10 Best forest reserves in India to see iconic Hornbill
Explore the top forest reserves in India where you can spot majestic hornbills, known for their striking bills and symbolic importance in tribal and ecological cultures.
What is the Hornbill? Hornbills are large, colourful birds known for their long, curved bills and dramatic casques. India is home to nine hornbill species, including the iconic Great Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, and the endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill. Revered in tribal folklore and critical to forest ecology as seed dispersers, hornbills are often spotted in dense, tropical forests, especially during nesting season when their calls echo through the canopy. Here are the 10 best forest reserves in India to see the iconic Hornbill: (Image credit: Canva)
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1. Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh One of India’s best hornbill conservation sites, Pakke is home to four species, including the endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill. The Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme here helps protect nesting trees and offers guided hornbill-watching treks. (Image credit: Canva)
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2. Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh India’s easternmost park is a hornbill haven. Dense canopies, elevation diversity, and low human disturbance allow multiple species like the Wreathed and Great Hornbill to thrive. Jungle camps offer the best chances of spotting them. (Image credit: Canva)
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3. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka The forests of Dandeli are famed for the Malabar Pied and Malabar Grey Hornbills. Early morning and evening boat rides along the Kali River offer superb viewing of hornbills flying across the treetops or calling from fig trees. (Image credit: Canva)
4. Silent Valley National Park, Kerala This untouched Western Ghats rainforest hosts the Great Hornbill and Malabar Grey Hornbill. A biodiversity hotspot, Silent Valley’s silent, misty forests amplify the hornbill’s distinctive call, offering a truly immersive birdwatching experience. (Image credit: Silent Valley National Park)
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5. Nameri National Park, Assam Located near the Bhutan border, Nameri is another great site to see the Wreathed and Great Hornbills. Its riverine forests and open patches near the Jia-Bhoreli River provide ideal feeding and nesting habitats for these iconic birds. (Image credit: Canva)
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6. Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim In the higher eastern Himalayas, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the rare Rufous-necked Hornbill. Though elusive, sightings are possible during the summer when the birds descend to lower altitudes for feeding. (Image credit: Canva)
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7. Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, Goa A surprising hornbill destination, this Western Ghats forest shelters the Malabar Pied and Malabar Grey Hornbills. Trekking trails through Mollem forest often echo with their loud wingbeats and vocalisations during the fruiting season. (Image credit: Canva)
8. Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala Located in Thekkady, Periyar offers opportunities to see the Great Hornbill soaring above the canopy. Boat rides on the lake and guided forest walks help spot hornbills near nesting trees along forest fringes. (Image credit: Canva)
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10. Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal This forest near the Bhutan border is known for Oriental Pied and Great Hornbills. Its mix of riverine and evergreen forests provides year-round hornbill habitat. Guided safaris from Jayanti village increase your chances of sightings. (Image credit: Canva)
