birdwatching

India, a land of stunning diversity, offers a unique opportunity for birdwatchers to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of bird migration. With its diverse ecosystems, ranging from the snow-
capped Himalayas to the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats, India attracts a myriad of avian visitors each year.

Why India?
Diverse Habitats: From the wetlands of Bharatpur to the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, India offers a plethora of habitats that cater to a wide range of bird species.

Rich Biodiversity: India boasts a rich biodiversity, with numerous endemic and migratory bird species.
Ideal Climate: The temperate climate during the winter months provides a perfect refuge for birds escaping the harsh winters of their breeding grounds.

Thriving Birdwatching: Culture: India has a growing community of avid birdwatchers and experienced guides, making it easier to explore and appreciate the country's avian wonders.

Top Birdwatching Destinations in India

Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur): Renowned as one of the world's best birdwatching sites,Bharatpur is a haven for migratory waterfowl, including Siberian Cranes, Bar-headed Geese, and a variety of ducks and geese.

Chilka Lake: Asia's largest brackish water lake, Chilka is a vital wintering ground for numerous migratory birds, especially flamingos.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: Located on the banks of the Cauvery River, this sanctuary is home to a diverse range of resident and migratory birds, including cormorants, herons, egrets, and kingfishers.

Great Rann of Kutch: This vast salt marsh transforms into a vibrant wetland during the monsoon season, attracting a diverse range of migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, cranes, and various waterfowl.

The Sundarbans: This vast mangrove forest delta is a unique ecosystem, home to a diverse range of avian species, including the rare and elusive Bengal Florican.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit India for birdwatching is during the winter months, from October to February. This is when most migratory birds arrive in India to escape the harsh winter conditions
in their breeding grounds.

Tips for Birdwatching in India

Hire a Local Guide: A knowledgeable guide can help you identify different bird species and navigate the best birding spots.

Use Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars is essential for birdwatching.

Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and sturdy footwear.

Respect Wildlife: Avoid disturbing the birds and their habitat.

Be Patient: Birdwatching requires patience and observation skills.

Embark on a Birdwatching Adventure
India offers a truly unforgettable birding experience. Whether you're an experienced birdwatcher or a novice, you are sure to be captivated by the beauty and diversity of India's avian wonders. So, pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and get ready to explore the avian paradise of India.

India abounds in jungles and with it the exciting thrill of wildlife safari. The vast and diverse country is home to many wild species of the animal kingdom. Jungle safaris are very popular in India as you enjoy a wide diversity of flora and fauna. While most species of the animal kingdom abound in the landscape, there is a particular fondness for Tigers. Along with spotting the wild species in their natural habitats, get to enjoy at eco-friendly wildlife resorts, campsites, treehouses, etc. Go for jungle treks, bird watching, elephant rides, jeep rides and even boat rides which adds to the fun of the wildlife holiday.

To enjoy the pleasures of wildlife tours in India, here are the top choices:

1. Bandhavgarh National Park

The most popular wildlife sanctuary in India, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh has the highest density of  tigers the country’s national animal. Besides the Royal Bengal Tigers, this park was also famous for white tigers. Other animals inhabiting the jungles are sambar, chital, wild boar, wild dog, Indian fox, leopard, bison, blue bull, antelope, nilgai and others.

Wildlife safari in Bandhavgarh includes options of jeep or elephant rides, stay at the jungle resorts, visit to the Bandhavgarh Fort and certainly exciting memories.

2. Ranthambore National Park

Once the hunting grounds of the royal family of Jaipur, Ranthambore is the most popular option for wildlife tours in India. The favourite resident of the jungle, tigers bring visitors in huge numbers from all across the globe. The many water sources in the jungle are home to a huge number of crocodiles, nilgai, sambhar, birds and more.

Stay at the heritage jungle resorts, the very ones used by the royalty on their hunting trips is particularly exciting as is exploring the 10th century Ranthambore Fort atop a hill overlooking the wilderness.

3. Gir National Park

The exclusive home of Asiatic lions in the natural habit, Gir National park in Gujarat is among the most visit places for a wildlife getaway. Besides, the king of the jungle, there are many inhabitants such as leopards, jackals and the Indian fox. Jeep safari brings you close to the lions.

4. Kanha National Park

Said to be the inspiration of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, Kanha National Park lures quite a huge number of wildlife lovers and animal enthusiasts. Apart from spotting tigers, you can find gaur, palm squirrel, striped hyena, chinkara, mouse deer, black buck, jackal, porcupine, sambhar and others. The best way to spot tigers is by taking the early morning elephant safari from Mukki entrance of the park.

5. Keoladeo Ghana National Park

The bird sanctuary with a status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, earlier known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the best places to go for jungle safari in India. Bird watching is a pleasure here as the nature reserve is home to more than 450 species of birds including migratory species that fly in for a winter visit as far as from Siberia and other cold countries. Keeping the natural beauty intact and noises at the minimum, safari at the bird paradise is available only on cycle rickshaws.

6. Periyar National Park

Settled in God’s Own Country of Kerala, Periyar National Park is one of the most popular places in for wildlife safari in India. Elephant’s and tigers are the most popular residents but there is the Indian wild dog, sambar, wild pig, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr and others.

Early morning safaris are known for the decent chance of getting close to the wildlife as is boating in the Periyar Lake where the beasts come to quench their thirst. Eco-lodges and treehouses are popular options to stay while the national park also offers the chance to explore spice plantations of Thekkady.

7. Jim Corbett National Park

The oldest wildlife sanctuary in India, Jim Corbett National Park is settled on the mighty foothills of Himalayas. The residents of the jungle include tigers, sloth bear, goral, fishing cat, leopard, chital, barking deer and others. The best way to spot tigers is jeep safari in the Bijrani zone while some glimpse of the wildlife is also available from the watchtowers in Dhikala and other regions.