A Symphony of Wings and Wilderness
From the misty Himalayan foothills to the coastal lagoons of the south, India is a birder’s paradise. With over 1,300 recorded bird species, including vibrant endemics, winter migrants, and spectacular raptors, the country offers a rich tapestry of avian life across diverse habitats. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious traveler with binoculars in hand, India’s national parks and bird sanctuaries promise unforgettable encounters.
At Roar, our birding tours are curated to immerse you in India’s most bird-rich regions — guided by expert ornithologists, set in scenic landscapes, and tuned to the rhythm of wings.
📊 Why Birding in India Is Unique
- Incredible Diversity: From hornbills and sunbirds to flamingos and snowcocks
- Endemic Treasures: Many species found nowhere else, like the Nilgiri Flycatcher or Mishmi Wren-babbler
- Migratory Hotspot: Hosts millions of migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and Europe
- Birds in All Habitats: Forests, wetlands, deserts, grasslands, high-altitude zones, and urban parks
🏞️ Top National Parks & Bird Sanctuaries for Birding in India
1. Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur, Rajasthan)
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Over 370 bird species, including Sarus Crane, Painted Stork, and Indian Courser
- Famous for winter migrants like bar-headed geese and Eurasian spoonbills
- Cycle rickshaw birding adds a quiet, immersive touch
2. Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)
- Over 600 bird species, including Great Hornbills, White-crested Laughingthrushes, and Wallcreepers
- Himalayan foothill setting adds diversity and dramatic scenery
- Excellent combination of birding and big game viewing
3. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (Kerala)
- Known as the “Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary”
- Home to endemic species like Malabar Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, and White-bellied Blue Flycatcher
- Lush lowland forest makes it a magnet for bird photographers
4. Kaziranga National Park (Assam)
- Primarily famous for rhinos but equally rich in birdlife
- Spot Great Adjutants, Bengal Floricans, and numerous ducks and raptors
- Ideal for combining birding with megafauna sightings
5. Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal)
- Mangrove ecosystem with unique birds like Brown-winged Kingfisher, Mangrove Whistler, and Masked Finfoot
- Boat safaris through creeks offer a peaceful birding experience
6. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (Karnataka)
- Island sanctuary on the Cauvery River
- Known for nesting colonies of Asian Openbills, Painted Storks, Black-headed Ibis, and Egrets
- Ideal for beginners and families
7. Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh)
- A global birding hotspot with rare and recently discovered species
- Home to the Bugun Liocichla, one of the rarest birds on Earth
- Best visited by serious birders and adventurous travelers
8. Desert National Park (Rajasthan)
- Spot Great Indian Bustards, Cream-colored Coursers, and desert-adapted species
- Winter brings raptors, wheatears, and sandgrouse
- A rare chance to see birds in India’s Thar desert ecosystem
🧭 Best Time for Birding Tours
- Winter (November to March): Peak season for migratory birds and clear weather
- Monsoon (June to September): Great for resident breeders and forest birds, especially in the Western Ghats and northeast
- Spring (March to May): Good for high-altitude and Himalayan species
🔭 What to Expect on a Roar Birding Tour
- Expert naturalists and ornithologists
- Custom itineraries for beginner, intermediate, or professional birders
- Ethical birding practices (no baiting, no playback unless required for study)
- Quiet, small-group experiences with maximum wildlife sensitivity
- Photography-friendly options with the best light and positioning
🛡️ Bird Conservation in India: Challenges and Wins
🐣 Threats:
- Wetland destruction
- Urban sprawl and pollution
- Illegal bird trade
- Pesticide use and loss of nesting trees
✅ Conservation Highlights:
- Important Bird Areas (IBAs) designated by BNHS and BirdLife International
- Resurgence of species like Amur Falcons in Nagaland, now locally protected
- Vulture conservation programs reviving once-critically endangered populations
- Community-based reserves like Pangti (Nagaland) and Mangalajodi (Odisha)
🐦 Feathers, Forests, and Flight: Why Birding in India is Unmissable
India is not just a place to see birds — it’s a place to feel them. The haunting call of a koel at dawn, the electric flash of a kingfisher by the riverbank, the hypnotic dance of cranes in the wetlands — these are moments that go beyond checklists.
Whether you want to tick off lifers, shoot stunning photographs, or simply be surrounded by birdsong, Roar’s birding tours open a window into the wilder, winged side of India.