Top 10 Wetlands To Visit In India For Birdwatching

Tenzin Chodon

Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan

A UNESCO-listed sanctuary, Keoladeo hosts over 370 bird species, from the resident sarus cranes and pelicans to migratory eagles.

Juvenile painted storks in Keoladeo wetlands | Shutterstock

Chilika Lake, Odisha

In the heart of Asia’s largest brackish lagoon, Chilika, lies Nalabana Island that attracts countless migratory birds, including flamingos, sea eagles and Irrawaddy dolphins.

Ruddy shelducks in flight over Chilika Lake | Shutterstock

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat

Gujarat’s largest wetland sanctuary features a vast freshwater lake and serves as an important winter habitat for migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia.

Desert wheatear near Nalsarovar | Shutterstock

Sultanpur National Park, Gurugram

Just outside Delhi, Sultanpur’s shallow wetlands draws over 250 species annually, including migratory birds like Greater Flamingos, Northern Pintails and rare raptors.

Sarus crane in its natural habitat | Shutterstock

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

India’s oldest waterbird sanctuary, protected for over 200 years, hosts thousands of nesting storks, herons, and pintails. Elevated bunds offer close views of breeding colonies.

Painted storks at Vedanthangal Sanctuary | Shutterstock

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala

Located along Vembanad Lake, this sanctuary is best explored by boat. Visitors can expect to catch sight of egrets, herons, kingfishers, and migratory waterfowl amid tranquil backwaters.

Great cormorant at Vembanad Lake | Shutterstock

Pulicat Lake

India’s second-largest brackish lagoon hosts flocks of Greater Flamingos each winter. The vast mudflats and shallow waters create ideal feeding grounds for migratory birds.

Flamingos at Pulicat Lake | Shutterstock

Loktak Lake, Manipur

Famous for floating phumdis, Loktak is Northeast India’s largest freshwater lake. It shelters migratory ducks, rare waterfowl, and rich wetland biodiversity.

Migratory birds at sunrise over Loktak Lake | Shutterstock

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka

The largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka, Ranganathittu comprises six riverine islets that hosts colonies of painted storks, spoonbills, and cormorants.

Openbill stork at Ranganathittu | Shutterstock

Dipor Bil, Assam

This Ramsar-listed freshwater wetland supports endangered species like the spot-billed pelican and lesser adjutant stork, making it crucial for Northeast India birdwatching.

Spot-billed pelican near a wetland swamp | Shutterstock

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A scene from Jim Corbett National Park | Unsplash
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