With diverse landscapes ranging from the Himalayas to the tropical south, India is a paradise for birdwatchers. Usually, the peak season is when a good variety of resident and migratory birds can be spotted in the park.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan

Also known as Keoladeo National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for birdwatchers. Over 400 bird species can be found here, including resident breeding birds, winter migrants, and short-distance migrants. The highlights of this bird sanctuary are the Siberian crane, the Indian courser, and the great painted snipe. The best season to visit is from November to February. It is the peak birding season as the weather is pleasant, and many migratory birds arrive from Siberia and Central Asia.

Sattal, Uttarakhand

Burrowed in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand, Sattal is a cluster of seven freshwater lakes teeming with birdlife. Over 250 resident and migratory bird species can be spotted here. Birdwatching enthusiasts are fascinated by the grey-headed fish eagle, the Himalayan griffon, and the kalij pheasant. The peak birding season is from March to May and September to November. During these spring and autumn months, the weather is enjoyable, and a good variety of birds can be seen.

Little Rann of Kutch

The Little Rann of Kutch is a vast expanse of salt flats in Gujarat and is an ideal spot for avid birdwatchers. More than 300 species can be seen, including the Demoiselle Crane, Lesser Flamingo, and McQueen’s Bustard. The best time to visit for birding is between November and March to maximize spotting a huge variety of birds.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala

Dubbed as the “bird watcher’s paradise of Kerala”, Thattekad has more than 400 bird species including local and migratory birds. It is most famously known for the Indian pitta, the Malabar grey hornbill and the Sri Lanka wood pigeon. The best time to visit is between November to April to be mesmerized by the beauty of these creatures of nature.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

While primarily known for its one-horned rhinos, Kaziranga National Park is also a great birding destination. It hosts over 475 bird species, including the greater adjutant stork, the Bengal florican, and the hoopoe. Plan your trip in the peak season between November to April. This coincides with the dry season in the park, making it easier to spot animals gathering around water sources.