6 national parks to visit in winter to spot migratory birds

Winter is already here, and so are the cosy days. This is the time when India’s wilderness transforms into a temporary sanctuary for winged travellers from across continents. As temperatures in Central Asia, Europe, and Siberia plummet, thousands of birds seek refuge in the subcontinent’s gentler climate. Wetlands shimmer with new arrivals, grasslands echo with unfamiliar calls, and riverbanks come alive with colourful gatherings. So this is for all those who enjoy winters, and find it the best time to plan a trip, or go spotting the migratory birds. For birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers, this is the season when national parks turn into vibrant winter stopovers. All those falling in this category, can plan to check out these six national parks where the migratory season offers unmatched wildlife drama.

To start with, this national park in Rajasthan is one of the most well-known bird sanctuaries in the country, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During this season, Keoladeo turns into a living aviary, where migratory birds are spotted throughout. Earlier, it served as a royal duck-hunting reserve, and is now home to over 350 species, many of which only come in the winter. Some of the species to check out are bar-headed geese, northern pintails, Eurasian spoonbills, and greylag geese that abound in shallow marshes. Also, it needs to be noted that birdwatching is made simple by the park's network of trails. The endangered Siberian crane, which is uncommon but profoundly symbolic of the park's migratory past, is also occasionally seen throughout the winter.

Although part of the same protected landscape, this park also deserves a mention because of its distinct character. It can be safely said that Bharatpur remains a magnet for winter migrants that thrive in marshy habitats. Large flocks of ducks and waders dominate the horizon, while harriers glide low over the grasslands. The park is especially known for its colonies of painted storks, which nest in winter and create striking scenes of busy feeding, preening, and chick-tending. With migratory arrivals peaking between November and February, this is the best time to visit this one of the country’s most reliable spots for seeing both common and uncommon winter visitors up close.

Famed as Asia's largest brackish lagoon, it’s also one of the best places to spot the migratory birds. From October onwards, this place starts welcoming them. Though not a traditional forested national park, Chilika’s Nalabana Bird Sanctuary falls within its protected ecosystem and serves as a prime birding ground. The lake transforms into a vast feeding area for ducks, rails, gulls, terns, and shorebirds arriving from the Caspian region and Siberia. Flocks of flamingos paint the horizon pink, while the wetlands echo with the calls of northern shovellers and gadwalls. People can also opt for boat rides, and if lucky, get to see thousands of birds rising in tight formation.

This place can be reached via short drive from Delhi, which turns into an urban birding hotspot between November and March. The shallow lake and surrounding marshes draw migratory species, such as common teal, rosy starlings, black-headed ibises, and common pochards. Winter fog settles gently over acacia groves, creating silhouettes of perched egrets and herons that add to the park’s atmospheric charm. With well-marked trails and close-ranging sightings, it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned birders alike.

One of India’s largest wetland bird sanctuaries, Nal Sarovar turns into a migratory refuge as cold winds sweep across northern latitudes. The lake’s quiet expanse attracts more than 200 species, including pelicans, avocets, cranes, and Brahminy ducks. Shallow waters and reed beds offer ideal feeding conditions, and the surrounding mudflats become gathering spaces for waders. Early mornings reveal large gatherings of pelicans just as the rising sun streaks the water in gold, which is indeed one of the region’s most memorable winter sights.

Though known predominantly for one-horned rhinoceroses and elephants, Kaziranga is also a winter paradise for migratory birds. The floodplains of the Brahmaputra welcome bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks, lesser white-fronted geese, and several species of storks and eagles. Waterlogged grasslands create ideal stopover zones, and viewing towers provide vantage points for observing the seasonal arrivals. Winter also coincides with clearer skies and drier terrain, making it one of the best times to explore the park’s varied birdlife.