As you would expect, India offers bird watching to enthusiasts anywhere from dense forests to expansive wetlands. The habitat of these different areas is home to over 1,300 bird species, thus placing the country among the most biodiverse countries on the planet. Here we have listed five locations of wildlife adventure resorts that are known to provide wildlife enthusiasts with some of the most fascinating views. Birder or a traveler, these 5 hotspots are the best.
1. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan
Known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo National Park is now a World Heritage Site of UNESCO fame, where birds come from faraway places during the winter. Located in Rajasthan, it is known well for the Siberian crane, which migrates from the Arctic region to this wetland every year. Besides the crane, birdwatching enthusiasts can enjoy over 370 species here, besides painted storks, greater flamingos, and pelicans. It is most recommended to visit during October and March, as the birds are most active during this time.
Birding tip: There is nothing quite like an early morning boat trip in the wetlands if you want the best scenarios and photoshoots.
2. Sundarbans, West Bengal
Although almost everyone searches for the Tiger of Bengal, both migratory and native birds, adding up to more than 165 varieties, are waiting for the enthusiasts in the Sundarbans. This extensive riverine mangrove swamp system holds several waterbirds and forest birds. Therefore, the Sundarbans flush with water avian cover a very large number of herons, egrets, kingfishers, and raptors.
Birding tip: While on boat safaris, you will have close views of the riverine forest and the mangrove wooded area, especially eagles.
3. Ittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka
Locally referred to as the ‘Pakshi Kashi of Karnataka’, Ranganathittu is a small bird sanctuary but a very important one located on the banks of the Cauvery. What it may lack in terms of area, it surely makes up for in terms of activity in terms of birds.
Birding tip: Rent a boat to move close to the coast where nestling birds
are found, and it provides a perfect view of courtship and nestling.
4. Avani Tiger Resort, Maharashtra
Avani Tiger Resort is not only perfect for tiger lovers but also a perfect surprise for birding enthusiasts. It is thus situated in a strategic position, where one is most likely to see different kinds of birds since the wildlife adventure resort is surrounded cheek by cheek with forests, grasslands, and riverbanks. The regularly seen birds are Indian rollers, crested serpent eagles, and different types of parakeets. The calm atmosphere and clean lodgings make birders more patient and only listen to the birds.
Birding tip: There are bird-watching tours that are arranged by the resort for those who have a liking for it.
Bonus Tips for Birding in India:
- Best Time to Birdwatch: Ideally, most bird sanctuaries should be visited during the winter season, which is from October to March, because birds fly in from far colder areas such as Siberia and some parts of central Asia.
- Equipment: For a good bird-watching experience, tripod binoculars, a bird identification checklist, and a camera zoom will do wonders.
- Local Guides: Even for first-time visitors, it is the ideal way to travel because a local guide assists in listening to bird calls and finding the best spots.
CONCLUSION
The bird-watching places of India present travelers with a look at the world of birds, starting from the swamp regions and the mangroves to the mountainous subalpine forests. These places are not only an aesthetic blessing to the region but also act as critical producers of some of the most sensitive ecosystems. Therefore, it is time to wear binoculars and take a field guide to go through the fascinating world of Indian avifauna.
Book your stay at the best wildlife adventure resort, Avani Tiger Resort, today. Happy birdwatching!
