Jan 06, 2026

Migratory birds hotspots you can explore in 2026

Aanya Mehta

Chilika Lake (Nalabana Bird Sanctuary), Odisha

Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon becomes a migratory bird magnet each winter, hosting flamingos, grey plovers, gulls, sandpipers, and other species from as far as Central Asia and Russia. Marshes and mudflats around Nalabana provide rich feeding grounds.

Source: wikipedia

Ghatora Wetland (Bihar)

Also called “Mini Chilika,” Ghatora Wetland in Bhagalpur fills with migratory waterfowl each winter. Species like bar-headed geese, northern pintail, and cranes visit its marshes, offering a quieter but rewarding birdwatching experience.

Source: wikipedia

Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur), Rajasthan

One of India’s most famous bird sanctuaries, Keoladeo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In winter, its wetlands burst with waterfowl, including bar-headed geese, painted storks, and Eurasian spoonbills, making it a must-visit for birdwatchers.

Source: wikipedia

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat

This sprawling lake sanctuary is one of Gujarat’s top winter hotspots, where flamingos, spoonbills, pelicans, and pintails visit in large numbers. Early morning boat tours offer exceptional birdwatching views.

Source: wikipedia

Patna Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh

Close to Etah, this smaller sanctuary becomes a reliable winter refuge for migrating waterbirds. Its peaceful lake settings attract ducks, teals, and other migratory ducks and geese looking for temperate wetlands.

Source: wikipedia

Pulicat Lake (Andhra Pradesh/ Tamil Nadu)

Pulicat is India’s second largest brackish lagoon and a renowned winter bird stopover. Greater flamingos, spot-billed pelicans, and Eurasian wigeons flock here along the salt flats and shallow waters.

Source: wikipedia

Sultanpur National Park, Haryana

Just outside Delhi NCR, Sultanpur’s shallow wetlands attract ducks, pintails, shovellers, and rosy starlings during winter. Its accessible trails and water bodies make it great for birders of all levels.

Source: wikipedia

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

One of India’s oldest bird sanctuaries, Vedanthangal transforms in winter as herons, cormorants, teals, and ibises arrive in droves. Trees rising out of the water create perfect roosting spots for migratory flocks.

Source: wikipedia

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