India boasts a remarkable array of bird sanctuaries, each contributing to the conservation and celebration of avian biodiversity. Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as a vital wintering ground for migratory birds, while Sultanpur National Park in Haryana attracts both residents and visitors with its diverse species. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka charms visitors with boat rides amidst a variety of birdlife. Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary in Odisha, encompassing Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, hosts a spectrum of migratory species. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in Kerala, nestled by the Vembanad Lake, provides a serene habitat for resident and migratory birds. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat, Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary in Maharashtra, and Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary spanning Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are renowned for their significant populations of migratory birds. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala, known as the “Bird Paradise of India,” showcases endemic and migratory species. Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal, besides being a tiger habitat, is vital for various bird species. Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, and Dachigam National Park also contribute to India’s avian diversity, making these sanctuaries essential havens for bird enthusiasts and crucial spaces for the conservation of winged wonders.
List of Bird Sanctuary in India
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Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan:
- Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a crucial wintering ground for migratory birds like Siberian cranes.
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Sultanpur National Park, Haryana:
- Located near Delhi, Sultanpur is a popular bird sanctuary known for its resident and migratory bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and sarus cranes.
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Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka:
- Nestled along the banks of the Kaveri River, Ranganathittu is a picturesque sanctuary known for its boat rides and a variety of bird species like painted storks and spoonbills.
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Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary, Odisha:
- Spread across the Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, this sanctuary attracts a diverse range of migratory birds, including flamingos, herons, and pelicans.
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Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala:
- Situated around the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a serene spot known for its resident and migratory bird species, such as herons, egrets, and Siberian storks.
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Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat:
- A vast seasonal wetland, Nal Sarovar is renowned for hosting a large population of migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and spoonbills.
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Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra:
- Also known as the Bharatpur of Maharashtra, Bhigwan is a birdwatcher’s paradise with a significant population of migratory birds, including the greater flamingo.
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Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala:
- Often referred to as the “Bird Paradise of India,” Thattekad is rich in biodiversity and is home to various endemic and migratory bird species.
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Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal:
- While famous for its Bengal tigers, the Sundarbans is also a vital habitat for numerous bird species, including the endangered masked finfoot.
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Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu:
- Spanning across two states, Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary is known for its diverse birdlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and various wader species.
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Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka:
- Apart from its diverse wildlife, Sathyamangalam is a significant bird habitat with species like the great Indian hornbill and the Malabar pied hornbill.
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Dachigam National Park, Jammu and Kashmir:
- While primarily known for the endangered Hangul deer, Dachigam is also home to various bird species, including the golden eagle and the bearded vulture.
These bird sanctuaries contribute significantly to the conservation of avian biodiversity, providing a refuge for both resident and migratory birds across the country.
