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Maharashtra offers one of India’s most diverse birding landscapes, where coastal creeks, inland wetlands, dense forests and high-altitude plateaus come together in spectacular fashion. The state hosts hundreds of resident species and thousands of migratory birds that arrive each winter from Central Asia, Europe and Siberia. Whether you are a seasoned birder, a wildlife photographer or a curious traveller, Maharashtra’s birding hotspots promise unforgettable encounters with nature, often just a short drive from major cities.
Bhigwan, often called the Mini Bharatpur of Maharashtra, sits along the backwaters of the Ujani Dam and has become one of the state’s most celebrated birding destinations. During winter, the wetlands transform into a vibrant theatre of flamingos, painted storks, bar-headed geese, spoonbills and a variety of waders. Early mornings reveal birds feeding in shallow waters while evenings offer dramatic silhouettes against golden skies. Located about 100 kilometres from Pune on the Solapur highway, Bhigwan is easy to reach by road. The village offers basic homestays and guesthouses, and local families serve simple Maharashtrian meals, often featuring fresh fish. Birders often combine their visit with a slow exploration of the dam backwaters and nearby rural landscapes.
Thane Creek proves that remarkable birding can exist within an urban setting. Stretching between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, this vast mangrove-lined estuary becomes home to tens of thousands of greater and lesser flamingos every winter. The mudflats also attract herons, egrets, sandpipers and gulls, creating a dynamic wetland ecosystem. The best sightings occur between October and March, particularly during early mornings and late afternoons when birds feed actively. Easily accessible from Thane, Airoli and Sewri, the creek allows city residents to witness migratory spectacles without leaving town. Visitors can stay anywhere in Mumbai or Navi Mumbai and explore the region’s extensive food scene after a rewarding birding session.
Karnala Bird Sanctuary offers a refreshing forest escape close to Mumbai and Pune. Nestled in the Western Ghats near Panvel, the sanctuary shelters more than 200 bird species, including Malabar trogons, Nilgiri woodpigeons, various woodpeckers and colourful sunbirds. Thick forest trails echo with bird calls, especially during the winter months when migrants arrive and during the monsoon breeding season. The sanctuary lies just off the Mumbai-Goa highway, and visitors can reach it easily by road or train to Panvel. Several resorts and lodges operate nearby, making Karnala ideal for a weekend nature retreat. Many birders also hike up to the historic Karnala Fort, which offers sweeping views of the forest canopy below.
Located near Nashik, Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary stands out as one of Maharashtra’s richest wetland habitats. Often referred to as the Bharatpur of Maharashtra, this sanctuary hosts over 250 bird species, including large populations of migratory ducks, storks, ibises and raptors. The sanctuary’s network of canals and shallow reservoirs creates ideal feeding and nesting conditions, particularly in winter when migratory activity peaks. Visitors can reach the sanctuary easily from Nashik by road and base themselves in the city, which offers a wide range of hotels and restaurants. Many travellers combine birding here with vineyard visits and cultural excursions around Nashik.
Mayani Bird Sanctuary in Satara district provides a quieter and less crowded birding experience focused around a seasonal wetland. During winter and post-monsoon months, the waterbody attracts flamingos, cranes, kingfishers and several species of ducks and waders. The open landscape allows for easy viewing and photography as birds gather along the receding waterline. Mayani lies within driving distance of Satara and Vaduj, making it accessible for road travellers. Visitors usually stay in Satara, where small hotels and local eateries serve traditional regional cuisine. The sanctuary works well for birders who prefer slow, unhurried observation away from popular tourist circuits.
The Kaas Plateau near Satara offers a rare mix of botanical and avian richness. Known globally for its seasonal wildflower bloom, the plateau also attracts a variety of birds that thrive in its grassland and forest-edge habitats. Species such as the Indian pitta, white-eyes and flycatchers appear alongside the floral spectacle, especially during the post-monsoon months. Reaching Kaas is straightforward via road from Satara, and visitors often stay in town or nearby villages. The plateau is best suited to travellers who enjoy combining birding with nature walks, photography, and scenic drives through the Western Ghats.
Radhanagari and Phansad represent Maharashtra’s dense forest birding at its finest. These sanctuaries shelter hornbills, raptors, woodpeckers and a variety of endemic Western Ghats species. Thick vegetation, streams and undisturbed forest patches make these areas ideal for serious birders who enjoy patient exploration. The winter and post-monsoon seasons offer the best sightings, as resident birds become more active and migrants arrive. Visitors usually stay in eco-lodges, forest rest houses or nearby towns, and often combine birding with forest walks and wildlife tracking.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park stands as one of the world’s largest protected forests within a metropolitan city. Located in the heart of Mumbai, the park supports over 270 bird species, including raptors, owls, and colourful passerines. Well-marked trails and guided walks enable birders to explore the forest safely while enjoying a surprising level of biodiversity. The park remains rewarding throughout the year, particularly during early mornings. Its central location allows visitors to stay anywhere in Mumbai and return to urban comforts after a morning immersed in nature.
The mangroves of Airoli and green spaces across Navi Mumbai offer excellent birding for those short on time. The mangrove belt supports waders, terns and shorebirds, while parks and lakes attract resident and migratory species. These areas work well for casual birders and photographers who want easy access and minimal travel. With abundant accommodation and dining options nearby, urban birding in Navi Mumbai proves both convenient and rewarding.
1. What are the best birding hotspots in Maharashtra?
Top destinations include Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary, Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary and Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary.
2. Where can I see flamingos near Mumbai?
Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary and Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary are famous for large winter gatherings of greater and lesser flamingos.
3. Which sanctuary is closest to Mumbai for birdwatching?
Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Karnala Bird Sanctuary offer excellent birding within easy driving distance.
4. What is the best season for birding in Maharashtra?
Winter (October to March) is peak season, when migratory birds arrive at wetlands and forest sanctuaries across the state.
5. Can birding in Maharashtra be combined with other experiences?
Yes, visitors often pair birding at Kaas Plateau with wildflower viewing, or combine wetland visits with vineyard tours in Nashik and coastal explorations near Mumbai.
