Alright, here’s the thing. When you think of a holiday in India, you’re probably picturing tigers, temples, or maybe the Taj. But hear me out – India’s a real gem for birdwatching too. I’ve been trekking around this massive country about eight times now with ETG, and every trip, without fail, I’m gobsmacked by the variety of birds fluttering about. It’s not just about elephants and leopards here; India’s birdlife is in a league of its own. So, if you’re into nature and fancy a bit of a change from the usual safari sights, here’s my rundown on the best bird sanctuaries in India.
1. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
Deep in the lowland forests of Kerala, you’ll find Thattekad – known to the birding greats as “Salim Ali’s best pick” for bird habitats. I mean, if the ‘Birdman of India’ rated it, it’s definitely worth a look. With rare species and a chance to stay in the cosy Hornbill Camp, it’s the ultimate spot to mix village life with a bit of wildlife watching. Grab a bike, hop in a kayak, or head out on foot – our expert local guides will have you spotting everything from Malabar trogons to Sri Lankan frogmouths, often before breakfast.
2. Mangalajodi, Odisha
On the edges of Chilika Lake, Mangalajodi is a cracking place to watch migratory birds from as far away as Siberia. It’s home to birds from the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal and the Aral Sea between mid-December and February Like a lot of rural India, Odisha and northerly neighbour, West Bengal has a profusion of birdlife outside the cities. Picture this: you’re out on a tiny boat, drifting along as flocks of birds take off around you. It’s quite the sight. Best paired with a trip to Odisha’s cultural gems like Dhenkanal Palace (and the sunworshippers of the mahima dharma), this wetland area gives you that sense of discovery without the hordes of tourists. Just you, the birds, and the silent waters.
3. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa
Goa might be all about beaches for some, but swap the flip-flops for binoculars, and you’re in for a surprise. In honour of Mr Ali himself, this sanctuary has a mangrove ecosystem that’s pure bird paradise. You can wander through on foot with our expert guides or, for the true bird nerds (no offence, I’m right there with you), take a boat to get the best views. And let’s be honest, watching herons and kingfishers beats sunburn and sand any day.
4. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan
Ah, Bharatpur. It’s a UNESCO site near Agra, and there’s a reason birdwatchers across the world flock here – pun very much intended. Over 400 species, including the odd Siberian crane, pass through or call this place home. You’ve got options: explore by foot, rickshaw, or even boat. Not many places let you take in the wildlife from a boat, and it’s one of the best ways to spot waterbirds here without disturbing them. It is also considered by some to be the biggest bird sanctuary in Asia, although accounts differ!
5. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka
The largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka, Ranganathittu makes a fantastic day trip from Mysore or Bangalore. This place is known for its islets where migratory birds make their temporary home, so you travel around by boat. The rangers here are top-notch (we use the best of the best), and they’ll take you out on a boat to get up close. Great for a day trip, but it’s Karnataka’s largest sanctuary, so it’s well worth sticking around. It’s like a David Attenborough doc right in front of you.
What is the best place for bird watching in India?
There are just so many bird sactuaries in India. Now, if you’re a true twitcher, I’d say head to Pangot, in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, whilst staying at Jungle Lore Birding Lodge is the best place for bird watching in India, in our opinion. If you have flexibility then between December-January, when the bird activity is excellent, or around April-May when most of the birds display their breeding plumage are the best times – think cheer pheasants, koklass, and other high-altitude gems. It can be quite cold in December and January and quite hot in May so a good balance in conjunction with other areas you may want to visit in India is between mid-February and early April. For really keen birders we highly recommend combining your time in Pangot with time in Corbett National Park and for the adventurous a few nights in the remote Vanghat Lodge on the northern edges of the park. It’s remote, it’s rustic, and it’s ideal for uninterrupted birdwatching.
Shout-outs for incredible birdlife and bigger game also go to Kaziranga National Park, Satpura National Park and Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary.
The main birding habitats in India are generally forests, scrub, grassland & farmland, deserts and wetlands, each of which is home to specific types of bird species. Thus, it’s worth noting that amazing birdlife experiences aren’t just restricted to bird sanctuaries and national parks in India. Areas like Kerala, Karnataka and Rajasthan team with a variety of birdlife as well states further afield like Gujurat and Assam. The diversity of landscapes alone is worth the trip, and you’ll come back with a new favourite bird, guaranteed.
Which is the most beautiful bird in India? A Twitchers Perspective…
I chatted with one of our in-country partners who is an avid twitcher. Here, Sinna, our head ETG man in South India operations talks about his favourite bird in India:
My all time favourite bird in India has got to be the Great Indian Hornbill. As it mostly stays in the heavily wooded jungles, sighting one in the wild is not easy. Locally called Mallamuzhaki Vezhambal which literally translates as the hornbill that resonates the hills, their calls are very distinctive like a loud booming human laugh. You often hear the flapping sound generated by its wings as it flies before you actually see it. The Great Indian hornbill is the largest of the 7 types of hornbill found in India. Due to habitat loss and impact of human interactions the Great Indian Hornbill was an endangered bird. Of late the new wildlife regulations and conservation efforts have been a great help in protecting this magnificent bird. In Southern India they are found mostly in the dense rainforests of the western ghats. The main areas to spot them are the forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve, the Thattekad region, the Nelliyampati hills and the Anaimalais. Due to the availability of decent accommodation the best option to visit would be Periyar and Thattekad. My personal favourite place to see them is the Periyar Forest Bungalow, the only private estate in the core zone of the National Park. The stay here is comfortable but not luxurious. The upper region of the estate is not planted and allowed to grow wild and in addition there are parts of the estate reclaimed by the jungle making it a haven for wildlife. Its here that you often get to spot the Great Indian Hornbill on the early morning walks. Feb/Mar is a good time for spotting them as that is their breeding season in the area.
As usual, Sinna’s got it spot on – these birds are nothing short of legendary. If you see one, trust me, you won’t forget it.
Birds of South India Holiday
Curious about birdlife in India?
Whether you’re all in for the birding or just curious, India’s wildlife scene is packed with surprises. If you’re keen to take a proper birdwatching trip, ETG’s got you covered for your trip to India, please do get in touch on 020 3627 3086 or request a call back here. We’re always happy to chat through your options and sort a bespoke trip that’ll tick every box. To see examples of birding itineraries check out our Birds of South India example and our birdlife of North India trip.