OT Staff & Waquar Habib
Vibrant ruddy shelducks arrive in India’s wetlands each winter; spot flocks in Kaziranga or Chilika, enjoy waterfowl hides, boat rides and close photographic opportunities with experienced local guides.
The iridescent Himalayan monal descends lower in winter; watch males’ colourful plumage in Uttarakhand and Himachal, on forest edges and alpine meadows, best with early-morning guided nature walks.
Elusive snow leopards descend to lower altitudes in winter; Hemis National Park in Ladakh offers tracked expeditions, expert naturalists and permit-regulated seasonal viewing for responsible wildlife enthusiasts.
The rare Siberian crane migrates to Bharatpur’s Keoladeo wetlands in winter; visit guided hides and boat trips to witness these graceful waders among vast reedbeds and shallow lagoons.
Bar-headed geese arrive at Himalayan lakes and reservoirs each winter; Pong Dam and northern wetlands host large flocks, spectacular flyovers and excellent viewing for migratory-bird enthusiasts, photo opportunities.
Greater flamingos flock to the Rann of Kutch in winter, creating sweeping pink spectacles; explore protected salt flats, sanctuary walks and dawn feeding flocks for striking photography opportunities.
Common teals populate India’s winter wetlands like Bharatpur and Chilika; small, swift ducks frequent shallow marshes and reed fringes, best observed from hides or quiet guided boat tours.
The Indian wild ass roams Gujarat’s Little Rann of Kutch; winter’s dry months concentrate herds on salt-marsh plains, enabling jeep safaris, close-range sightings and community conservation interactions.
Black-necked cranes winter in Ladakh’s wetlands and high plains; conservation zones and community reserves offer respectful viewing of their courtship dances, foraging and tranquil roosting at dawn, regularly.
Demoiselle cranes flock to Khichan and Rajasthan’s wetlands each winter; thousands gather to feed, display and roost, supported by local conservation efforts and welcoming village hospitality, photography opportunities.