Okhla Bird Sanctuary, also known as Shaheed Chander Azad Sanctuary, is located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and is one of Northern India’s most significant habitats for a variety of birds. I have been visiting there for quite some time now, and its beauty truly mesmerizes me on every trip. Just like Dhanauri Wetlands, Okhla Sanctuary also attracts lots of visitors every year and is northern India’s hidden bird-spotting gem that you should add to your bucket list.
It’s one of the best bird sanctuaries near Delhi NCR region, and every time I decide to go there for bird spotting, I end up having the best time amidst nature’s lap due to the presence of lots of exotic and migratory birds. From my side, it’s a must-visit place for anyone who is passionate about bird watching and bird photography/videography.
I have been a curious explorer of various wildlife national parks and sanctuaries, and have been to quite a few of them across India. I am not just passionate about wild animals, but bird spotting excites me equally. In this blog, I will provide you with essential details related to exploring the bird sanctuary in Okhla for your next wildlife adventure.
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Exploring Okhla Bird Sanctuary in Delhi NCR
Located at the Okhla Barrage over the Yamuna River on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh Border in Noida, this bird sanctuary acts as the perfect haven for both resident as well as migratory birds. Its origin dates back to the year 1874, and in 1990, it was officially designated as a bird sanctuary by the Uttar Pradesh Government under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. It occupies a strategic position where the Yamuna River enters Uttar Pradesh from the Delhi Territory.
Quick Facts:
- Okhla Bird Sanctuary:
- A Global Avian Hub: 30% of all bird species found in the Indian subcontinent.
- Strategic Migratory Stop for birds from Central Asia, Europe, and Africa.
- A Recognized Important Bird Area (IBA).
- Has multiple Endangered Species.
- Unique Biodiversity .
- Unusual Rare Sightings of exotic birds.
- Diverse Plant Ecosystem.
- Artificial Origin by damming of the Yamuna River at the Okhla Barrage.
- Winter Haven of thousands of migratory birds.
What’s the Best Time to Visit the Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
- The perfect time for bird watching in Okhla Sanctuary is ideally from November to March every year. It’s winter during these months of the year, and it perfectly coincides with the time when migratory birds come here. Avian diversity and movement are the highest during this time of the year here with December and January seeing peak bird activity.
- Okhla Bird Sanctuary Timings are 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM during winter months, and the summer timings (April to September) are 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It is strictly prohibited to visit this place beyond the specified timings and may be treated as trespassing, which could lead to legal action.
- Winter is considered the best season for bird watching in Delhi NCR. The weather conditions are perfect with pleasant and moderate temperatures during the day, ranging from 19 to 25 degrees Celsius.
- You will see the influx of thousands of migratory birds from distant regions like Siberia, Europe, Central Asia, and beyond. Peak bird activity in the region is during the early hours of a winter day, usually between 6 AM to 9 AM. During the rest of the day, there are consistent bird sightings being observed by tourists.
- There is a minimal official fee that you have to pay to access the bird sanctuary. No vehicles are permitted inside the boundary to minimize disturbance to the wildlife inside.
- Early morning hours are the best time for bird watching in Okhla Sanctuary (between 6 AM to 10 AM approximately). Also, the lighting conditions are perfect for observation and bird photography/videography. Additionally, there is less crowd during these hours, and the temperature is a bit cold and pleasant. Birds remain active till afternoon.
- Avoid going here between April-September, due to reduced bird activity.
Top Resident & Migratory Birds in Okhla Bird Sanctuary
The location of Okhla Bird Sanctuary serves as an impressive spot for the gathering of a variety of migratory and resident birds. Approximately 300+ varieties of birds are found here. Out of these, nearly 50% are migratory birds, and the rest consist of resident and other unknown categories of birds.
Major Migratory Birds found in the Okhla Sanctuary include:
- Waterfowl and Ducks: Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Common Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck.
- Wading Birds and Waterbirds: Greater Flamingo, Great White Pelican, Painted Stork, Black-necked Stork, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Pond Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Eurasian Spoonbill, other spoonbill species, Black-headed Ibis, and White Ibis.
- Gulls and Terns: Various gull species, Whiskered Tern, Black-bellied Tern.
- Shorebirds and Waders: Black-winged Stilt, Red-wattled Lapwing, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit.
- Others: Black Kite, Egyptian Vulture, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, and Crested Honey Buzzard.
That’s why it’s one of the perfect weekend getaway near Delhi for nature lovers, as you get to see so many different kinds of birds which you won’t find anywhere else easily.
Similarly, the commonly found Resident Bird Species include:
- Common Woodland Species: White-throated Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Purple Swamphen, Indian Roller, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Rufous Treepie, Jungle Babbler, Indian Peafowl, Common Myna, Rose-ringed Parakeet.
- Water Birds: Little Grebe, Little Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Darter, Spot-billed Duck, Common Moorhen.
No doubt it’s one of the perfect places for birdwatching in Delhi NCR.
Endangered Species of Birds in Okhla Bird Sanctuary
The winter season sees the inflow of many beautiful birds in the Okhla Sanctuary and nearby regions. Therefore, it’s considered the best season for bird watching in Delhi NCR and Northern India. But, this time of the year also sees the inflow of many endangered species of birds, too, which need serious wildlife conservation attention from birding enthusiasts like us.
Some of the critically endangered bird species include the White-rumped Vulture and Indian Vulture.
On the other hand, birds that fall in the vulnerable category include Baikal Teal, Baer’s Pochard, Sarus Crane, Sociable Lapwing, Indian Skimmer, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Lesser Adjutant, Bristled Grassbird, and Finn’s Weaver.
Last but not least, near-threatened birds include Ferruginous Pochard, Black-bellied Tern, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Darter, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, and Black-necked Stork.
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary Location is an Ecological Marvel
It holds the prestigious designation of being one of India’s IBAs (Important Bird Areas), which is an international recognition given by BirdLife International.
Also, not only it holds the strategic location for migratory birds but also forms a perfect wetland ecosystem for many bird species. It sees a high influx of various species of birds and occupies a crucial position within the Central Asian Flyway (CAF).
It has diverse water bodies and vegetation cover that spans up to 200 varieties of plants, approximately. Aquatic plants, reed beds, trees, and shrubs are some of the diverse plant communities found in this bird sanctuary.
You will find well-maintained walking trails and watchtowers that provide great views of the entire region. From the watch towers themselves, you can get panoramic views of the area. They are great points for birdwatching and photography.
Bird watching in Okhla Sanctuary is truly a memorable experience, and you must take your proper gear with you including cameras, binoculars, and other necessary items for the perfect experience.
There are seating arrangements also at various spots on the walking trail that allow visitors to rest while exploring the various exotic birds, plantations, and biodiversity, such as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and fish.
The Okhla Sanctuary serves multiple purposes, like:
- It acts as a safe place for the breeding of various bird species.
- Its rich aquatic ecosystem supports abundant food resources.
- Acting as a rest stop for migratory birds.
- Offers a perfect habitat for birds trying to avoid the harsh northern winters.
- Supporting complex ecological interactions.
- Filtering the pollutants found in the Yamuna River in the region.
- Regulating the climate in the region.
How To Reach Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
You need to first reach the Delhi NCR region either by Bus, Train, or Flight, depending on where you are situated. Once you are in Delhi NCR, you can reach the exact Okhla Bird Sanctuary location either by road or metro.
If you are travelling by road, you can either take a public transport bus or book a cab according to your convenience and budget. Whether you are staying in Noida, Delhi, or Gurugram, if you prefer to take a cab, you can simply book Ola, Uber, or any private taxi. If you want to go by public buses, you can use DTC buses.
On the other hand, the nearest metro to Okhla Bird Sanctuary falls on the Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line. You need to get down at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary Metro Station. After you exit the station, you need to take a short walk, and you will reach the entrance of the bird sanctuary.
Alternatively, you can also get down at the Botanical Garden Metro Station on the Blue line of DMRC and take an auto or cab to the bird sanctuary.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Okhla Bird Sanctuary Timings?
During the winter months of October to March, the bird sanctuary is open from 7:30 AM to 5 PM every day. Similarly, in the summer season, the timings are 7 AM to 5:30 PM daily.
Which is the best season for bird watching in Delhi NCR region?
Winter season, which consists of months from October to March, is the best season for birdwatchers across the NCR region. That’s because it is the perfect time when lots of migratory birds come into the region. This increases the scope of spotting numerous exotic birds which you won’t find anywhere else easily.
How to plan the perfect trip for bird watching in Okhla Sanctuary?
You can partner with the Jungle Revives team to plan the perfect itinerary for bird watching in the Okhla Sanctuary.
Some of the tips include:
- Carrying a good quality camera, binoculars, and wearing comfortable clothing.
- Wear the best quality shoes that are comfortable to wear for long hours and provide excellent grip.
Also,
- Maintain silence
- Visit during specified timings
- Wear camouflaged or dull-colored clothing
- Develop an observant eye
- Maintain a safe distance
- Use dustbins
- Be sensitive to other visitors
- Follow the sanctuary rules.
Lastly, avoid making loud noises, disturbing birds, littering, and engaging in socially unacceptable activities.
Which famous Wetland Birds in India found in Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
Those include:
- Migratory species like the Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, and Northern Pintail
- Resident birds such as the Indian Spot-billed Duck and Lesser Whistling Duck.
These are the famous wetland birds of India that you can find in the Okhla Sanctuary.
What are some of the Popular Delhi NCR based Bird Watching Places?
Those include places like:
- Sultanpur National Park in Haryana
- Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary located near the Delhi-Haryana Border
- Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary in Haryana
- Najafgarh Jheel in Delhi
- Yamuna Biodiversity Park in North Delhi.
What is the flora of the Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
Approximately 190+ species of plants are found in the entire region of the Okhla Bird Sanctuary.
How many bird species are found in the Okhla Sanctuary?
There are more than 300+ varieties of bird species that you can spot in the OBC area situated near Noida.
Which is the nearest metro line to Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
The Magenta line of DMRC is the nearest line that takes you to the Okhla sanctuary.
What to wear to a bird sanctuary?
Always wear neutral and light colored clothing when visiting bird sanctuaries like OBC because they blend in easily with the wild environment and do not cause any visual disturbance to the birds out there.
What is the purpose of a bird sanctuary?
Bird sanctuaries are protected areas of land and water that are created to ensure the safe existence of birds, including resident and migratory ones. Just like national parks protect and help conserve wild animals, bird sanctuaries protect bird species that are often endangered due to various regions.
