Best Bird Watching Spots in India for Nature Lovers by Wildlife Photographers

"Birds are the most accomplished aeronauts the world has ever seen. They fly high and low, at great speed, and very slowly. And always with extraordinary precision and control." is a popular quote by David Attenborough. India is blessed with a dynamic and diverse landscape. It is one of the richest countries in the world, boasting rich biodiversity and flora and fauna. If you are looking for the top places to spot this rich wildlife, then this article is for you. India boasts various species of birds in multiple shades, sizes, and shapes. If you, too, want to spot these avian friends, then check out this article, which has the best spots to visit in India for bird-watching by five wildlife photographers. 

Jai Manerikar

Jai Manerikar grew fond of photography in her early college years, when one of her professors had organised a birding trip to Pashan Lake near Pune. It was then that a young Jai soon fell in awe with photography. She shared with Local Samosa, “It was a mesmerising sight early in the morning for a first timer like me to spot birds like the Indian spot-billed duck, Ruddy shelduck (Brahminy duck), White-throated kingfisher and many more”. 
However, during the early 2000s, birding was quite an expensive hobby for a college student to take after. 
“With different priorities in life, photography took a back seat. However, my mom encouraged me to pursue my hobby. It’s been more than a decade since I have been travelling to at least one wildlife sanctuary or a national park each year,” said Jai.

While many end up pursuing their 9 to 5 life, letting their hobbies and passions take a back seat, throughout the years, Jai has managed to maintain a balance between her work and long-time passion - photography. “While most enthusiasts visit national parks or sanctuaries for big animals like tigers, leopards or elephants, one should not miss the birds during trips to national parks like Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Though it is famous for Tigers, one can also spot a variety of birds like Indian Pitta (Navrang) and Indian rollers. Or if one’s touring at Kaziranga, apart from the famous Rhinos, one can also spot raptors like Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Pallas’s fish Eagle and birds like Great Hornbills, Bristled Grassbird or Storkbilled Kingfisher amongst others”, said Jai when we asked her about the best places in India to visit to spot for avid birders or first timers. 

She also shared her two personal favourite places, exclusively for birding- the Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan and Bhigwan in Maharashtra. “A moment which is nearly impossible to forget would be the chilly winter morning at Bharatpur, with fog gently cloaking the wetland, listening to the symphony of chirps, whistles and calls through the mist is just surreal”, shared Jai, reminiscing of this moment. For her, the cherry on the top was witnessing one of her favourite birds, the majestic Sarus Crane, amongst the tallest flying birds in the world, performing their graceful courtship dance. Though India has multiple bird-watching spots, Jai has a soft corner for the Keoladeo National Park.

Out of curiosity, when we questioned her why, she replied, “The best part of Keoladeo National Park is that no vehicles are allowed. One can either hop onto a bicycle or walk around the national park admiring nature and a variety of birds like Great White Pelicans, Black Neck Stork, Marsh Harrier, and not to forget nesting colonies of Painted Storks, carefully tending to their young ones”.

Bhigwan, on the other hand, is regarded as the mini Bharatpur, considering the variety of birds found here. Jai personally enjoys visiting Bhigwan every year as it's just a two-hour drive from her residence. “The sight of a synchronised walk of the flamingos is no less than a ballet! Watching a fleet of Bar-headed Geese, Asian Open-billed, Gulls and Terns, and many more such birds is so refreshing.” After listening to this, one can only paint a colourful picture of these birds in their minds. 

“I eagerly wait for the winters not only to witness the migratory birds but also because a visit to bird sanctuaries helps me switch off from the daily hustle and bustle. It’s my F5 button”, concluded Jai Manerikar, an avid bird watcher with almost 15 years of experience in wildlife photography. 

Sakshi

Based in Sattal, in Uttarakhand, Sakshi has been actively birding for the last 4 years and has now transitioned into working full-time as a professional naturalist and bird guide. She leads various nature walks and birding tours. Munsyari is her favourite birding destination, as it offers quiet remoteness and incredible spotting of various Himalayan bird species.

“I’ve had the opportunity to host guests and birders from all over the world. Each person brings a fresh perspective, and I’ve learned something new from every birding walk I've led”, said Sakshi. An avid bird watcher and nature-lover, Sakshi always had a deep interest in nature and birds; thus, choosing this path as a career and hobby allowed her to live the life she wished for, close to the wild. “What I love most is that my profession connects me with wonderful people, offers unique travel experiences, and lets me create meaningful nature content that spreads awareness and appreciation for the environment”, shared Sakshi with Local Samosa. Not everyone could afford to say their profession is their passion, but for Sakshi, it was something close to her heart. 

“Birdwatching and bird photography are not just passions — they’re also calming, mentally rewarding, and physically healthy activities. I believe more people will turn to nature-based hobbies in the coming years, and I feel grateful to already be on this journey”, said Sakshi. When we asked Sakshi, in her four adventurous years as an avid birder, which is her favourite bird, she happily shared, “The Collared Owlet is my all-time favourite bird. It’s tiny, adorable, and has a unique feature like false eyes on the back of its head to confuse predators. Its call is surprisingly loud, but the bird itself is extremely well-camouflaged and difficult to spot.” Sakshi particularly finds Munsyari as the ideal place to find this smart, elusive species of owl, which she also referred to as — spotting one feels like solving a little mystery in the forest.

When Local Samosa popped the question, ‘Could you share a highlight from your experience so far? ', she happily agreed and said, “One of my most cherished experiences was observing a pair of Brown Wood Owls in Sattal near the Garud Tal region. I followed them closely last summer, from their mating behaviour to nesting. The male guarded the nesting area while the female stayed near a tree hollow. I observed the pair for almost 45 days. Eventually, their chick appeared, covered in fluffy white down. Watching this complete nesting cycle, from courtship to the chick's first appearance, was magical. These kinds of close observations are possible only when you spend considerable time in one area”. 

According to Sakshi, every avid bird watcher should explore these beautiful and diverse bird-watching spots in India. Sattal, Uttarakhand, Munsyari, Uttarakhand, Chopta, Uttarakhand, Desert National Park, Rajasthan, and Ladakh were recommended by her. To note a few of Sakshi’s favourite species she has encountered are the Monal and Bearded Vulture at Munsyari, Long-tailed Broadbill and Himalayan Rubythroat at Sattal and lastly the bright yet timid Scarlet Finch at Chopta. 

Rahul Sarkar

Rahul Sarkar, initially a software consultant, has now turned into a professional photographer in the genre of event, wedding photography, fashion and commercial shoots. However, for the past two years, Rahul has had a keen interest in wildlife and bird photography, particularly. When we asked Rahul about this transition from a software consultant to Wildlife Photography, he said, “Bird photography became my passion because it connects me deeply with nature and teaches me patience, silence, and observation. Witnessing the vibrant colours, delicate movements, and raw freedom of birds brings me peace and joy. Capturing birds in their natural habitat requires precision, patience, and a deep understanding of their behaviour is a skill that continually challenges and inspires me.”

Through bird photography, Rahul could understand the beauty and diversity of avian life, as it also fostered a greater appreciation for wildlife conservation in his mind. We at Local Samosa were very curious to know a highlight moment for Rahul in his two years of interest in wildlife and birding, to which he replied, “ I spent several early mornings tracking bird movement in a remote wetland area, resulting in a photo series documenting the feeding patterns of local and migratory species. This experience deepened my understanding of the bird’s behaviour and enhanced my ability to anticipate and capture dynamic, natural moments in challenging environments.” However, having a hobby like bird-watching is not a cakewalk, as Rahul mentioned, sometimes it would take many hours of waiting patiently or even an entire day to capture the perfect moment of the birds. 

When we asked Rahul to name a few of his favourite bird-watching spots, he answered, “Ravindra Sarovar Kolkata is a personal favourite. Spanning 192 acres, Ravindra Sarovar encompasses a 73-acre lake surrounded by lush greenery. This diverse habitat supports over 100 bird species, including residents, local migrants, and long-distance migrants. Notably, rare sightings like the Square-tailed Drongo Cuckoo and Blyth's Paradise Flycatcher have been recorded here”. Apart from the Ravindra Sarovar in Kolkata, he mentioned Central Park Salt Lake in Kolkata, which is home to over 170 bird species, encompassing both resident and migratory birds. One can find a few notable species of birds like the White-breasted Kingfishers, Lesser Whistling Ducks, Egrets, Taiga Flycatchers, Yellow-footed Green Pigeons, and Black-hooded Orioles. 

“Baruipur Wetlands in Kolkata is a growing birding haven for avid bird watchers.  It is a very popular place for many common and rare species and migratory birds. The wetlands host over 230 bird species, including both resident and migratory birds.  People can spot birds like Blue-throat and Siberian Rubythroat, Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler, West Himalayan Bush Warbler, Indian Spotted Eagle and the Grey-headed Swamphens. And lastly, Rahul shared, Purbasthali Chupichar, located in Purba Bardhaman, is a premier destination for bird photography in India. It offers a unique blend of biodiversity, accessibility, and serene landscapes. A humble abode for over 200 thriving species of birds, here one can spot a variety of our avian friends like the Red-crested Pochards, Bronze-winged Jacanas, Purple Swamphens, Purple Heron and many more. 

Supriya Harindrawar 

Growing up in Madhya Pradesh, Supriya’s admiration for nature fueled her journey in wildlife photography. An award-winning wildlife photographer and conservation advocate, Supriya Harindrawar has a deep passion for using visual storytelling. “My work seeks to capture the beauty, resilience, and vulnerability of wildlife, urging viewers to connect with the natural world and reflect on their role in its preservation. Winning the prestigious ‘Photographer of the Year Award’ from Explore Wild India Magazine has been a humbling milestone, reaffirming my commitment to this mission”, said Surpiya to Local Samosa. With an academic background of a PG Diploma in Tourism and Environmental Law from National Law University, in Delhi, in collaboration with WWF India and the Centre for Environmental Law ( CEL ), Government of India, deeply influenced Supriya’s perspective. 

Supriya also mentioned to Local Samosa, “Fox Story India has recognised my work and published my story on Fox Story India’s August Edition, Influential Femmes 2024: honouring powerful women leaders. I view this honour as a testament to the impact of my work in combining art, law, and conservation”. 

“Through my photography, I aim to inspire a sense of responsibility and awe, reminding us that every species, every habitat, and every moment in the wild is worth protecting. As a wildlife photographer, I not only capture the raw beauty and untold stories of the natural world, but also conduct wildlife photography workshops to share my passion with others. Through these workshops, I aim to teach aspiring photographers how to connect with nature like I do. Photography, for me, is not just about capturing images; it’s about preserving the soul of nature. My mission is to inspire and empower women to break barriers in wildlife photography, challenging stereotypes and building a supportive, inclusive community to celebrate their talent and stories”. She was also selected as the sole representative from India for the 2025 Girls Who Click Ambassador Program, a US-based nonprofit initiative that supports women in conservation photography and offers mentorship from professional female photographers. 

Her journey began in 2019, driven by my lifelong love of nature. Growing up in a small town in Madhya Pradesh, surrounded by forests, her love for nature was inevitable. “My journey as a photographer truly began when I made my first solo trip to the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, home to the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary. There, I captured stunning images of flamingos and Eurasian cranes, which earned me the ‘Photographer Of The Year’ award in 2020 by Explore Wild India Magazine. I was the first person from Madhya Pradesh to receive this honour, and that moment marked the beginning of my ongoing journey.”

When we asked Surpiya to mention a highlight moment in her photography career, she replied, “A highlight from my birding experience was watching a pair of Rose-ringed parakeets perform their courtship dance in the golden morning light of Bharatpur, it felt like a sacred moment”. Every wildlife photographer has a fondness towards a particular avian species, though it is a tough choice. Surpiya told us hers, “It's definitely tough to pick just one favourite bird. It’s like asking a parent to choose their favourite child (though let’s be honest, we all know there is one). But if I have to pick, I'd say ‘The Great Hornbill’. I had the joy of photographing one in Manas, and let me tell you, that bird knows how to work the camera. With its giant beak, striking colours, and the grace of a flying glider mixed with the drama of a Bollywood hero's slow-motion entry, it’s impossible not to be obsessed! Though wildlife photography, or photography for that matter, was not always regarded as a conventional career choice, as time passes, there has been in a shift in the societal norms of a ‘correct career choice’. 

Manas National Park in Assam and the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park) in Rajasthan are the two National Parks in India, etched in Surpiya’s memory.  It was at the Manas National Park, nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, where she was fortunate enough to spot a Collared Falconet. In Bharatpur, she spotted a pair of Sarus Cranes and a Darter bird. “These places are not just my favourites, they’re sanctuaries for the soul, reminding us why we must continue to protect and cherish our wild spaces”, replied Surpiya.

Suman Saha 

When Local Samosa asked Suman Saha to mention a few of his favourite spots in India for bird-watching and wildlife photography, he replied, “ India has many birdwatching spots across its length and breadth, and many places are pending to be visited. It is very difficult to pick some favourites as each of the locations has a different experience, terrain, beauty and birds. However, I am attempting to note some of the places where I will keep going as many times as I can.” 

Suman Saha is a wildlife and bird photographer by hobby and is currently employed as an Event Logistics Head. However, birding and wildlife exploration have always been his core passions. “I find time between my schedule and weekends and spend my holidays doing bird photography for the past 8-10 years”, said Suman to Local Samosa. With over 8 years of experience in Wildlife Photography, Suman soon discovered, what started as a hobby turned into a serious pursuit of avian photography and conservation awareness. “I’ve travelled across various Indian states and terrains—from deserts to mangroves—in search of something new, a good capture makes me happy”, said Suman. 

When we asked him, 'What led you to pursue wildlife photography further?', he replied, “Bird Photography gave me a focus on nature’s intricacies. Watching birds behave in their natural habitat and observing their interactions is deeply meditative. Capturing these moments through my camera is my way of telling their stories, and also challenging to stay ethical and not disturb birds in their natural habitat”. Every wildlife photographer, in their career, has an unforgettable moment. When we asked Suman the same question, he said, “One unforgettable moment was spotting the Red Neck Falcon, in Dhaunri Wetlands in Uttar Pradesh last year, which I consider my backyard of bird photography ( a close drive from my residence ).  I have been trying to photograph this elusive bird for the last 4 years. I had spotted it from afar in Gujarat, West Bengal, Rajasthan and many other areas. However, the bird is faster than my gears and skill and never gave me a good shot. But, I never gave up as I always believe that when you want something from your heart, nature will reward you. To my surprise, I spotted this bird on a late afternoon after work, and I got good shots. To those who may wonder, the shot was published at Nat Geo India after a month”.  

Every wildlife photographer encounters a crossroads when the question is asked, ‘Which is your favourite bird?’ to which Suman Saha, rightfully replied, ‘I can not say that any one bird is my favourite. I love them all, especially the ones I am yet to photograph, we call them lifers once we find them. I do birdwatching and bird photography because it gives me joy and numerous benefits. Engaging with this hobby allows me to connect with nature, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Observing birds in their natural habitats fosters mindfulness and patience, encouraging one to appreciate the beauty and diversity of wildlife and make new friends”. 

It is of the utmost importance for the newer generations to understand why it is the need of the hour to preserve our rich forests and diverse flora and fauna. Suman Saha is of the same thought process as he said to Local Samosa, “Moreover, birdwatching promotes environmental awareness and conservation efforts, as enthusiasts often become advocates for protecting bird habitats. Bird photography adds an artistic dimension to this pastime, allowing individuals to capture and share the beauty of avian life through stunning images. Ultimately, both activities offer a fulfilling way to explore the outdoors and contribute to a greater understanding of our ecosystem”. 

A few of Suman’s favourite Bird watching spots in India are the Keoladeo National Park, Sattal & Chanfi in Uttarakhand, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala, Rongtong and Latpanture in West Bengal. “I vividly remember witnessing thousands of migratory birds arriving in formation—a breathtaking experience.”

Lastly, Suman has a note for all our readers and aspiring wildlife photographers: “One does not need expensive gear to start with. One should start with a pair of binoculars in your own area or state where they reside. Social media nowadays is a great way to connect with fellow enthusiasts who are passionate about wildlife and photography”.