Want to foster mindfulness while being happy? A good bird-watching tour is what you need. Research says that bird watching can actually make people happier than receiving a windfall of money. So now you know that your happiness correlates with your proximity to birds. And the best way to experience that is by going on peaceful bird-watching tours across the country. However, bird watching needs an ample amount of patience. But trust us, once you embark upon a tour, it will almost feel meditative. So here is a list of some of the best bird watching tour spots in India that will allow you to enjoy the vibrant bird culture of the country.
1. Assam
Birding in India goes hand in hand with Assam. Assam is one of the greenest states in the Northeast and owns the title of having the highest diversity of birds in India. Birders from across the world consider the state the best spot for bird watching. If you decide to go on a bird watching tour here, our recommendation is the very popular Dibru Saikhowa National Park. The park covers an area of 350 sq km and is around 12 km north of Tinsukia town of Assam. If we go by the records there are more than 350 species of birds in this park. If you visit around November you are sure to catch sight of flocks of Jerdon’s babbler, marsh babbler, and black-breasted Parrotbill.
Also read: How To Plan A Trip To India’s Largest River Island, Majuli: Here’s A Guide
2. Munnar
Located 125 km west of Kochi, Munnar has a favorable habitat for birds. Many birders consider the hill station a birding haven housing a variety of endemic species like the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Nilgiri Pipit, or the Grey Headed Bulbul. And if it’s your lucky day on the bird watching tour, you might even get a glimpse of the Black and Orange Flycatcher here. Broad Tailed Grassbird, Crimson Backed Sunbird and the Grey Breasted Laughingthrush are other popular bird species found in the hill station. Munnar also is home to the 97 sq km of Eravikulam National Park. So if you visit Munnar, the park is just 30 km away. The park is specifically built to protect the endangered species, Nilgiri Tahr.
3. Rann of Kutch
The Great Rann of Kutch is astonishingly rich in a variety of bird species. From Waterfowls, Great Indian and MacQueen’s Bustards, the place is one of the best for your bird watching tour in India. We recommend you to pay a visit to Rann of Kutch in winter to catch sight of the rare Grey Hypocolius. Apart from this, you can also visit Dhrangadhra Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary. This one is home to the Indian subspecies of Asiatic Wild Ass. And if you want to explore more bird species, the sanctuary has around 300 different types.
Also read: Kaziranga National Park Safari: A Detailed Guide For First-Time Visitors
4. Ladakh
When you think of Ladakh, you think of it just being the cold desert of India. It might surprise you but birding opportunities in Ladakh are immense. One of the most exotic locations for a bird watching tour here is the Suru valley with an altitude of around 2,700m. The valley is a breeding spot for some of the rarest bird species like the Long-billed Bush Warbler, and Little Forktail. There is also Hemis National Park around 40 km southwest of Leh. This one will let you witness Brown and White-throated Dippers, Robin Accentor, Wallcreeper, Golden Eagle, etc. And if you feel a little more adventurous, do visit the Nubra valley, Pura valley, and Tsomoriri Lake. Along with having rare bird species, these are also great spots for a hike or a trek.
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