India is a biodiversity wonderland, and one of its most enchanting features is the seasonal visitation of migratory birds. These feathered globetrotters travel vast distances, crisscrossing continents to find sanctuary in India's diverse ecosystems. It's a phenomenon that leaves bird lovers and nature enthusiasts in awe.
What makes India even more special is its unique geographic location, at the crossroads of major bird migration routes. This makes the country a vital pit stop for countless bird species, each embarking on an epic journey filled with challenges like unpredictable weather, tricky landscapes, and human interference. India's landscape offers a warm welcome, with wetlands, forests, grasslands, and coastal areas providing perfect havens for these winged wanderers. But these birds aren't just tourists; they're ecological superheroes. They help pollinate and disperse seeds, ensuring the well-being of India's ecosystems.
But it's not just about science and ecology; these birds bring a touch of magic to our lives. They hold cultural significance and provide endless entertainment for birdwatchers and researchers from all corners of the globe. In short, they paint India's skies and landscapes with strokes of breathtaking beauty.
Here’s where to catch migratory birds in action in India
1. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
Also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan is famous for Palaearctic migratory waterfowl. It also has huge groups of non-migratory resident breeding birds such as Magpie Robins, Lapwings, Herons, Spoonbills, Water hens, Egrets and the most popular Sarus Cranes. Spanning over an area of 2873 hectares, the National Park has grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps and wetlands. The sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.
Location: Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm in summer, 6:30 am to 5 pm in winter, closed in May and June
Entry fee: Rs 50 for Indians and Rs 400 for foreigners
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2. Chilika Lake, Odisha
Located in the state of Odisha, Chilika Lake is a significant and ecologically important destination for migratory birds. It is one of the biggest coastal lagoons in India and offers an essential habitat for both residents and migratory bird species. Flamingoes are the most commonly spotted birds at Chilika Lake during the winter months. A type of high-altitude migratory bird called Bar-headed geese is also found there in winter. Northern Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, Garganey, Curlew Sandpiper, Osprey, Common Teal, Black-tailed Godwit and Peregrine Falcon also visit Chilika Lake during different seasons of the year.
Location: Puri, Bhubaneswar
Timings: Open all day
Entry fee: NA
3. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to over 25,000 birds including more than 90 species of birds. It is a well-known bird-watching destination located in the state of Kerala, on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Both resident and migratory birds inhabit this lush green environment. Some of the migratory birds spotted at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary include the Siberian Crane, cuckoo, egret, owl, water duck etc. Various species of herons, darters, bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harriers, teals, larks and flycatchers also visit the place occasionally. The Steppe Eagle, Booted Eagle, Black-tailed Godwit and Rufous-backed Shrike are other exotic species that are found here. Apart from this, you can also enjoy boat rides to enhance the joy of bird-watching.
Location: Kumarakom, Kottayam
Timings: 6 am to 5 pm daily
Entry fee: Rs 50
4. Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Kodikkarai Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area situated in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. It covers an area of approximately 24.17 square kilometres. The sanctuary was established in 1967 to protect the unique and diverse ecosystems found in this region. It provides shelter to a wide range of flora and fauna including various species of migratory birds, mammals, reptiles and marine life. Birds from as far as Siberia, Europe and Central Asia visit the sanctuary. Some of the notable birds include flamingoes, pelicans, gulls, sandpipers, black-tailed godwits, storks and several types of waders and shorebirds.
Location: Kodikarai, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Entry fee: Rs. 20
5. Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
The Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, India, is an important region for migratory birds. It is part of the larger Kutch district and encompasses a vast expanse of salt marshes and mudflats. The Rann of Kutch is located along the migratory route of several bird species, making it a crucial stopover and wintering ground for many avian visitors. The Rann of Kutch is renowned for hosting thousands of flamingos during the winter months. Demoiselle Cranes are another prominent migratory species that visit the region. Eurasian Spoonbills and Black-faced Spoonbills are often spotted here. Various species of sandpipers and plovers are also frequent visitors along the coastal areas. Different types of waders like Redshanks, Dunlins and Curlews can also be spotted here.
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: Rs 250 for Indians and Rs 1200 for foreigners
6. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is an important nesting and breeding ground for a large number of migratory birds. The best time to visit the sanctuary to observe migratory birds is during the winter months, from November to February when a large number of migratory species visit the area to escape the harsh winter in their breeding grounds. The commonly found migratory birds include the Painted Stork, Asian Openbill Stork, Black-crowned Night Heron, Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, Cormorants, Kingfishers and many more.
Location: Mysore, Karnataka
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: Rs 100 for Indians and Rs 500 for adults