India’s habitats—wetlands, mangroves, grasslands, montane forests and tropical evergreen tracts—attract an astonishing variety of birds year-round. For birdwatchers who want the full spectrum (migrants, waterfowl, raptors, hornbills and colourful forest endemics), certain national parks act as stage, sanctuary and classroom all at once. Below are five national parks that consistently deliver memorable sightings, plus what makes each one special, the star birds to look for, where the park lies, and which other large animals share the landscape.
The winter wetland magnet Keoladeo, often still called Bharatpur, is a compact but world-famous wetland where seasonal flooding and interconnected marshes create one of India’s richest wintering grounds for waterbirds. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for huge flocks of ducks, geese, and waders.
If visiting in winter, look for thousands of northern pintails, common pochards, garganey and the dazzling presence (historically) of Siberian cranes and other migrants; resident species include painted stork, Asian openbill and many herons and egrets. Located in eastern Rajasthan near Bharatpur town, the park’s mosaic of shallow waters, reeds and scrub also supports mammals such as nilgai, sambar and wild boar, and offers excellent, close-range viewing from cycle rickshaws and walking trails.
With grasslands and floodplain flocks (plus megafauna), Kaziranga, though widely known for its one-horned rhinoceros, its riverine grasslands and oxbow lakes make it a premier spot for birding in northeast India. Wetland species and grassland specialists congregate here in impressive numbers.
Expect sightings of the Bengal florican (rare), white-bellied heron, great Indian hornbill, many ducks and hordes of waders during seasonal floods; raptors like Pallas’s fish eagle and marsh-associated species are highlights for serious birders. Set on the floodplain of the Brahmaputra in Golaghat and Nagaon districts, Kaziranga’s birds are seen alongside iconic mammals—rhinos, Asian elephants, wild water buffalo and tiger—making it a thrilling mixed-interest destination. Recent surveys and counts underline Kaziranga’s importance as a grassland bird stronghold.
With mangrove specialists and estuarine raptors, the Sundarbans’ tangle of mangrove islands, creeks, and tidal channels supports a distinct avifauna adapted to saline, tidal habitats. Birdwatchers come for kingfishers and terns, herons, egrets and ibis, and for raptors such as the white-bellied sea eagle and Pallas’ fish eagle; mangrove specialists and a long list of resident and wintering species (hundreds recorded across the Sundarbans region) make early morning boat sorties especially rewarding.
Located at the mouth of the Ganges in southern West Bengal, the park’s birds share the mangrove world with estuarine crocodiles, fishing cats and—famously—the Bengal tiger, so safety on guided boat trips is essential. The Sundarbans is also notable for supporting many threatened bird species and high overall avian diversity.
Periyar’s evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, together with a large central reservoir, create superb birding for both forest species and waterbirds. Seek out Western Ghats endemics, such as the Malabar grey hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Nilgiri flycatcher, and crimson-backed sunbird, while lake edges and dead-tree perches often host darters, cormorants, and kingfishers.
Periyar sits in Idukki district of Kerala (near Thekkady and Kumily) and combines easy boat safaris, guided walks, and watchpoints that bring birds into close view; the park’s mammals— Asian elephant, tiger, gaur and lion-tailed macaque in nearby ranges— add to the wildlife appeal. Periyar is a superb choice if you want a mix of endemic forest species with comfortable access and interpretive guiding.
Perched on the north-eastern slopes of the Nilgiris at the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, Mudumalai links dry deciduous and moist evergreen systems and is an excellent place to see a wide spectrum of south Indian birds. The park records over 200–260 species including Malabar grey hornbill, white-bellied woodpecker, black-and-orange flycatcher, Nilgiri wood pigeon and many raptors and woodpeckers; its position inside the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve makes it especially important for endemic and range-restricted species. Mudumalai’s mosaic habitat also supports large mammals— Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, leopard, gaur and sloth bear— so birders often combine mammal safaris with focused early-morning and late-afternoon birdwatching.
Timing matters: wetlands like Keoladeo and Kaziranga peak in winter for migrants; Sundarbans and coastal reserves are best visited in cooler, calmer months; and Western Ghats parks (Periyar, Mudumalai) reward year-round but show seasonal boosts in breeding months. For each park, check visitor rules, hire local licensed guides (who know roosts and migration patterns), and favour quiet, early-morning outings— the birds will thank you.
1. Which is the best national park for birdwatching in India?
Keoladeo (Bharatpur) National Park in Rajasthan is widely considered the best birdwatching destination in India due to its incredible diversity of migratory and resident birds.
2. What is the best time to go birdwatching in India?
The best time is between November and February, when migratory birds arrive from Central Asia, Europe, and Siberia to winter in India’s wetlands and forests.
3. Which birds can be seen in Kaziranga National Park?
Kaziranga hosts over 480 bird species, including the Bengal florican, great Indian hornbill, Pallas’s fish eagle, bar-headed geese, and numerous wetland waders.
4. Can tourists visit the Sundarbans National Park for birdwatching?
Yes, visitors can explore the Sundarbans via guided boat tours to see kingfishers, herons, egrets, terns, and estuarine raptors like the white-bellied sea eagle.
5. Are there any Western Ghats parks good for birdwatching?
Yes. Periyar and Mudumalai National Parks are excellent for spotting Western Ghats endemics such as the Malabar grey hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, and black-and-orange flycatcher.