Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary

In Haryana. About a three-and-a- half hour drive from the Capital, birders can spot about 250 species of migratory and residential birds that visit the lake here. A track around the lake and two watchtowers provide optimal viewing space; however, photography can be difficult without a high-powered lens.

Desert National Park

In Rajasthan, near Jaisalmer. The desert park provides a home for the endangered Great Indian Bustard, as well as eagles, falcons, buzzards, and vultures.

Jim Corbett National Park

In Uttarakhand. Migratory birds from East Africa, Europe and Central Asia visit the park each winter and mingle with hundreds of residential birds in the area. Nearly 50 species of birds of prey have been recorded in the area.

Kanha National Park

In Madhya Pradesh. The 1,945 sq. km park is home to storks, teals, pintails, pond herons, egrets, peacocks, parakeets, pigeons, hoopoes, drongos, warblers, kingfishers, and woodpeckers.

Keoladeo National Park

In Rajasthan. Birders from around the world flock to these wetlands where the rare Siberian Crane stops on its winter migratory route. However, recent droughts have threatened the wetlands, and in 2005, the World Heritage Organization said it would remove it from its list of protected sites. Long-time birders, though, say it’s still worth the trip.

Rann of Kutch

In Gujarat. The sandy, marshy land provides a stopover for migrating Siberian birds, as well as a breeding ground for flamingos.

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary & National Park

In Haryana. About 50km from the Capital, this protected area has an information centre dedicated to the memory of ornithologist Salim Ali. More than 100 migratory bird species stop in Sultanpur, including Spotted Sandpipers and starlings.