From Jim Corbett to Pangot: 9 best bird watching places in Uttarakhand
Discover the 9 best birdwatching destinations in Uttarakhand—from Corbett to Pangot—where over 700 species thrive across forests, lakes and Himalayan ridges.
Uttarakhand has a way of slowing you down. The air feels lighter, the forests deeper, and the sky somehow wider. But for birdwatchers, what truly sets the state apart is its astonishing diversity—more than 700 species tucked into oak forests, perched on misty ridgelines or circling over shimmering lakes. From big-league national parks to tranquil hill hamlets where mornings begin with birdsong instead of alarms, Uttarakhand is one of India’s finest playgrounds for anyone who loves feathers, flight and the quiet thrill of spotting something rare. Here’re 10 of the best birdwatching destinations in the Himalayan state—each offering something a little different, a little magical.
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1. Jim Corbett National Park: Where Big Cats Aren’t the Only Stars Corbett’s fame rests on its tigers, but birders know the park tells an entirely different story. The riverbanks of Ramganga, the tall sal forests, and the grasslands around Dhikala host over 550 bird species. Watching a Pallas’s Fish Eagle dive, or the Great Hornbill glide across the canopy, is every bit as exhilarating as an animal sighting. Winter, especially, turns Corbett into a living field guide.
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2. Kilbury Bird Sanctuary: The Himalayan Birding Hub Barely 15 kilometres from Nainital, Pangot feels like a place lifted straight out of a nature documentary. Mist curls through oak forests, and birdcalls echo from every direction. With over 250 species recorded here—from Himalayan Griffons to Cheer Pheasants—Pangot has quietly earned its reputation as the state’s birdwatching capital. Many lodges even have hides built into the landscape, letting you watch the action unfold without moving an inch.
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3. Sattal: Seven Lakes and Endless Birds Sattal’s charm lies in its mix of serenity and surprise. One moment you’re staring at still waters; the next, a Red-billed Leiothrix darts across your path. The forests around the cluster of seven lakes brim with flycatchers, woodpeckers and owls. Photographers love Sattal for its soft morning light and easy access to forest trails.
4. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary: Birding Above the Clouds Perched high in the Kumaon hills, Binsar feels like a world suspended between sky and forest. The sanctuary’s dense oak and rhododendron woods are home to over 200 species, from the Green-tailed Sunbird to the elusive Forktail. Zero Point, the highest viewpoint, offers sweeping Himalayan vistas—and unforgettable birdwatching at dawn.
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5. Rajaji National Park: Nature’s Avian Ensemble Rajaji’s sweeping sal forests and riverine stretches create a stage for some of the region’s most charismatic species. Great Hornbills, Crested Serpent Eagles, barbets and kingfishers thrive in its varied habitats. The park’s location along the Shivalik migration corridor makes it a rewarding winter stop for birdwatchers seeking movement and drama in the skies.
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6. Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: Wilderness on a Grand Scale Stretching across a dramatic range of altitudes, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the richest bird habitats in the Himalayas. The forests shelter the Rufous bellied woodpecker, Koklass Pheasant, Himalayan Griffon and a host of rare thrushes and warblers. It’s rugged, untouched and immensely rewarding.
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7. Asan Barrage: Wetland Wonderland On the outskirts of Dehradun, Asan is where winter truly comes alive. Thousands of migratory birds fly in each year—red-crested pochards, pintails, tufted ducks and more—turning the wetland into a floating, fluttering spectacle. Asan holds the title of Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar site, and it's easy to see why.
8. Naina Devi Himalayan Bird Conservation Reserve: A Haven for Himalayan Species Spread across temperate forests and serene ridges around Nainital, this reserve is a treasure for anyone seeking classic Himalayan species. From Himalayan Woodpeckers to laughing thrushes, the area offers gentle trails, year-round sightings and a peaceful birding experience close to the popular hill town.
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9. Gangotri National Park: Birds at the Roof of the World Gangotri’s stark, high-altitude landscapes might seem barren, but they’re alive with surprises. Blue Whistling Thrushes, Himalayan Snowcocks, rosefinches and accentors thrive in these icy valleys. For birders willing to venture into raw Himalayan terrain, Gangotri is one of the most rewarding yet underrated destinations.
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
