Offbeat places to go birding in India

It's no secret that avitourism is a niche market of nature-based tourism. Avitourism is that underdog of the tourism sector which is currently getting a lot of attention, and for the right reasons. In India, we have 1364 species of birds as of 2021, out of which, 81 are endemic. There are big names when we talk about birding in India, for instance, Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga, Dudhwa National Park among many. But how about the lesser-known ones? These five offbeat places in India are away from the curious eyes, and are home to some most important bird species. They are worth the visit.

Harike wetland, located near the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers, was recognised as an important wetland in 1990 by the Ramsar Convention. This quaint place is no tourism hub but for a birder, this place is a haven as it plays host to some of the very rarely sighted species, such as the horned grebe, rufous vented grass babbler and Jerson's babbler. Harike is also that destination from where the very elusive Evermann’s redstart was reported.

Arippa is located on the edge of Thiruvananthapuram-Shenkottai State Highway, in Kollam district. Visit Arippa Malabar and Western Ghats to spot birds and be with nature. The virgin forest of Arippa is home to many species of owls, the majestic black eagle, trogon species, and over 270 species of birds can be found here.

It will come as a surprise but yes, the not-so-offbeat Navi Mumbai has a corner that most people don't consider for birding. Yes, it is in an urban space, and yes it is home to flamingos, Pacific golden plover, storks, spoonbill, godwits, gulls, terns, yellow-eyed babblers, blue-tailed bee-eater, drongos, sunbirds and raptors. The BNHS conducts birding events almost every week.

Karimganj District in Assam has some of the most pristine forests in India. Many Indian birders are yet to explore this destination. Karimganj is home to the endemic Cachar bulbul, black headed bulbul, large scimitar babbler, purple throated sunbird, Asian stubtail, golden crested myna and great slaty woodpecker. An enviable checklist indeed! Take some time off birds and explore the wilds for incredible mammals too, such as clouded leopard, leopard cat, sloth bear, sun bear and Bengal slow loris.

Located in the Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand, Munsiyari is an upcoming destination for both adventure and nature-based tourism. And rightly so because, here you will find more than 319 species of birds; some rare, endemic and even endangered. Come here for the beautiful monal and other Himalayan birds. Also, India's first lichen park is here. Spread across 1.5 acres, the park has been in existence since 2019.