10 Incredible Places To Watch Hornbills In The Wild In India

OT Staff & eisha g

Anaimalai Hills

Situated across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Anaimalai Hills are home to the Malabar grey hornbill and the great hornbill. India’s first Centre of Excellence for Hornbill Conservation has been established in this area. 

A flock of great hornbills come together | Shutterstock

Namdapha National Park

At least five hornbill species have been recorded in this national park in Arunachal Pradesh. The dense canopies and low human disturbance allow species like the wreathed hornbill and the great hornbill to thrive.

A close-up view of a wreathed hornbill | Shutterstock

Periyar National Park

This national park in Kerala is a repository of rare, endemic, and endangered flora and fauna. Boat rides on the lake and guided forest walks will help you spot the Malabar grey hornbill and the great hornbill here.

A Malabar grey hornbill eats a piece of fruit | Shutterstock

Pakke Tiger Reserve

This tiger reserve in Arunachal Pradesh runs a Hornbill Nest Adoption Program (HNAP), where Nyishi villagers are engaged in finding, monitoring and protecting hornbill nests and roosts. You can spot wreathed and great hornbills here.

A wreathed hornbill finds something to eat | Shutterstock

Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary And Mollem National Park

The largest wildlife preserve in Goa is the best place to see the Indian grey hornbill, the great hornbill and the Malabar pied hornbill in their natural habitat. The trails often echo with their loud wingbeats and vocalisations during the fruiting season.

Indian grey hornbills can be spotted in Goa's largest wildlife preserve | Shutterstock

Khangchendzonga National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sikkim is home to the elusive rufous-necked hornbill, whose sightings are possible during the summer when the bird descends to lower altitudes for feeding.

The elusive rufous-necked hornbill | Shutterstock

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka is home to nearly 270 bird species, including the great hornbill and the Malabar pied hornbill. Early morning and evening boat rides along the Kali River are the best time to spot hornbills flying across the treetops or calling from fig trees.

A great hornbill tosses a piece of fruit into its mouth | Shutterstock

Kanha National Park

As Madhya Pradesh’s largest national park, Kanha has recorded over 300 species of birds within its bounds, including the Indian grey hornbill and the Malabar pied hornbill. The best way to see them is in a 4WD Jeep safari.

Sunset at Kanha National Park | Shutterstock

Nameri National Park

Assam’s Nameri National Park has riverine forests and open patches near the Bharali River that provide ideal feeding and nesting habitats for the great hornbill, the wreathed hornbill and the rufous-necked hornbill.

Hornbill habitat in Nameri National Park | Shutterstock

Buxa Tiger Reserve

This tiger reserve in West Bengal has a mix of riverine and evergreen forests that provide year-round hornbill habitat. Guided safaris will increase your chances of sighting the oriental pied hornbill, the rufous-necked hornbill and the great hornbill.

An oriental pied hornbill | Shutterstock

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