Which is the famous bird sanctuary in India?

Keoladeo National Park (formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is the famous bird sanctuary in India.

Which is the 1st bird sanctuary in India?

The first bird sanctuary in India was the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in Kerala.

Which state has the highest bird sanctuaries in India?

The state of Rajasthan has the highest number of bird sanctuaries in India.

Which is the biggest bird sanctuary of India?

The biggest bird sanctuary in India is the Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh.

Which is the smallest bird sanctuary?

The smallest bird sanctuary in India is the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala.

Which is the oldest bird sanctuary?

The oldest bird sanctuary in India is the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.

Who is the father of bird sanctuary?

The father of the bird sanctuary is Dr. Salim Ali, also known as the "Birdman of India."

Bird Sanctuaries in India List State-wise, Map, Importance

Table of Contents

Bird Sanctuaries in India

India is home to a vast number of bird species, and Bird Sanctuaries in India play a crucial role in conserving these avian wonders. These sanctuaries are often situated in diverse habitats such as wetlands, forests, grasslands, and even urban areas, providing a wide range of opportunities for bird watching and conservation.

Bird Sanctuaries in India Map

Here is a Map of Major Bird Sanctuaries in India State-wise given below:

List of Bird Sanctuaries in India

Here is the complete List of Bird Sanctuaries in India given below:

S No.	Name	State	Description
1	Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park)	Rajasthan	It is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its migratory bird species and being a critical breeding ground for several bird species.
2	Sultanpur National Park	Haryana	It is a popular bird watching destination near Delhi and is important for the conservation of bird species like the Siberian crane.
3	Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary	Goa	Named after India’s most famous ornithologist, it is a biodiversity hotspot for several endemic bird species and a crucial habitat for migratory birds.
4	Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	It is one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India and is important for the conservation of several bird species, including the endangered spot billed pelican.
5	Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary	Kerala	Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, it is an important breeding and nesting ground for several bird species, including the rare Indian Darter.
6	Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary	Odisha	It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and a vital habitat for a variety of migratory and resident bird species, including the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin.
7	Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary	Gujarat	It is a wetland sanctuary that supports a variety of migratory and resident bird species and is an important stopover for birds on the Central Asian Flyway.
8	Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary	Karnataka	It is a small but important bird sanctuary that supports a diverse range of bird species, including several endemic species.
9	Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary	Maharashtra	It is a birdwatcher’s paradise and an important habitat for several bird species, including the migratory flamingos and painted storks.
10	Pong Dam Lake Sanctuary	Himachal Pradesh	It is an important wetland sanctuary for several bird species and a crucial breeding ground for the endangered bar-headed goose.
11	Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary	Telangana	It is an important habitat for several bird species and provides a crucial nesting and breeding ground for the endangered lesser florican.
12	Bakhira Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	It is an important bird sanctuary that supports a diverse range of bird species, including several migratory species that arrive during winter.
13	Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary	Kerala	It is an important breeding and nesting ground for several bird species, including the endangered black-tailed godwit.
14	Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary	Karnataka	It is an important bird sanctuary that supports a variety of bird species, including several endemic species like the Malabar grey hornbill.
15	Ansupa Lake Bird Sanctuary	Odisha	It is an important wetland sanctuary that supports a variety of migratory and resident bird species, including several species of ducks and geese.
16	Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary	Andhra Pradesh	It is an important bird sanctuary that supports a diverse range of bird species, including several endemic species like the grey junglefowl.
17	Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary	Bihar	It is an important bird sanctuary that supports a variety of bird species, including several endangered and threatened species.
18	Harike Bird Sanctuary	Punjab	It is an important wetland sanctuary that supports a variety of migratory and resident bird species and is an important breeding ground for several waterfowl species.
19	Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary	Gujarat	It is an important bird sanctuary that supports several bird species, including the rare and endangered white-naped tit.
20	Tsomgo Lake Bird Sanctuary	Sikkim	It is an important bird sanctuary that supports a variety of bird species, including several endemic species like the blood pheasant.
21	Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and Mini Zoo	Goa	It is an important bird watching destination in Goa and supports a variety of bird species, including several endemic species like the Malabar grey hornbill.
22	Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary	Karnataka	It is an important bird sanctuary that supports a diverse range of bird species, including several endemic species like the Nilgiri wood-pigeon.
23	Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary	Gujarat	It is an important wetland sanctuary that supports a variety of migratory and resident bird species, including several species of ducks and geese.
24	Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary	Sri Lanka (located near the India-Sri Lanka border)	It is a crucial habitat for numerous bird species, including the globally endangered black-necked stork and lesser adjutant, as well as migratory species such as sandpipers, plovers, and terns.
25	Pookode Lake Bird Sanctuary	Kerala	It is an important bird sanctuary that supports a variety of bird species, including several endemic species like the Nilgiri thrush.
26	Indravati National Park	Chhattisgarh	It is an important bird watching destination that supports a variety of bird species, including several endemic species like the Bastar hill myna.
27	Chintala Venkataramana Wildlife Sanctuary	Andhra Pradesh	It is an important bird sanctuary that supports a diverse range of bird species, including several endemic species like the Jerdon’s courser.
28	Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary	Gujarat	It is an important bird sanctuary that supports several bird species, including several species of eagles and vultures.
29	Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary	Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu	It is an important wetland sanctuary that supports a variety of migratory and resident bird species, including several species of flamingos and pelicans.
30	Vellode Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	It is an important bird sanctuary that supports a diverse range of bird species, including several species of migratory waterfowl.
31	Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary	West Bengal	It is an important bird-watching destination that supports a variety of bird species, including several endemic species like the white-rumped vulture.
32	Satpura Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	It is an important bird-watching destination that supports a variety of bird species, including several endemic species like the Malabar pied hornbill.
33	Kalesar National Park	Haryana	It is an important bird sanctuary that supports a variety of bird species, including several species of eagles and vultures.
34	Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary	Gujarat	It is an important sanctuary for the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, which is a flagship species of grassland ecosystems.
35	Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary	Telangana	It is an important bird-watching destination that supports a variety of bird species, including several endemic species like the Jerdon’s courser.
36	Nagaland Zoological Park and Bird Sanctuary	Nagaland	The bird sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts, providing a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the region.
37	Sambhar Lake Wildlife Sanctuary	Rajasthan	The sanctuary is home to a variety of migratory birds and is an important breeding ground for flamingos and other water birds.
38	Singalila National Park	West Bengal	The park is renowned for its diverse bird population and is a must-visit destination for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts.
39	Siju Wildlife Sanctuary	Meghalaya	The sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 200 species of birds, including the rare and elusive Siju Bird, found here.
40	Tal Chhapar Sanctuary	Rajasthan	The sanctuary is a significant breeding ground for various species of birds, such as the black-bellied sandgrouse, and provides an ideal habitat for migratory birds.

Read about: Wetlands in India

Bird Sanctuaries in Delhi

There are several bird sanctuaries and parks in and around Delhi that are home to a variety of bird species. Here are some of the popular bird sanctuaries in Delhi:

S. No	Name	Description
1	Okhla Bird Sanctuary	It is located at the Okhla barrage over the Yamuna river in Noida and is home to more than 320 bird species.
2	Sultanpur National Park	It is situated in Gurgaon and is a popular birding destination that attracts migratory birds from all over the world. Over 250 bird species have been spotted here.
3	Najafgarh Wetland	It is located in southwest Delhi and is one of the largest bird habitats in the capital. More than 200 bird species have been recorded here.
4	Basai Wetland	It is situated in Gurgaon and is home to over 300 bird species, including migratory birds.
5	Yamuna Biodiversity Park	It is located in Wazirabad and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including more than 300 bird species.
6	Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary	It is located in Jhajjar district, Haryana, and is a bird watcher’s paradise. It is home to over 250 bird species, including several migratory birds.
7	Dheerpur Wetland Park	It is located in northwest Delhi and is a popular spot for bird watching. Over 190 bird species have been spotted here.
8	Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary	It is situated in the southern part of Delhi and is home to a variety of bird species, including several rare and endangered ones.
9	Surajpur Wetland and Bird Sanctuary	It is located in Greater Noida and is a haven for migratory birds. Over 165 bird species have been recorded here.
10	Kalesar National Park	It is situated in Yamunanagar district, Haryana, and is home to over 200 bird species, including several endangered ones.

Read about: Natural Vegetation in India

Bird Sanctuaries in Kerala

Kerala is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several bird sanctuaries. Here are some of the popular bird sanctuaries in Kerala:

S. No	Name	Description
1	Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary	Located in the Kottayam district, this sanctuary is spread across 14 acres and is home to several bird species including egrets, darters, herons, teals, and more. It is situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, which is a popular spot for bird watching.
2	Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary	Located in Kothamangalam, this sanctuary is also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. It is home to over 300 bird species including several rare ones like the Ceylon frogmouth, Malabar grey hornbill, and the Sri Lankan frogmouth.
3	Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary	Located in the heart of Kochi city, this sanctuary is a small green oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It is home to several bird species including the little egret, Indian pond heron, and black-crowned night heron.
4	Pathiramanal Island	Located in the Vembanad Lake near Alappuzha, this small island is a popular spot for bird watching. It is home to several migratory bird species including the pintail duck, common teal, and the Indian shag.
5	Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary	Located in the Kannur district, this sanctuary is home to over 200 bird species including several endemic ones like the Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar parakeet, and the white-bellied treepie.

Read about: Physiography of India

Bird Sanctuaries in India Importance

Bird sanctuaries in India provide a peaceful and natural environment for various bird species to thrive and for visitors to enjoy the beauty of birds in their natural habitat. They offer a range of activities such as guided bird walks, bird photography, and conservation education.

Many bird sanctuaries in India are also important breeding and wintering grounds for migratory birds. These sanctuaries provide a crucial stopover point for migratory birds during their long-distance journeys, and also offer a safe haven for them to breed and raise their young.

Read about: Biodiversity in India