Birdwatching

Out of 8,600 Bird Species (about 30,000 if subspecies or geographical races are taken into account) the Indian subcontinent affords suitable living conditions for more than 2,400 Birds (Species and subspecies) of which, over 300 are winter visitors. The winter visitors are chiefly from Arctic region to the North. India thus offers unparalleled opportunities for watching a large number of bird species in their natural habitat. Keoladeo Ghana Sanctuary at Bharatpur is undoubtedly the Mecca for all bird enthusiasts. The place acquires a unique ambience in the winter months when thousands of migratory birds from the northern latitudes throng the place.

. Even a cursory glance at the Indian countryside will reveal roughly 150 very common species, ranging from the ubiquitous House Sparrow and Indian Mynah to such birds as the Red-vented Bulbul, Black Drongo and White-breasted Kingfisher. Common raptors include Black and Brahminy Kites, Honey Buzzard, Shikra and Egyptian Vulture. Water birds also offer quite a spectacle, especially in the winter, when the migratory waders arrive. Common resident species are White-breasted Waterhen, Indian Moorhen and Black-winged Stilt.

. The best time for birding is no doubt the months between October and April as, in addition to the variety of resident species, migratory waterfowl, raptors, starlings & other passerines and a host of other species are also to be seen all around the Indian countryside.

. The Kumarakom and Thattekad Bird Sanctuaries in Kerala, The Great Himalayan National Park, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary in Haryana, Jim Corbett National Park in Uttaranchal Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in the west are some of the best places to indulge in Birding in India.