India 12.07.2024 Transindus
Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious novice, Trans Indus birding holidays offer unforgettable birdwatching retreats that are both enriching and exhilarating. The country's diverse landscapes and climates create unique habitats for an extraordinary variety of bird species. Begin your journey at the renowned Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, where you can spot the rare Siberian crane, painted stork, and myriad ducks and geese. Then, head to Odisha’s Chilika Lake, the largest coastal lagoon in India, to witness flamingos, sea eagles, and the elusive spoon-billed sandpiper.
In southern India, Karnataka, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary near Mysore hosts vibrant species like the painted stork, Asian openbill stork, and spot-billed pelican. Kerala's Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, promises sightings of the Malabar trogon, Sri Lanka frogmouth, and great Indian hornbill. Meanwhile, the serene Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on the shores of Vembanad Lake is a winter haven for migratory birds like the Siberian crane and various herons and egrets.
For off-the-beaten-path experiences, Arunachal Pradesh’s Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is a treasure trove of unique species, including the Bugun liocichla and ward’s trogon. Each location, with its rich biodiversity and breathtaking scenery, offers a tranquil escape into nature.
India’s bird sanctuaries are perfect for those who appreciate slow, immersive travel. They allow you to relax, absorb the serene surroundings, and engage with local cultures. Here's our pick of the conservation reserves that offer the most remarkable birding experiences and luxurious stays.
Kaziranga National Park
Located in Assam, Kaziranga features grasslands, wetlands, and forests. Its subtropical climate has warm summers, cool winters, and heavy monsoon rains. Limited human habitation exists around the park, with local communities engaged in agriculture.
- Birds to Spot: Great Indian hornbill, white-winged wood duck, greater adjutant stork, Bengal florican
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
Description: Located in Arunachal Pradesh, Eaglenest covers alpine and subtropical forests. The climate is cool to cold with heavy rainfall. Indigenous communities like the Bugun tribe inhabit the area, practising traditional agriculture and sustainable forest use.
- Birds to Spot: Bugun Liocichla, ward’s trogon, rufous-necked hornbill, Blyth’s tragopan, wedge-billed wren-babbler
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary)
In Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Keoladeo features wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands. Its semi-arid climate has hot summers, mild winters, and monsoon rains. The park is surrounded by small villages engaged in agriculture and tourism.
- Birds to Spot: Siberian crane, painted stork, sarus crane, black-necked stork, Indian pitta, various species of ducks and geese
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Chilika Lake, Odisha
Description: Located in Odisha, Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon with wetlands and marshes. The tropical climate includes hot summers, mild winters, and heavy monsoon rains. Fisherfolk and farmers inhabit the surrounding areas.
- Birds to Spot: Greater flamingo, lesser flamingo, white-bellied sea eagle, spoon-billed sandpiper, various migratory ducks and geese
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Located near Mysore, Karnataka, Ranganathittu features riverine landscapes and small islands. The tropical climate includes warm summers, mild winters, and monsoon rains. Surrounding communities are involved in agriculture and eco-tourism.
- Birds to Spot: Painted stork, Asian openbill stork, black-headed ibis, spot-billed pelican, Eurasian spoonbill
- Best Time to Visit: December to May
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Close to Cochin, Kerala, Thattekad encompasses lowland forests and riverine habitats. Moderate temperatures and heavy monsoon rains mark the tropical climate. Indigenous and local communities practice traditional agriculture and forestry.
- Birds to Spot: Sri Lanka frogmouth, Malabar trogon, great Indian hornbill, white-bellied treepie, Indian pitta
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Located near Kottayam, Kerala, Kumarakom consists of wetlands and mangroves. The tropical climate features high humidity, moderate temperatures, and monsoon rains. Local communities engage in fishing, tourism, and agriculture.
- Birds to Spot: Siberian cranes, herons, egrets, darters, teals
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Salim Ali is located on Chorao Island, Goa. It includes mangroves and wetlands. The tropical climate has hot summers, mild winters, and heavy monsoon rains. The area is inhabited by local communities involved in fishing and tourism.
- Birds to Spot: Black bittern, western reef heron, little cormorant, redshank, jack snipe
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
