10 Lesser-Known Wetlands Of India

OT Staff

Sakhya Sagar, Madhya Pradesh

Located in Shivpuri district within Madhav National Park, Sakhya Sagar is a tranquil wetland known for its crocodile population and rich birdlife, including sarus cranes, cormorants, and kingfishers.

A view of Sakhya Sagar | datcc.shivpuri/instagram

Deepor Beel, Assam

Just outside Guwahati, Deepor Beel is a freshwater lake and Ramsar Site attracting migratory birds like lesser adjutant storks and spot-billed pelicans. It’s a peaceful birdwatching haven.

A flock of Brahminy duck, or the Ruddy shelduck, take flight at the Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary. | Samsul Huda Patgiri/Shutterstock

Kabar Tal (Kanwar Lake), Bihar

India’s largest freshwater oxbow lake in Begusarai district, Kabar Tal hosts over 60 species of migratory birds and has recently gained Ramsar recognition for its unique ecosystem.

At the Kabar Tal | biharchhatrasansad/instagram

Nalsarovar, Gujarat

Though lesser-known compared to major sanctuaries, Nalsarovar’s extensive marshes are vital for flamingos, painted storks, and winter migratory birds. Its calm waters stretch over 120 sq km.

A Purple moorhen wading through the shallow waters inside Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary | Shutterstock

Sandi Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh

Located in Hardoi district, this small but biodiverse wetland is an essential wintering site for bar-headed geese and common teal, tucked away from Uttar Pradesh’s more crowded sanctuaries.

At the Sandi Bird Sanctuary | Rajesh Chaube/Facebook

Point Calimere Wetlands, Tamil Nadu

Part of the Great Vedaranyam Swamp, this wetland near Kodikkarai is a hotspot for migratory birds like spoonbills and flamingos, as well as blackbucks and wild horses.

A blackbuck at the Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary | Shutterstock

Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary, Haryana

A lesser-known sanctuary in Jhajjar district, Bhindawas comprises seasonal wetlands supporting over 250 bird species and offers an excellent alternative to the crowded Sultanpur National Park nearby.

A view of Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary | my_city_jhajjar/instagram

Chhilchhila Wildlife Sanctuary, Haryana

Nestled near Kurukshetra, this small wetland is an oasis for waterfowl and migratory species, including greylag geese and tufted ducks, especially during winter months.

Male northern shoveler found at Chhilchhila Wildlife Sanctuary, Haryana | Wikimedia Commons

Chatlam Wetlands, Jammu & Kashmir

Situated in the Pulwama district, Chatlam is one of the few remaining wetland ecosystems in Kashmir valley and hosts a wide variety of migratory ducks and coots.

Around the Chatlam Wetlands, Jammu & Kashmir | excellentkashmir786/instagram

Harike Wetland, Punjab

At the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers, Harike is a vast and relatively unexplored Ramsar site, offering refuge to endangered species like the Indus river dolphin.

Oriental darter at Harike Wetland, Punjab | raminder_pal_singh/instagram

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