Homes for Winged Species: Migratory Birdwatching Spots in India during Winters

As winter sets in, India becomes a haven for migratory birds. Here’s where to watch them in action.

With the onset of winter, several migratory birds flock to India, transforming various sanctuaries and lakes into avian cradles. Thanks to conservation efforts, regions like Kaggaladu Bird Sanctuary (Tumakuru), Gendehosalli, Kokkarebellur (Mandya), Bonal Lake (Yadgir), Hidkal backwaters, and Ankasamudra (Vijayanagar) have become prime birdwatching locations

Detailed Guide to the Best Winter Birdwatching Spots in India

1. Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur (Rajasthan)

Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for being a winter home to thousands of migratory birds.

• Total Species: Over 370 species

• Key Birds: Siberian crane, painted stork, black-necked stork, Indian cormorant, bar-headed goose

How to Explore:

• Guided tours by foot, cycle rickshaw, or boat rides during peak winter.

• Nearest City:Bharatpur (2 km), Agra (60 km)

Special Note: This park is also an important breeding ground for several resident bird species.

2. Sambhar Salt Lake (Rajasthan)

India’s largest inland saltwater lake, Sambhar Salt Lake, is a seasonal wetland that attracts large flocks of migratory birds, especially flamingos.

• Key Birds: Greater flamingos, lesser flamingos, pelicans, ruddy shelducks, and various species of ducks

Unique Features:

• The lake is spread across 230 square kilometers.

• Known for its shimmering salt beds and picturesque sunsets.

• Nearest City: Jaipur (80 km)

Special Note: The lake also supports local salt production, making it a unique landscape for bird photography.

3. Chilika Lake (Odisha)

Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika Lake, is a paradise for bird lovers and is also known for its population of Irrawaddy dolphins.

• Total Species: Over 230 species during winter

• Key Birds: Goliath heron, spot-billed pelican, flamingos, gulls, and northern pintails

How to Explore:

• Boat rides from Satapada or Barkul to bird islands and dolphin-watching zones

• Nearest City: Puri (50 km), Bhubaneswar (120 km)

Special Note: The Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, located within the lake, is a must-visit area for spotting large flocks of migratory birds.

4. Sultanpur National Park (Haryana)

A small but rich bird sanctuary, Sultanpur National Park is known for attracting numerous migratory birds in the winter season.

• Total Species: Around 250 species

• Key Birds: Rosy pelican, Eurasian wigeon, northern shoveler, greater flamingo, black-headed ibis

How to Explore:

• Walking trails and bird hides are available for birdwatching.

• Nearest City: Gurugram (15 km), Delhi (40 km)

Special Note: Early morning visits offer the best chances to spot a wide variety of bird species.

5. Kolleru Lake (Andhra Pradesh)

A large freshwater lake situated between the Krishna and Godavari river deltas, Kolleru Lake is an important habitat for migratory birds.

• Total Species: Over 200 species

• Key Birds: Grey pelican, openbill stork, painted stork, and northern pintail

How to Explore:

• Guided tours by boat from nearby villages

• Nearest City:Eluru (20 km), Vijayawada (60 km)

Special Note: Kolleru Lake is a designated wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

6. Chambal River & National Sanctuary (Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh)

The Chambal River is not only famous for its crocodiles and gharials but also serves as a prime winter destination for migratory birds.

• Key Birds: Indian skimmer, black-bellied tern, greater flamingo, red-crested pochard

Unique Features:

• Known for gharials, marsh crocodiles, and Gangetic dolphins

• Boat rides along the river offer birdwatching and wildlife spotting opportunities

• Nearest City: Kota (45 km), Agra (75 km)

Special Note: The Chambal sanctuary is one of the last remaining habitats for the critically endangered Indian skimmer.

7. Rann of Kutch (Gujarat)

The vast salt marsh of the Rann of Kutch becomes a prime location for migratory birds and a breeding ground for flamingos.

• Key Birds: Greater flamingo, lesser flamingo, demoiselle crane, houbara bustard, steppe eagle

Unique Features:

• Home to the famous “Flamingo City” on an island in the Great Rann

• The nearby Kutch Bustard Sanctuary protects the endangered great Indian bustard

• Nearest City: Bhuj (80 km)

Special Note: Visit during the annual Rann Utsav for a cultural experience alongside birdwatching.

8. Mount Abu (Rajasthan)

Although primarily known as a hill station, Mount Abu also attracts a wide variety of bird species during winter.

• Key Birds: Grey junglefowl, Indian scimitar babbler, common kestrel, and black-headed ibis

How to Explore:

• Trekking trails around Nakki Lake and Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary

• Nearest City: Udaipur (165 km)

Special Note: Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for birdwatching in the serene hill station environment.

India’s diverse geography provides a haven for migratory birds during winter. Whether you prefer marshlands, salt lakes, rivers, or hill stations, these spots promise a memorable birdwatching experience. Grab your binoculars, and don’t forget to pack a camera, you wouldn’t want to miss capturing these winged wonders!