India is famous for various things – Taj Mahal, forts and palaces of Rajasthan and beaches of Goa could be some great examples. Did you know the country is popular for one more thing - Bird watching? As autumn is paving way for winters, skies are clear and birds from the different parts of the world are flying long distances coming to jungles and bird sanctuaries in India making it a hotspot for birdwatchers. Here we throw spotlight on major bird watching destinations in India.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Situated along the Kerala Backwater Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a birders paradise. This bird sanctuary in Kottayam district of Kerala is home to a large number of local as well as immigrant birds that include waterfowl, cuckoo, owl egret, heron and the water duck. Migratory birds such as the Siberian Stork, Flycatchers, Larks and Teal. To make their experience more authentic the guest should also enjoy a boat ride on the backwaters of Kerala.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa
Named after Salim Ali, the great birdman of India, this bird Sanctuary situated on the western tip of the Chorao Island in Goa. The place is ultimate destination for birdwatchers. Spread over an area of 1.8 square kilometres, this only bird sanctuary in India gives shelter to several exotic and local birds in its mangroves. Its ecosystem is considered most productive for the birds.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
Situated on the banks of Periyar River in Kerala, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is highly popular among birdwatchers as it nestles more than 250 exotic and national birds amidst its teak and sandalwood vegetation. The sanctuary designed by renowned ornithologists Dr. Salim Ali is home to black winged kite, bee-eater, shrike, sunbird and grey headed fishing eagle.
Bharatpur or Keoladeo Ghana Wildlife Sanctuary
Take a short drive from Delhi to reach Bharatpur or Keoladeo Ghana Wildlife Sanctuary where no less than 400 birds resides. A cycle rickshaw ride through the bird sanctuary is an ideal way to spot the birds. The sanctuary is highly popular among passionate as well as amateur bird watchers and photographers. There are scrublands, wetlands and grasslands to provide shelter to birds. Bird can also be spotted around water bodies. Dalmatian Pelicans, Sociable Lapwings, Painted Storks, Black necked storks and Demoiselle Cranes are some of the commonly found avian species here.
Corbett, Sattal and Pangot
Most of the travellers visiting Corbett have tiger spotting in mind as they don’t know much about the diversity of bird species in the area. Besides housing 50 species of mammals and 25 species of reptile, the park also houses 580 bird species. Great Slaty Woodpeckers, Long-tailed Broadbill, Dollarbird, Brown Crake, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, bellied Eagle, Lesser Coucal, Drongo Cuckoo, Rosy Minivet. Black-chinned Yuhina, White-capped Bunting, Upland Pipit, Great Hornbill, Rufous- Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle, Sulphur-bellied Warbler and Black Stork are commonly found bird species here.
Once you’re through with bird spotting in Corbett it is time to head for Sattal and Pangot which are dense with rich vegetation and water bodies. Speckled Piculet, Himalayan Flameback and Great Slaty Woodpecker are commonly found bird species here.
Tal Chapper Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in Churu district of Indian state of Rajasthan Tal Chapper Wildlife Sanctuary is popular for its high concentration of black bucks and several bird species. The sanctuary is highly popular for its migratory birds, harriers is prominent among them. Eastern Imperial Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Short-toed Eagle and sparrow are commonly found birds here.
Besides, there are several other small and big bird watching spots spread throughout the country that travellers may find interesting.