Due to its vast and varied geographical setting, climate and extended coastline, India provides shelter to thousands of bird species. Bird sanctuaries are just a part and gift by the Indian administration to increase seasonal migrations, security, more forested areas and bird-watching into a blissful pleasure and which is why the country also attracts a large number of different migratory birds every year. Out of the 8650 species of birds seen in the world, India houses as many as 1200 of them. Some of the legendary species of birds observed in the national parks and bird sanctuaries of India can be grouped as: Racquet tailed drogas, Tree Pies Jungle Owlets, Minvets, Ioras, Golden Orioles Magpie Robins, Sun Birds, Kingfishers, Drogas, Mynas Pipits, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Larks and Siberian Crane.
Popular bird sanctuaries in India
Keoladeo National Park Keoladeo National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is counted among finest bird sanctuaries in the world. Designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the park is famous for water-birds as well as migratory birds. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Situated on the banks of the picturesque Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is famous all over the world for its avian population. Known as an ornithologist's paradise, the bird sanctuary spreads over an area of 14 acres. Sultanpur is a beautiful country of birds, which is covered with lush green lawns, trees, shrubs and masses of Bougainvillea. The park is home to a large number of birds and animals, which can be seen wandering, swimming or flying around the lake or other areas. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary Thattekad Bird Sanctuary also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is located in the Ernakulam district of Kerela. Situated on the banks of the Priver river, Thattekad is amongst most popular National Parks in Kerala. Spreading over an area of 25.16 sq.kms, the bird sanctuary draws nature lovers from all parts of the India and world as well. Valley of Flowers not only attracts the nature lovers, but also the trek enthusiasts. Surrounded by snow-capped mountain ridges and peaks, the picturesque park is home to around 500 wild flower species and variety of wild animals. Most important flower species found in the park are Brahmakamal etc. Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary Covered with rugged high hills and deep valleys, Kaundinya Sanctuary offers the best of wildlife and bird watching in India. Two streams, the Kaigal and the Kaundinya flow through the sanctuary, adding to its attraction and beauty. The southern tropical type of forests dots this entire bird sanctuary of India. Kawal Sanctuary Established in 1965, the magnificent Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary was originally managed as a 'Game Reserve'. The sanctuary is covered by a variety of flora including dry deciduous teak forest and bamboo trees. Due to its rich bio-diversity, it earned the status of a sanctuary. It is a great Indian wildlife sanctuary to visit. Kinnerasani Sanctuary The sanctuary traces its name from the River Kinnerasani, which bisects the sanctuary and ultimately drains into the Godavari River. It is covered with dry deciduous mixed type forests with teak, bamboo and terminals and offers a great Indian bird watching tour. Kolleru Bird Sanctuary This picturesque bird sanctuary of India is described as "Peerless Fisherman's Paradise and birds' heaven" in the Imperial Gazetteer. The Kolleru Bird Sanctuary receives water from four rivers that include Budameru, Ramileru, Tammileru and Errakalva and 18 drains. Manjira Bird Sanctuary The Manjira Bird Sanctuary is a haven to a variety of migratory as well as domestic feathered species. It has an Environmental Education Center with a museum, a library, and an auditorium. All these facilities enable the tourists to know about nature conservation and maintenance of ecological balance. They also make it a perfect place for bird watching tours in India. Neelapattu Bird Sanctuary Neelapattu Bird Sanctuary is reputed as one of the largest pelican habitats in Southeast Asia. It is a small fresh water irrigation tank in the village of Neelapattu with Barringtonia trees spread in the water. It's really exciting and adventurous to enjoy the bird watching holiday with rare bird species and a must bird sancturary tour package of India. Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary The magnificent Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary is reputed for its variety of flora and bird species. The vegetation is varied with dry thorny type of forests, interspersed with dry carrel crops, cotton, groundnut and castor. It is a ideal place for Bird watching holidays in India. Sonai Rupai Sanctuary The Sonai Rupai sanctuary is a picturesque Indian wildlife sanctuary, offering breathtaking views of natural beauty and wildlife. The admirers of feathered species frequently visit the sanctuary in search of rare domestic and migratory birds. Flamingo Colony It is reputed among the admirers of feathered species as the largest flamingo colony in the world. It receives countless variety of birds from the other corners of the globe. Birds come here to breed and feed before their journey back to a distant land. It is one of the great bird sanctuaries in India and is very attractive and adventurous for all foreign tourists. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary The delightful Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, nestling around the Nal Lake, offers a sheer variety of color, pattern and a cacophony of sounds that the birds use for recognition and courtship. Exploring this Indian birs sanctuary with a pair of binoculars and a person well versed in local bird life is definitely the best outing you can have. Porbandar Bird Sanctuary The serene and tranquil environ of Porbandar Bird Sanctuary attracts a variety of migratory and domestic birds. The sanctuary echoes with the chirping of birds that populate the park. It's a great Indian adventure tour package. Velvadar Bird Sanctuary This is the home of the Indian black buck. Velavadar is a unique grassland ecosystem that has attracted fame for the successful conservation of the black buck and is important part of Gujarat tourism. Once found in open plains throughout the country, its largest population at present occurs in Velvadar National Park Overa Wildlife Sanctuary Overa Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its population of pheasants. The park has a diverse flora and offers 13 species of mammals and over 80 species of birds. It is best to visit this Indian wildlife sanctuary with a person having some knowledge about the local wild species and birds. Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary A little way outside the town of Srirangpatna, is a bunch of islands in the river. It is a natural refuge to variety of waterbird species that flock here. Boating out into the crocodile-filled waters can make your adrenaline pump up and makes this a real adventure birdwatching tour of India. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary The sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundipuzha River flows into the Arabian Sea. Over a hundred varieties of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory birds flock here in large numbers. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is reputed as a haven to several migratory and resident water birds. The sanctuary offers enough opportunities for bird watching and photography. It is a huge marshland and shallow lake bordered with mixed dry forest. Altogether, a complete bird sanctuary tour of India. |
