6 monsoon-perfect birdwatching destinations across India

Monsoon is one of the most-awaited seasons in India. The rainy season is often synonymous with dark skies and green landscapes. While there are people who avoid travelling during the monsoons, birdwatchers know this season offers a unique opportunity to witness bird life in full swing.

In fact, many bird species breed and nest during the monsoon. Let’s have a look at six monsoon-perfect birdwatching destinations across India.

Keoladeo (Bharatpur) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The place transforms into a birder’s paradise during the monsoon. The park today is counted among the finest waterbird sanctuaries in Asia and monsoon brings a fresh spell of greenery. Indian darter, painted stork, and purple heron are some of the birds you can spot here.

Commonly known as Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, this is set in the Western Ghats and is a biodiversity hotspot. Though the rains can be intense, the avian activity thrives as the park is home to more than 300 species inhabit this compact sanctuary. Malabar grey hornbills, Sri Lanka frogmouths, and Indian pittas can be best spotted in the monsoon season.

Unlike many central Indian parks that close during the monsoon, Satpura allows controlled access during the rains, especially in buffer zones. This makes it a unique destination for monsoon birdwatching. The diverse terrain—ranging from forests and ravines to rivers—supports over 300 bird species. Rainy months are ideal to observe breeding plumage and nesting behavior in species like the paradise flycatcher, Indian pitta, and crested serpent eagle.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary often gets overshadowed by the famous Goan beaches. Set in South Goa, the place comes alive during the monsoon. Visitors can spot the Malabar trogon, crimson-backed sunbird, woodpeckers and barbets in the park. The misty forest trails and gushing streams add to the overall experience.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is one of the hidden gems in eastern Assam. Surrounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers, the park transforms into a birdlover’s paradise during the monsoons. Over 350 species have been recorded here, including rare sightings of the Jerdon's babbler and the white-winged wood duck.

Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon spread across 1,100 sq. km. This place is a magnet for birdlife and the monsoon season brings a different charm. Freshwater inflows rejuvenate the lake, attracting a host of resident waterbirds such as purple swamphens, jacanas, and openbill storks.