By Alex 
India is a paradise for birdwatchers. With its incredibly diverse geography—from the high Himalayas and dense rainforests to arid deserts and vast wetlands—the subcontinent is home to over 1,300 species of birds. Whether you’re a seasoned ornithologist or a curious nature lover, birdwatching tours in India offer a unique chance to witness nature in its most colorful and musical form.
India’s climate and varied habitats attract both resident and migratory bird species. From the elusive Himalayan Monal to the flamboyant Indian Pitta, the country’s avian diversity is simply staggering. The northern mountains host high-altitude species, while the southern Western Ghats are considered one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity.
Moreover, India sits on major migratory routes like the Central Asian Flyway, making it a temporary home to thousands of birds traveling from Siberia, Europe, and Central Asia during winter. This means that birdwatching tours in India are not limited to one season—they can be enjoyed year-round, with each region offering something different.
1. Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur, Rajasthan)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Keoladeo is one of the most renowned bird sanctuaries in the world. Spread over 29 square kilometers of wetlands, it houses over 370 species of birds. Winter is the best time to visit, when migratory species like the Siberian Crane, Bar-headed Goose, and Greater Flamingo make it their home.
2. Sunderbans (West Bengal)
Known for its mangrove forests and Royal Bengal Tigers, the Sunderbans is also an important birdwatching destination. Here you can spot species like the Mangrove Pitta, Grey-headed Lapwing, and various types of Kingfishers. Riverboat birdwatching here adds an adventurous twist to your journey.
3. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (Kerala)
Also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad is a compact but rich birding area in the Western Ghats. It is home to many endemic species like the Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Treepie, and the rare Sri Lanka Frogmouth. A trip here is often included in southern birdwatching tours in India.
4. Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh)
A relatively remote and less-explored area in the northeast, Eaglenest has quickly become a birdwatcher’s dream. Its claim to fame is the discovery of the Bugun Liocichla, a bird species found nowhere else in the world. This sanctuary is rich in biodiversity and offers thrilling birding in mist-covered forests.
5. Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)
Though famous for tigers, Corbett is also a birding hotspot with over 600 recorded bird species. The mix of grasslands, rivers, and forests makes it ideal for spotting a wide range of species like the Great Hornbill, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, and various woodpeckers and barbets.
Birdwatching tours in India are often led by experienced guides who have in-depth knowledge of local ecosystems and bird behavior. Most tours are organized around specific regions or birding hotspots, and they cater to various skill levels—from beginner to expert.
Tours typically include early morning walks, boat rides, or jeep safaris depending on the terrain. Accommodations range from eco-lodges and forest guesthouses to luxury jungle resorts. Many tours also integrate local culture and cuisine, offering a holistic travel experience.
Photography is a big draw, and many operators provide bird photography tours with tips on how to capture birds in action. Some tours are timed with birding festivals like the Bharatpur Bird Festival or the Pong Bird Festival in Himachal Pradesh, making them even more exciting.
While you can birdwatch all year in India, the ideal season depends on the region:
- October to March: Best for migratory birds across most of India.
- April to June: Great for spotting breeding birds in the Himalayas and northeast.
- July to September: Good for resident species in the Western Ghats and monsoon forests.
- Carry a good pair of binoculars and, if possible, a spotting scope.
- Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend into the environment.
- Stay quiet and patient—birds are shy and easily spooked.
- Download birding apps or carry a field guide to help identify species.
- Respect nature—avoid littering and maintain a safe distance from nests and chicks.
Whether you’re tracking the flight of a rare raptor or listening to the chirps of jungle warblers, birdwatching tours in India are a soul-refreshing experience. With an incredible variety of landscapes and species, these tours aren’t just about birds—they’re about discovering the wild heart of India. So grab your binoculars and a sense of wonder—your avian adventure awaits.
Rolando Corley