These most liked bird watching tours must be on the bucket list of bird lovers 21st March 2022
Be it the snow-capped mountains in the North or the golden sands of the Sahara in the West, India promises something for everybody and provides a wide variety of landscapes, flora and fauna. The country also hosts a wide array of activities like paragliding, surfing, trekking etc., to adventure seekers. However, in this article, we will discuss one of the lesser talked about activities, which is bird watching.
Bird watching is not just limited to spotting birds. It also gives you a better opportunity to explore nature, trees and other aspects of nature. Over the past years, owing to the growing number of endangered bird species, India has dedicated various sanctuaries for birds. These sanctuaries host a mixture of domestic and migratory birds.
Bird watching demands patience and perseverance, but the result is rewarding and exhilarating. Bird watching tours can be an excellent way to enjoy your vacations while indulging in new knowledge activities.
Let’s look at a few places in India that promise an impeccable bird watching experience.
1. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat:
Rann of Kutch sees about 300 different species of birds around the year. It is one of the largest breeding grounds for the Lesser Flamingo. Thousands of flamingos are seen flying together, making the skies a beautiful shade of pink. Short-eared owl, Syke’s lark, Greater Flamingo, Great White Pelican are just a few of the many birds that you will spot here.
2. Keoladeo national park, Rajasthan:
The Keoladeo national park is India’s most famous bird-watching site. It is located in the Bharatpur bird sanctuary and is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The small area of about 29 sq km is the feeding ground for over 400 different bird species. The wetlands have naturally formed earthen mounts to provide perching spots for birds to feed on fish and other aquatic species. The best time to visit is between December and February when migratory birds visit the sanctuary.
3. Kaziranga national park, Assam:
Famously known for its one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga also hosts various species of birds. Kaziranga is famous for its unmatched ecological importance. The Brahmaputra flows alongside the area making the river basin a basis for all life in the region. It has also been identified as IBA or Important Bird Area as it hosts a multitude of birds such as Jerdon’s Babbler, Black-breasted Parrotbill, Cinnamon Bittern etc.
4. Nainital, Uttarakhand:
In the Kumaon region of West Central Himalayas, one can see a wide range of different flora and fauna. Nainital is home to over 250 Himalayan bird species. The best time to visit is anywhere between November to May. Few species one can spot in Nainital are Chestnut-headed Laughingthrush, Cheer Pheasant, Greater Yellownape, etc. You can experience several walking trails for bird watching here.
5. Chilika Lake, Odisha:
Chilika bird sanctuary in Odisha is one of the most extensive winter grounds for migratory birds. It hosts some of the unique species, such as Purple Moorhen. It also hosts one of the largest breeding grounds for flamingos. The best time to visit is between October to March.
These are a few of the many opportunities you can consider to enjoy bird watching for your next vacation. As mentioned above, bird watching can seem like a tedious exercise, but the results are mesmerising. Keep in mind that you must always carry food, water, and first aid while going birding, as most of these spots are inside jungles or above hills.
Traversing through these terrains might present itself with certain challenges as well. Another essential thing to consider is to invest in general insurance plans before planning to travel. General insurance is sure to add value to your experience while also acting as a safety net for any unforeseen expenses you might face during your trip.
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