Top Bird Sanctuaries Near Delhi For An Exciting Trip

Delhi has a long list of famous tourist places and iconic landmarks. But equally spectacular is the wildlife that can be seen in all its fascinating beauty in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The rich variety of birds, animals and reptiles can be quite amazing and will thrill you beyond expectations. For bird sanctuary in Delhi, we would help you with a list.

The region in and around Delhi has lush wetlands and natural greenery. It is the ideal habitat for birds, and it is this reason why there is some amazing bird sanctuary in Delhi NCR. So, if you are a bird enthusiast, and watching birds is your hobby, go on and read from the compiled list of top bird sanctuaries in and around Delhi.

Top Bird Sanctuaries in and around Delhi

1. Okhla Bird Sanctuary

One of the best places to spot birds near Delhi is in Okhla Bird Sanctuary. It is located in Noida and is a very popular bird sanctuary near Delhi. You can spot a number of exotic Indian birds in all their magnificent natural surroundings.

It is also home to rare, endangered bird species. It is a haven for migratory birds as well, who come here during the cold winters. Visiting the sanctuary gives you a golden opportunity to be in the midst of pristine natural beauty and green environs around Delhi.

• Birds to see: Baikal Teal, Sarus crane, Sociable Lapwing, Indian skimmer, Grey-headed fish eagle.

2. Surajpur Bird Sanctuary and Biodiversity Park

Another place close to Delhi famous for its bird watching is the Surajpur Bird Sanctuary and Biodiversity Park. The wetland area attracts many species of migratory birds in the winter season. Anybody coming to this sanctuary will never believe that such lush green environs and natural wetland exist around Delhi.

It is a delight for birdwatchers and for common people, who want a relaxing break away from the hustle-bustle of city life. This is bound to be one of the options when you think of visiting a bird sanctuary in Delhi.

• Birds to see: Red-crested pochard, Comb duck, Bar-headed goose, Common Teal

3. Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

Dense Himalayan forests of Nainital make the perfect habitat for birds to thrive in the Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is easily accessible from Delhi and Nainital. Avid birdwatchers can spot a number of bird species, both Indian and migratory, in this sanctuary.

You can also spot birds unique to the Himalayan region. In the serene and tranquil surroundings of the forests, the sound of bird calls is music to the ears. A good pair of binoculars and camera is a must if you want to see the birds up close.

• Birds to see: Himalayan griffon, blue-winged minla, woodpecker, Khalij pheasant, Rufous-bellied woodpecker.

4. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Ranked among the finest bird sanctuaries in the world, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is situated in Rajasthan. The sanctuary is quite close to Delhi and is a favourite weekend getaway for Delhiites. You can spot an amazing variety of endemic birds in the sanctuary.

The sanctuary is especially famous for migratory birds, who fly from faraway countries in the winter season. The thickly wooded region and marshy land offer countless opportunities to view the birds in their natural habitat.

• Birds to see: Pelicans, Warblers, Eagles, Ducks, Larks, Flycatchers.

5. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

Located in Haryana, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is another favourite bird watching destination near Delhi. Many Indian bird species can be found here. The presence of lake and shallow marshlands attract numerous migratory birds in winters to feed on the insects.

The lush green surroundings also give you a relaxing break from the city. It is one of the top bird sanctuaries in Delhi.

• Birds to see: Red-wattled Lapwing, White-throated Kingfisher, Sarus crane.

6. Najafgarh Drain Bird Sanctuary

One of the oldest bird sanctuaries in Delhi, the Najafgarh Drain Bird Sanctuary is a haven for birding enthusiasts. The swampy wetlands attract many migratory birds. The lush green environs offer the ideal habitat for aquatic birds. It also is the ideal weekend destination for Delhiites.

• Birds to see: Demoiselle cranes, Sarus crane.

7. Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary

Located in Haryana, Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers. You can spot many resident Indian birds and migratory birds in the lush green wetlands and green cover of the sanctuary. It is also an ideal getaway for people of Delhi and Haryana.

• Birds to see: Gray Francolin, Shikra, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Purple Swamphen, Common Hoopoe.

8. Patna Bird Sanctuary

The Patna Bird Sanctuary is located in Uttar Pradesh and is quite close to Delhi. Spread over a wide area, the sanctuary is home to many Indian bird species and also attracts numerous exotic migratory birds. The breathtaking natural beauty of this region is the ideal habitat for birds. It also is a perfect opportunity for a day trip from Delhi.

• Birds to see: Herons, cormorants, ducks, geese, Pied mynas.

9. Saman Bird Sanctuary

Located close to Delhi, Saman Bird Sanctuary is another place where bird watchers can spot many birds. While the green cover is home to many Indian birds, the wetlands here attract many migratory birds to visit this sanctuary in the winter season. It is a golden opportunity for birding enthusiasts to take up their binoculars and see birds in their natural habitat.

• Birds to see: Common teal, storks, white pelican, northern pintail.

10. Sandi Bird Sanctuary

Situated in Uttar Pradesh, Sandi Bird Sanctuary is a treat for bird watchers. It is home to many Indian and migratory birds. Lush wetlands and a natural green cover of this sanctuary is the ideal habitat for birds to live and flourish. It also is the ideal retreat for relaxing in the natural surroundings.

• Birds to see: Brahmini duck, northern shoveler, painted stork, spoonbill.

11. Bakhira Bird Sanctuary

Among the numerous bird sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh, Lakh Bahosi Bird Sanctuary is among the largest. You can spot bird watchers and nature lovers looking out for bids through their binoculars.

The shallow lakes and surrounding wetlands here attract many aquatic birds to breed. The rich variety of birds that can be spotted here is sheer joy to behold.

• Birds to see: Grey-headed Swamphen.

12. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary

The verdant greenery of Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is ideal for birding. Presence of freshwater lakes and swampy marshlands attracts many birds. You can see many Indian and exotic migratory birds in the sanctuary.

• Birds to see: Woodpeckers, Purple Moorhen, stork, pheasants, lapwing, bee-eater.

13. Samaspur Bird Sanctuary

More than 250 species of birds can be found in the Samaspur Bird Sanctuary. Located in Uttar Pradesh, it is a natural haven for common Indian and also rare and endangered birds.

It is especially beautiful in winters when migratory birds come here in great flocks to roost and breed in the lush environs of the sanctuary.

• Birds to see: Kingfishers, common teal, vultures, ducks.

14. Thasrana Bird Sanctuary

The Dhanauri wetlands in Noida near Delhi have been converted into Thasrana Bird Sanctuary. Many bird species like Sarus Crane, Painted Stork, Jacana, Heron, Spoonbill, Egret and others can be seen here. Thousands of migratory birds too, come here every winter to breed.

The natural greenery of this place offers the perfect opportunity for bird watchers to gather here and spot birds. A perfect bird sanctuary in Delhi.

• Birds to see: Jacana, Sarus crane, Baya Weaver, Green Bee-eater, Marsh Harrier, Spoonbill.

15. Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary

The sanctuary is located at the confluence of the Yamuna Canal and Assan river. This bird sanctuary in Uttarakhand is a bird watcher’s paradise. It can be easily reached from Delhi and is a relaxing getaway from the stress of the city.

As many as 53 bird species can be seen in the wetlands of the sanctuary. The swampy marshes and lush vegetation of this sanctuary are ideal for birds to feed on insects. This is a good bird sanctuary in Delhi.

• Birds to see: Brahminy duck, Pintail, Red-crested pochard, Gadwall.

While a visit to these bird sanctuaries can give you infinite opportunities to spot the winged beauties in their natural habitat, it will also give you a refreshing break from the stress of the city.

If you too have experiences and suggestions to share with us, please do so in the comments section below, so that others can benefit from them. Please remind us if we did not include a place in the mentioned list.