialisation helps maintain a quiet environment, allowing uninterrupted observation of bird activity.

Best time to visit: December to February

9. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat

Nal Sarovar is a seasonal freshwater wetland near Ahmedabad that becomes a major winter refuge for migratory birds. Thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and ducks arrive here each year. Boat rides across shallow waters allow visitors to observe birds feeding and resting across the lake’s vast expanse.

Best time to visit: November to March

10. Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh

Located close to Lucknow, this sanctuary offers convenient access to migratory bird habitats in northern India. The wetland attracts sarus cranes, greylag geese, and pintail ducks during winter. Watchtowers, a deer park, and an interpretation centre make it suitable for families and educational visits.

Best time to visit: November to February

India’s migratory bird destinations reflect a delicate balance between conservation and natural beauty. Visiting these sanctuaries during winter offers not only unforgettable wildlife encounters but also a deeper appreciation of the ecosystems that sustain seasonal migration across continents.