5 national parks in India that are excellent for birdwatching

India is one of the world’s most exciting destinations for birdwatching. With over 1,300 recorded bird species and habitats ranging from Himalayan foothills and Gangetic floodplains to tropical forests and grasslands, the country offers extraordinary avian diversity. Seasonal migration patterns further enrich this landscape, bringing birds from Central Asia, Siberia and beyond during winter.
For birders, whether seasoned ornithologists or curious travellers with binoculars, India’s national parks provide immersive experiences in some of the most ecologically rich environments in Asia. Here are five national parks that stand out as exceptional birdwatching destinations.

Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan is widely regarded as India’s premier bird sanctuary. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former royal hunting reserve has evolved into one of the world’s most important wetlands for migratory birds. The park’s carefully managed marshes, grasslands and woodlands support more than 370 species. During winter, large flocks of waterfowl arrive from northern breeding grounds. Painted storks, pelicans, spoonbills, bar-headed geese, darters and numerous species of herons and egrets are commonly seen. Unlike many vast forest reserves, Keoladeo can be explored on foot, by bicycle or via cycle rickshaws led by experienced naturalist guides, making it one of the most accessible and rewarding birding destinations in the country.

While Kanha National Park is globally known for its tiger conservation success, it is also a significant birdwatching destination in central India. Spread across sal forests, bamboo groves, expansive meadows and freshwater bodies, Kanha hosts more than 300 recorded bird species. Birdwatchers can spot crested serpent eagles, Indian rollers, green bee-eaters, Malabar pied hornbills, racket-tailed drongos, flycatchers and several species of woodpeckers. The park’s grasslands attract raptors and ground birds, while the forest canopy resonates with melodious calls during early morning safaris.

Located along the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh, Dudhwa National Park is part of the Terai ecosystem, a mosaic of grasslands, wetlands and dense sal forests. It is one of North India’s richest wildlife habitats and an underrated gem for birdwatchers. Dudhwa is home to more than 450 bird species. The park’s wetlands attract painted storks, openbill storks, black-necked storks and various species of ducks during winter. It is also known for swamp francolins, Bengal floricans (in nearby grasslands), woodpeckers and several raptor species. The diverse landscape and relatively lower tourist footfall offer a quieter and more immersive birding experience compared to some other parks.

India’s oldest national park, Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 600 species recorded, one of the highest counts for any protected area in the country. Situated in the Himalayan foothills, Corbett features riverine belts, grasslands, hills and dense sal forests. This varied terrain supports crested serpent eagles, great hornbills, Himalayan rubythroats, kingfishers, owls and numerous migratory species during winter. The Ramganga River and its surrounding zones are particularly rewarding for spotting fish-eating birds and waterfowl.

Situated in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot, Periyar National Park in Kerala offers an entirely different birding environment, evergreen forests surrounding the scenic Periyar Lake. The park supports numerous Western Ghats endemic species, including Malabar grey hornbills, Nilgiri wood pigeons, white-bellied treepies and laughingthrushes. Waterbirds are often seen along the lake’s edges, especially during boat safaris. Guided nature walks and bamboo rafting allow birdwatchers to explore quietly, increasing the chances of spotting shy forest species.