20 Biggest Bird Sanctuaries in India You Must Visit

source: experiencetravelgroup

Birds are colourful gifts of nature that fill our hearts with joy. India is rich in biodiversity being home to many of our feathered friends like the great-Indian bustard, hornbill, adjutant, peacock, florican, cormorants, parakeets, etc.

This article lists the 20 best bird sanctuaries in India, alongside intricate details like the bird species available and how to reach them.

The list of the 20 best bird sanctuaries in India is as follows.

1. Jawaharlal Nehru Bustard Sanctuary | Area Covered: 8,496 km2

source: britannica

Located in Solapur (Maharashtra), this is the largest bird sanctuary in India. It is named after the endangered bird species, the great Indian bustard. The sanctuary boasts of the vast number of Indian bustards that it houses. Apart from this, some other species of fauna that are found here are the Indian fox, wolf, common mongoose, etc. making it a tourist hotspot.

• How to Reach: It can be reached by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport to the sanctuary is 257 km. The nearest railway station is 23 km. Great road networking is available from all major Indian cities.
• Best Time to Visit: October - February
• Types of Birds Found Here: Indian bustard, snake eagle shikra, spot-billed duck, laughing love, grey francolin
• Timing: 6 am - 6 pm
• Entry Price: Free entry
• Other Activities: Spotting other wildlife species like wolf, Indian fox, mongoose, etc.

2. Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 759 km2

source: thisiscolossal

This bird sanctuary is located in Nellore (Andhra Pradesh) and is one of the biggest bird sanctuaries in India. It is also a freshwater lake and the second largest after the Chilika Lake. It houses a rich biodiversity of wildlife, birds, worms, fishes, molluscs, etc., which can be seen all year round.

• How to Reach: It can be reached by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Meenambakkam Airport at 90 km. The nearest railway is Sullurpet Railway at 10 km. One can take National Highway 5 towards Nellore from Chennai to reach here.
• Best Time to Visit: October - March
• Types of Birds Found Here: Gadwall, black-tailed godwit, Marsh sandpiper, shoveler, garganey
• Timing: 6 am – 6 pm
• Entry Price: Free entry
• Other Activities: Trekking, boat ride

3. Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 358 km2

source: wikimedia

This is another top tourist destination for bird watchers and nature lovers. It is surrounded by the Horsley Hills and has a wide variety of birds and wildlife to offer. Animals like jungle cats, pumas, monitor lizards, porcupines, and sloth bears can all be seen in this sanctuary. You can even get a sight of the majestic tiger if you are lucky!

• How to Reach: It can be reached by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Bangalore Airport at 120 km. The nearest railway is Vellore at 65 km. One can reach here from Bangalore or Chittoor.
• Best Time to Visit: October - May
• Types of Birds Found Here: Rosy pelicans, budgerigars, cockatiels, grey pelicans, painted storks
• Timing: 7 am – 5 pm
• Entry Price: Free entry
• Other Activities: Kaigal Falls, jeep safari, Kalyan waterfall, viewing diverse flora (Indian sandalwood) and fauna (wildlife)

4. Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary | Area Covered: 258.71 km2

source: nationalzoo

Kutch in Gujarat has a xerophytic grassland ecosystem. It is here that the sanctuary is located with numerous bird species, the most popular being the great Indian bustard. The sanctuary is also a haven for other endangered species of wildlife.

• How to Reach: It can be reached by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Ahmedabad at 110 km. The nearest railway is Naliya at 22 km. The nearest bus stand is 20 km at Naliya and has good connectivity to Jakhau area, Gujarat.
• Best Time to Visit: October - March
• Types of Birds Found Here: Macqueen’s bustards, Houbara bustards, great Indian bustards, Florican bustards, eagles
• Timing: 6 am – 6 pm (All days open)
• Entry Price: Free entry
• Other Activities: Wildlife tour and sightseeing nearby

5. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 121 km2

source: cornell

This is another bird sanctuary in Gujarat and is considered one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in India. With more than 210 species of birds found in this sanctuary, the area has a wetland ecosystem.

• How to Reach: It can be reached by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Ahmedabad at 75 km. The nearest railway is Viramgram at 40 km. The place has great connectivity with all major Indian cities.
• Best Time to Visit: November - January
• Types of Birds Found Here: Spoonbills, flamingos, ducks, geese, eagles, pelicans
• Timing: 6 am – 5.30 pm
• Entry Price:
  • Indians: ₹40 (Mon to Fri), ₹50 (Sat and Sun)
  • Foreigners: ₹736 (Mon to Fri), ₹920 (Sat and Sun)
• Other Activities: Horse riding (lakeside), local cuisine served in small huts, one-day spots for a picnic

6. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 29 km2

source: birdfact

If one is an avid bird enthusiast, this is the place where one should be headed. Why so? This sanctuary is considered a ‘World-Heritage-Site’ by UNESCO, for its extremely rich biodiversity. In short, there are close to 366 bird species alone, and several other species of wildlife. Located in Rajasthan, it is also renowned for its avifauna species.

• How to Reach: It can be reached by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Agra at 56 km, followed by Delhi at 184 km. The nearest railway is Bharatpur Railway at 5 km. The place has great connectivity with all major Indian cities.
• Best Time to Visit: December - February
• Types of Birds Found Here: Pelicans, wheatears, buntings, cranes, hawks, ducks, geese, shanks, eagles, stints, warblers, flycatchers, larks, wagtails
• Timing: 8 am – 5 pm
• Entry Price:
  • Indians: ₹50
  • Foreigners: ₹400
• Other Activities: Tonga ride, gifts, souvenirs, short walkways

7. Bakhira Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 29 km2

source: cornell

Located in Uttar Pradesh, this sanctuary has a wetland habitat and is situated on a natural floodplain. This reserve holds spectacular scenic beauty and has many bird species to offer. It was established in the 1980s and is named after a lake from the surrounding village.

• How to Reach: It can be reached by car by travelling via NH 19.
• Best Time to Visit: November - January
• Types of Birds Found Here: Swamphen, moorhen (purple coloured), kaima
• Timing: 6 am – 6 pm
• Entry Price:
  • Indians: ₹30
  • Foreigners: ₹350
• Other Activities: Watching wildlife species like golden jackals, mongooses, jungle cats, etc.

8. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 25.16 km2

source: blogspot

This is one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in India, located in Kerala. It has a lowland forest habitat with lush green trees all around, flanked by the river Periyar. The ornithologist Salim Ali rightly coins this place as the ‘richest bird habitat of India’. The place has around 270 bird species and is famous for its expanding ‘cuckoo’ population.

• How to Reach: It can be reached by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Cochin at 45 km. The nearest railway is Aluva at 45 km. One can travel 12 km from Kothamangalam to Chelad and reach the place.
• Best Time to Visit: November - February
• Types of Birds Found Here: Orange-headed thrush, Indian cuckoo, Indian pitta, Jordan’s nightjar, cormorant, large-billed leaf warbler, oriental darter
• Timing: 6 am – 6 pm
• Entry Price:
  • Indians: ₹10
  • Foreigners: ₹115
• Other Activities: Boat safari and jeep safari

9. Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 15.53 km2

source: treehugger

Lake Chilika, which is located in Orissa, Asia’s largest brackish-water ecosystem and home to a multitude of birds, some native while some migratory. The boating facilities are available for tourists and the natural backdrop of the vast serene lake is a paradise for nature lovers. Some may even visit the islands via boat ride, namely, Bird Island and Beacon Island.

• How to Reach: It can be reached by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar at 120 km. The nearest railway is Balugaon. One can travel by bus from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to Balugaon.
  
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
  
• Types of Birds Found Here: Flamingo, eagle, geese
  
• Timing: 7 am – 5 pm
  
• Entry Price: Free entry
  
• Other Activities: Boat rides to Bird Island and Beacon Island, sighting other wildlife like Irrawaddy dolphin (endangered species)

10. Mayani Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 8.67 km2

source: cgtn

This bird sanctuary of Maharashtra encompasses a wetland habitat rich in diverse flora and fauna. However, the local region is drought-prone and spotted with waterbodies, which has spurred the growth of cacti and small scattered forests. This is infamous for over 400 species of migratory birds that visit the sanctuary during winter months.

• How to Reach: It can be reached by air, rail, and road. The nearest airports are Mumbai and Pune Airports. Well-connected to all railway stations of India. Buses are available from Pune, Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai.
• Best Time to Visit: October - March
• Types of Birds Found Here: Black ibis, coot, Brahminy duck, painted stork, flamingo, kingfisher, spoonbill
• Timing: 7 am – 9 pm
• Entry Price: ₹15
• Other Activities: Xerophytic vegetation and scattered forest ecosystem

11. Samaspur Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 7.99 km2

source: cornell

This sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh houses more than 200 species of birds including some endangered species. The reserve has a natural lake that remains teeming with aquatic life all through the year. It houses not only native bird species but is a common spot for migratory species to come and brood during Indian winters.

• How to Reach: One can reach this place via car by travelling through NH 19.
• Best Time to Visit: October - March
• Types of Birds Found Here: Kingfishers, vultures, comb ducks, whistling teals, spoonbills
• Timing: 6 am - 6 pm
• Entry Price: Free entry
• Other Activities: Lake is filled with a variety of aquatic life and surrounding natural beauty

12. Najafgarh Drain Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 6 km2

source: wikimedia

This is one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in India and is situated in Delhi. Being one of the oldest sanctuaries, its wetland habitat attracts 5000 diverse species of birds. Its lush green flora makes it a perfect spot to visit on a weekend trip to Delhi. Nilgais, porcupines, foxes, and jackals are some common wildlife sighted here.

• How to Reach: It can be reached by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi Airport. One can avail a train to Delhi and then commute via bus/taxi to reach. Well-connected to all major Indian cities.
• Best Time to Visit: October - January
• Types of Birds Found Here: Indian herons, ducks, great egrets, gadwalls, spoonbills, whistling ducks, pelicans, vultures
• Timing: 6 am – 6 pm
• Entry Price: Free entry
• Other Activities: Photoshoots near the small picturesque lake where myriads of birds come to visit.

13. Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 2.24 km2

source: cornell

Formerly known as the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, this sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has over 250 bird species. There is a freshwater lake around which the sanctuary is built. Some of the rarest bird species can be seen here. Visitors from all around the world and even Siberia pay a visit to this sanctuary making it one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in India.

• How to Reach: One can reach the sanctuary by car via Purvanchal expressway and NH 19.
• Best Time to Visit: October - March
• Types of Birds Found Here: Red-crested pochard, pintail, open-bill stork, greylag goose, cotton teal, black-winged stilts, purple moorhen, white ibis, dabchick
• Timing: 6 am – 6 pm
• Entry Price:
  • Indians: ₹30
  • Foreigners: ₹350
• Other Activities: Deer park, boat rides

14. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 1.8 km2

source: cloudinary

This sanctuary is situated in Goa and is famous for the mangrove forest which stretches along the estuaries of Mandovi River and Chorao Island. Named after the renowned ornithologist Salim Ali, this place offers ferry and boat services to its visitors at routine hours.

• How to Reach: It can be reached by air, rail, road, and ferry. The nearest airport is Goa Airport. One can avail a train to Madgaon station at Goa. The place is well connected by road to all major cities. From Goa, one needs to take a ferry ride to Chorao Island across Mandovi River.
• Best Time to Visit: October - March
• Types of Birds Found Here: Cormorants, kites, purple herons, curlews, woodpeckers, kingfishers, sandpipers, mynahs, Malabar trogons Drongos, white egrets,
• Timing: 6 am – 6 pm
• Entry Price:
  • Indians: ₹10
  • Foreigners: ₹100
• Other Activities: watchtower, hiking, sight-seeing at Mapusa River and Mandovi River, boat ride to Chorao island

15. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 1.45 km2

source: cloudfront

This is one of the best bird sanctuaries in India, situated in Haryana. This place is famous for migratory visits from birds across Europe, Turkey, Russia, and Siberia. The birds that can be sighted at Sultanpur Sanctuary are both native and migratory species totalling over 250 species of our feathered friends.

• How to Reach: One can reach by air, road, and rail. Indira Gandhi Airport is the nearest at 48 km, from which taxis can be availed. Delhi is the nearest railway and road connectivity is good with State-owned buses running between Gurgaon and Delhi.
• Best Time to Visit: October - February
• Types of Birds Found Here: Laughing dove, common mynah, red-collared dove, white-throated kingfisher, cattle egret, rock pigeon, rose-ringed parakeet, red-wattled lapwing, black-necked stork, Indian roller, great egret, little egret
• Timing: 6 am – 4.30 pm
• Entry Price:
  • Indians: ₹5
  • Foreigners: ₹40
• Other Activities: museum, interpretation centre, library, watch tower

16. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 0.67 km2

source: birdcount

This sanctuary is situated near Mysore in Karnataka and is one of Karnataka’s biggest bird sanctuaries. This reserve has a total of six different islands situated along the Cauvery River. Thus, it is rich in avifauna as well. Additionally, animals like monitor lizards, crocodiles, flying foxes, and grey Indian mongooses are also sighted here.

• How to Reach: One can reach this sanctuary by car via NH 16.
• Best Time to Visit: June - November
• Types of Birds Found Here: Indian shags, whistling ducks, streak-throated swallows, oriental darters, stork-billed kingfishers
• Timing: 6 am – 6 pm
• Entry Price:
  • Indians: ₹50
  • Foreigners: ₹200
• Other Activities: Sighting wildlife species like crocodiles, monitor lizards, etc.

17. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 0.3 km2

source: cornell

In Tamil Nadu, the word ‘Vedanthangal’ means ‘Hamlet-of-the-Hunters’. This place is home to almost 40,000 migratory bird species in the world. Thus, this place is listed as one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in India. The birds visit this place every year mostly from October to January.

• How to Reach: One can reach this place by air, road, and railways. Chennai is the closest airport at 61 km, Chengalpattu is the nearest railway at 26 km. The sanctuary is just 30 km on road from Chennai and can be reached via taxi or bus.
• Best Time to Visit: November - March
• Types of Birds Found Here: Garganeys, herons, spoonbills, pintails, common sandpipers, blue-winged teals, grey wagtails
• Timing: 6 am – 6 pm
• Entry Price: ₹25 for adults, ₹5 for children
• Other Activities: Sighting wildlife species in the area

18. Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 0.07 km2

source: wikimedia

Next on our list is the Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary of West Bengal. It is located on the outskirts of Bengal’s capital, Kolkata. This is completely managed by the government and houses several local bird species of West Bengal. Siberian migratory birds are also common during the winter.

• How to Reach: One can reach by car from Kolkata, via the Eastern-Metropolitan Bypass.
• Best Time to Visit: October - January
• Types of Birds Found Here: Fish eagle, Asian koel, little spider hunter, black-headed bulbul, blue-throated flycatcher, common hawk, collared-scops owl
• Timing: 7 am – 4 pm
• Entry Price: Free entry
• Other Activities: Soaking in the rural beauty of Bengal, picturesque photo-shoots

19. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 0.05 km2

source: versele

In Kerala, this sanctuary is situated along a scenic area, the Vembanad Lake that extends over lush greenery on two sides. This place attracts bird watchers in numbers, as one can spot varied resident bird species here. The heart of the sanctuary is the serene Pathiramanal Island, which acts as a perfect winter brooding spot for migratory birds from Russia and Siberia.

• How to Reach: This place can be reached by air, rail, and road. Cochin is the nearest airport. Kottayam is the nearest railway station. One can also reach the place via road from Kottayam (13 km) by planning a road trip.
• Best Time to Visit: June - August
• Types of Birds Found Here: Pheasant-tailed jacanas, kingfishers, parrots, paradise flycatchers, golden-backed woodpeckers, larks, herons, teals, owls, egrets
• Timing: 6 am – 6 pm
• Entry Price:
  • Indians: ₹50
  • Foreigners: ₹100
• Other Activities: Sighting Native Wildlife Species

20. Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary | Area Covered: 0.05 km2

source: cornell

The sanctuary at Andhra Pradesh is home to both indigenous and migratory bird species. The number of birds flying around the place, chirping, and brooding, creates a joyful and melodious atmosphere for tourists.

• How to Reach: The place can be reached by air, railway, and road. Vijayawada is the nearest airport at 50 km. The nearest railway station is Guntur. One can easily take a cab or reach the sanctuary by car.
• Best Time to Visit: October - April
• Types of Birds Found Here: Pelicans, gadwalls, painted storks, wigeons, avocets, 
• Timing: 6 am – 6 pm
• Entry Price: ₹30
• Other Activities: Nagarjuna-Sagar dam, Kondaveedu fort, Amareswara temple, Buddhist Stupa