Kolkata India Birdwatching Tours & Guides
Spending time in nature—especially amidst birdsong—can greatly reduce stress and improve focus and well-being. Winter in Kolkata is the perfect season for birdwatching, as migratory birds flock to the city’s wetlands. Birdwatching is easy to start and needs minimal preparation. From city parks to the Baruipur birding area, Kolkata offers many great spots for beginners. As your interest grows, explore nearby lakes, sanctuaries, and national parks around West Bengal for a richer experience with nature.
Birding Hot Spots in and around Kolkata – Bird watching spots near Kolkata
Sundarbans National Park
this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers over 200 bird species, Birding is done mainly by boat through mangrove channels. Entry is via Godkhali Jetty with special permits required.
Indian Botanic Garden, Shibpur
Spread across 270 acres along the Hooghly River, it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise. Spot Stork-billed Kingfisher, Rufous Woodpecker, Booted Eagle, and even rare species like Black-capped Kingfisher. Reach via ferry from Bichali Ghat or Vidyasagar Setu.
Rajarhat – East Kolkata Wetlands
A bird-rich marshland attracting Asian Openbills, Jacanas, Peregrine Falcons, and many smaller species. Easily accessible via the airport–Kolkata bypass road.
Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary (CKBS), Narendrapur
Known as Koyeler Bagan, this 17-acre sanctuary shelters Blue-throated Flycatcher, Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, and Grey-headed Fish Eagle. Reachable from Garia or Rathtala.
Baruipur Grasslands
A hotspot for migratory birds like Pied Wheatear and Blue-breasted Quail with over 230 recorded species.
Nalban Fishery Complex, Salt Lake
Interconnected waterbodies hosting Herons, Egrets, Gulls, Crakes, and Shelducks. Easily reachable from Salt Lake Sector V.
Santragachi Jheel, Howrah
A large lake attracting winter visitors like Lesser Whistling-Ducks, Pintails, and Pochards. Just 20 minutes from central Kolkata via Santragachi Station.
IIM Joka Area
Breeding zone for Bitterns, Bushlarks, Weavers, and Kites. Easily reached by bus or taxi to Joka in South 24 Parganas.
Barrackpore Riverside
A green riverside belt with Scarlet-backed Flowerpeckers and other local birds. Reach by train from Sealdah or bus from Shyambazar.
Purbasthali (Chupir Char)
Around 120 km from Kolkata, this oxbow lake near the Ganges teems with Teals, Egrets, and Kingfishers.
Boshipota Village (Dankuni)
A peaceful birding site with Silverbills, Rosefinches, and Harriers.
FAQs – Birdwatching Near Kolkata
Q. What is the best season for birdwatching in Kolkata?
A. Winter (November–February) is the best time to spot migratory birds across the wetlands and sanctuaries.
Q. Which is the nearest birdwatching spot from central Kolkata?
A. The Indian Botanic Garden (Howrah) and Rajarhat Wetlands are closest and easily accessible.
Q. Do I need special permission for birding in the Sundarbans?
A. Yes, entry to the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve requires prior permission through authorized tour operators.
Q. Are there guided birdwatching tours available near Kolkata?
A. Yes, RYASK TOURISM® organizes customized birdwatching and nature tours around Kolkata and West Bengal with local experts.
Top Tour Operators For Bird Watching in Kolkata– call now +91 9831856895
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