Priyanka Roshan | October 30, 2025
As winter’s chill sweeps across India, the wilderness transforms into a vibrant spectacle. From snow-laden peaks in Ladakh to sunlit wetlands in Odisha, nature awakens with rare migratory wonders.
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This is the season when elusive snow leopards descend, flamingos paint coastlines pink, and cranes glide across misty marshes. Here are nine incredible animals you can spot only during winter in India — and where to find them.
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When Himalayan peaks turn white, the elusive snow leopard moves closer to valleys. Spot this ghostly predator in Hemis National Park, Ulley Valley, and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary — India’s ultimate winter wildlife prize.
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Migrating from Central Asia, the fiery-orange Ruddy Shelduck lights up India’s lakes each winter. See them painting the waters at Keoladeo National Park, Pong Dam Lake, and Chilika Lake.
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Draped in dazzling iridescent feathers, the Himalayan Monal brightens snow-covered forests. Best spotted in Chopta Valley, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, and Tungnath, it’s nature’s rainbow gliding through white silence.
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Winter turns India’s coasts pink as Greater Flamingos wade in shallow lagoons. Witness their graceful formations at Great Rann of Kutch, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, and Sewri Mudflats.
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Tiny yet captivating, the Common Teal migrates from Europe and Siberia. Catch flocks gliding over reflective waters at Chilika Lake, Pong Dam Lake, and Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary.
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Migrating in noisy, colorful flocks, Rosy Starlings transform winter trees into pink clouds. Huge gatherings can be seen in Jaisalmer, Jamnagar, Kutch, and Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary.
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Known for flying over the Himalayas, the Bar-Headed Goose winters in Indian wetlands like Pong Dam, Keoladeo National Park and northern wetland, filling mornings with soft honks.
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Every winter, thousands of Demoiselle Cranes gather in Khichan Village, Rajasthan, where locals feed and protect them — creating a heartwarming spectacle of silver wings over desert skies.
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This tiny migratory songbird flies in from Europe and Siberia, dazzling with its vivid blue throat as it flits through reeds and lakeshores. Best spotted in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bharatpur, and the Rann of Kutch.
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