India’s vast geographical range is home to a large variety
of resident birds, with the number soaring manifold with the arrival of the
migratory birds in winter. Besides, the national parks and sanctuaries, there
are innumerable places to go birding in India. Here is a list of five best
destinations in north India that you must see.
Pangot
Located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Pangot is a bird
watcher’s paradise and for obvious reasons. Covered with Oak and Pine trees
which serve as perfect roosting spots and interspersed with gurgling brooks,
Pangot attracts a plethora of bird species from all parts of the Northern
peninsula. Trekking through its alluring nature trails, you can get close to
the birds and take that perfect shot. Catch a glimpse of the Pheasants and
Flycatchers, Barbets and Magpies, Laughingthrush and many other birds foraging
for food and going about their daily chores, oblivious to your presence. During
winters, the bird population explodes with flocks of migratory birds landing in
Pangot in search of food and shelter. From Pangot, you can also take a quick
excursion to the Corbett National Park to look for the Royal Bengal Tigers. The
park also boasts of hosting over 600 species of resident and migratory birds
which make it worth your time. Easily accessible from Delhi via bus, train or
private vehicles, Pangot is a must visit destination if birding is your
passion.
Sattal
Named after the cluster of seven freshwater lakes that
surround this little piece Eden, Sattal is another sought after birding hotspot
by serious birders. The picturesque lakes of Sattal host a large number of bird
species including the Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Stripe-breasted Woodpecker,
Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Accentors, Upland Pipit, Mountain
Bulbul, Whiskered Yuhina, Verditer Flycatcher and the rare Siberian Rubythroat.
Home to many resident and migratory birds, Sattal is a delightful place to
observe the birds at close quarters. You can take a train from Delhi to
Kathgodam and cover the remaining 9 kms via a taxi or drive up there as the
roads are pretty decent and motorable.
Bharatpur
Step into the unique avian world of Bharatpur Bird
Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo National Park for an unforgettable experience
of birding in wetlands. Sprawling over an area of 29 square kilometres, the
park comprises of varying types of microhabitats having trees, mounds, dykes
and open water which harbour a plethora of bird species. Birds like Imperial,
White-tailed and Spotted Eagle, Darter, Black-necked, Painted and Asian
Openbill Stork, Common, Sarus and Demoiselle Crane, Black Bittern, Greater
Painted Snipe, Large-tailed, Indian and Grey Nightjar, and Dusky Eagle Owl are
a few among the myriad of species that the park hosts.
Chambal
Take a boat, float down the still waters of Chambal river
and get up close to the large variety of avifauna the Chambal valley harbours.
Our navigator will take you close to the bird colonies that can be seen atop
the trees on the bank side or among the smaller islands and identify the
different birds such as Indian Skimmer, Black-bellied Tern, Greater Thick Knee,
Sarus and Demoiselle Crane, and flocks of migratory waterfowl. You may also
catch a glimpse of the Gharials (fish-eating crocodiles) and Gangetic Dolphins
that live in the river. You may also explore the ravines of Chambal valley on a
Camel Safari and take an excursion to the Ater Fort. You can make your stay at
Mela Kothi, a heritage bungalow now converted into a luxury lodge.
Ranthambhore
By virtue of its diverse terrain and abundance of water
bodies, Ranthambore hosts large populations of resident and migratory birds. In
total, 272 species of birds have been identified in the park which make it a
popular birding hotspot. Ranthambore Fort, located inside the park happens to
be an excellent location for spotting and photographing birds. Birds like
White-naped Woodpecker, Sirkeer Malkoha, Painted Sandgrouse, Sulphur-bellied
Warbler, and Indian Vulture are among the major sought after birds in this park.
Visiting Ranthambore has twofold benefits - not only do you get to tick off a
large number of target species from your checklist but you can also have a
rendezvous with the Royal Bengal Tigers that prowl about in the park.
Phone: +918010450000
Email: info@asianadventures.in
https://linktr.ee/aatoursandlodges
