Top 10 Bird Sanctuaries Of India

Birds are one of the most beautiful creatures of God. They symbolize freedom, peace and to aim high in life. Lucky India, that hosts home for numerous species of birds. It does not only attract local birds but also provides home to migrant birds. Many Ornithologist visit India during the peak season of migration of birds. Bird sanctuaries in India are a treat for bird-lovers. Over 1000 species of birds migrate to India throughout the year, making it an important tourist destination. Colorful and migratory birds become center of attraction of many sanctuaries. Building and maintaining bird sanctuaries have become an important step of Government to preserve the endangered bird species. Let us read about the top 10 bird sanctuaries of India.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan

The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is the best bird sanctuary in the world, which attracts over thousands of endangered species of birds. The bird sanctuary is combined with national park by the government to keep the inhabitant of animals safe. The bird sanctuary witnesses the migration of numerous birds like Cranes, Warblers, Larks, Hawks and Pipits, etc. The bird lovers can reach the place throughout the year, yet it is advised to visit the place between October to February to watch the migrant birds.

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Haryana

The Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary greets more than 100 species of migratory and 250 domestic species of birds every year. Keeping the increasing number of migrations in mind, the government has taken many developmental steps by building tube wells, mounds at sanctuary. More and more of trees are planted to improve the vegetation. The best time suggested by Government of Haryana to visit the place is during Winters. During this time, birds like Siberian cranes, Black Winged Stilt, Common Greenshank, Yellow and White Wagtail and Rosy pelican, etc. can be spotted.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa

The sanctuary which is named after India’s best Ornithologist, Salim Ali is situated on the western tip of island Chorao, Goa. Spread in area of only 1.8 square kilometers, numerous domestic as well as migratory birds can be seen here. The Mangrove vegetation, which is the most productive one, is found here on the banks of Mandovi and Mapusa river. Apart from birds the sanctuary hosts vegetation for foxes, crocodiles and jackals. The best time to visit the place is winters with the permission of officials.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala

Situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, in Kottayam district, the sanctuary is one of the favorite place of migratory birds. It is spread in almost 14 acres or area and requires its tourists to take a boat to move around the sanctuary. The sanctuary houses unique fauna and birds like Siberial Stork, Teal and Flycatcher.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka

The largest bird sanctuary in the state of Karnataka, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, locally called Pakshi Kashi of Karnataka, attracts over 3 lakhs of visitors in an year. It is spread in area of approximately 40 acres, including 6 islets on the bank of river Kaveri. The best time to visit the place starts from mid-December, as during this time more than 30,000 birds congregate here, including birds from Latin America and Siberia. Over 100 of birds migrate here from around the world.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is one of the oldest bird sanctuary build in India. Small lakes present in the sanctuary attracts birds and feed them. The sanctuary has recorded a visit of more than 40,000 birds, making it a famous place for tourists. Garganeys, teals from Canada, Glossy ibises from Sri Lanka, Openbilled Stork from Bangladesh and Spoonbills from Burma, etc. are the major migratory birds of this place. The best time to visit is from November to March.

Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh

The only sanctuary present in Andhra Pradesh complied with an elephant reserve is, Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary. With huge population of Asian elephants, it also welcomes over 100 of local and migrated birds. The forests of sanctuary have small ponds, tanks which feeds the inhabitants.

Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary, Orissa

Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary is the second largest lagoon in the world. It has been safeguarding huge number of threatened species of birds and plants. Chilka lagoon is also a source of livelihood of many fisher men living nearby. Over 800 species of fauna has been identified here.

Mayani Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra

Mayani Bird Sanctuary in Maharashtra is built over an old dam. The dam in the area makes the sanctuary more useful. More than 400 species of migratory birds make it their home, a stop while passing through the area. Flamingos, being the regular visitors, can be seen in large number in the sanctuary. Otolia sps is the main source of food for aquatic birds.

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat is the largest wetland bird sanctuary of the state. Winters and spring witness the major migration of birds in the sanctuary, attracting over 200 species of birds every year. The only way to roam around the sanctuary is through boats. Horse-ride along the lake side is also a tourist attraction of this place.

Well, this is not all the list is huge. India is rich in its bio-diversity, thus providing home to lots of migratory as well as domestic birds. The sanctuaries are build keeping in view the climatic conditions of the area and kinds of birds inhabiting there. These sanctuaries are also an important education opportunity.