8 wildlife parks across India perfect for spotting migratory birds this winter

Winter in India isn’t just sweater weather—it’s migration season at its spectacular best. As temperatures drop, thousands of birds escape freezing Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe to flock to India’s wetlands, lagoons, and forests. Think flamingo-filled lakes, misty marshes alive with geese, and sunrise skies streaked with wings. If spotting these globe-trotting beauties is on your wish list, these eight wildlife parks are your ultimate winter birding hotspots—packed with rare sightings, wild drama, and unforgettable moments.

1. Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Bharatpur is the superstar of India’s birding scene. Cycles, misty trails, marshes teeming with life—it’s a paradise you can explore at your own pace. Spot pelicans, painted storks, ducks, and if you’re lucky, the legendary Siberian cranes. It’s wildlife theatre at its finest.

2. Chilika Lake, Odisha
Imagine a lagoon so vast it feels endless—and then fill it with flamingos, sandpipers, and gulls. Chilika does exactly that. Hop onto a boat at sunrise, glide across golden waters, and keep your eyes peeled for the unexpected guest: the playful Irrawaddy dolphin. This place is pure magic.

3. Sultanpur National Park, Haryana
Short on time? Sultanpur is your quick escape into the wild. Just outside Delhi, this compact sanctuary offers big sightings—rosy starlings, spoonbills, teals, and geese. Perfect for a spontaneous winter road trip with chai breaks and binocular moments.

4. Pong Dam Lake, Himachal Pradesh
Where mountains meet migration. Pong Dam serves jaw-dropping scenery—snowy peaks, glassy waters, and thousands of bar-headed geese gliding in formation. It’s the kind of place where you whisper without meaning to, because the landscape demands awe.

5. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
Birdwatching here feels like a holiday. Drift through dreamy backwaters, watch herons skim the surface, and soak in those postcard-perfect Kerala views. Add houseboats, coconut groves, and slow travel vibes—and you’ve got the most relaxing birding experience in the country.

6. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
Wide, wild, and wonderfully raw. Nalsarovar’s endless wetlands come alive with cranes, pelicans, and flamingos wading through shimmering waters. Traditional boats glide silently past, making every sighting feel cinematic.

7. Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Birds by the coast? Yes please. Point Calimere mixes marshes, mudflats, and salty sea breezes. Spot flamingos and curlews—and don’t be surprised when wild horses or blackbuck wander into the frame. It’s a wild card in the best way.

8. Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh–Tamil Nadu
India’s second-largest lagoon turns into a pink spectacle each winter, with flamingos stretching across the horizon like a moving painting. Add pelicans, terns, and the sound of waves crashing nearby, and you’ve got a rare blend of coastal calm and birding buzz.