Kolkata India Birdwatching Tours & Guides
Best bird watching in kolkata, Research suggests that spending time in nature, you can get Migratory birds in Kolkata, particularly amidst birdsong, can yield mental health benefits such as stress reduction, improved focus, and better long-term mental well-being. Winter, known for its pleasant weather in Kolkata, India, presents an excellent opportunity for birdwatching, especially with the migration season drawing birds to the city’s vast wetlands. baruipur bird watching area, Engaging in birdwatching requires minimal preparation compared to activities like hiking or trekking, making it accessible to many. Most urban areas boast expansive parks, kolkata birds, serving as ideal starting points for novice birdwatchers. As interest grows, enthusiasts can explore nearby lakes, national parks, sanctuaries, and dams for a more immersive experience, fostering a deeper connection with nature and its beauty.
Birdwatching Tour Near Kolkata Places – Best Birdwatching Spots In And Around Kolkata
Birdwatching is a nature-centric activity that requires minimal preparation. It not only offers an educational experience but also allows you to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty. Unlike activities such as hiking and trekking, birdwatching can be enjoyed in various locations. Many towns and cities boast expansive parks, serving as ideal starting points for novice birdwatchers. As you progress, consider exploring lakes, national parks, sanctuaries, and dams in your vicinity for a more immersive experience.bird watching in west bengal.
If you’re intrigued, it’s time to venture out and discover the world of birds. For those in Kolkata, there are notable birdwatching destinations suitable for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts!
Birding Hot Spots in and around Kolkata – Bird watching spots near Kolkata
Sundarbans National Park Bird Watching
Located about 100 km from Kolkata, Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular birdwatching destination. The park is home to a variety of birds, including kingfishers, storks, eagles, and herons.situated along the southern periphery of West Bengal, the Sundarbans mangrove forest, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprises a network of channels and creeks interspersed with islands, with only a handful hosting villages. Renowned for its tiger and crocodile population, the Sundarbans National Park is predominantly traversed by boats, permitting disembarkation only at designated locations. Bird watching proves to be a challenge in this region, as visitors are advised to maintain a vigilant gaze over both land and water while navigating the forested shores on their boats. Accompanying fellow bird enthusiasts is recommended, as typical tourists are primarily interested in spotting resident tigers and crocodiles. The Sundarbans is home to over 200 bird species, including migratory ones, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Godkhali Jetty serves as the most convenient entry point, requiring all travelers to secure special permission for access to the tiger reserve.
Indian Botanic Garden Shibpur, Howrah Bird Watching
Located in Shibpur, Howrah, the Indian Botanic Garden covers approximately 270 acres of land along the Hugli River and boasts a rich history spanning 230 years. It is a haven for bird-watchers, offering a diverse range of bird species, including some water birds. Notable species include Stork-billed Kingfisher, Rufous Woodpecker, Brown Hawk Owl, Bronzed Drongo, Black Bittern, Greenish and Yellow-browned Warbler, Lineated Barbet, Booted Eagle, and Black-naped Oriole. Rare species like Black-capped Kingfisher, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Red-breasted Parakeet, and Eurasian Cuckoo can also be spotted here. To reach the garden, you can take a ferry from Bichali Ghat in Metiabruz or use one of the exits from Vidyasagar Setu.
Rajarhat Bypass – sector 5 nolbon – Bird Watching Trail in East Kolkata Wetlands
east kolkata wetland Rajarhat Bypass, situated on marshy land, is known for its wetland birds. It attracts a variety of species, including Asian Openbills, Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Breeding Oriental Pratincoles, and Ashy Woodswallows. During the morning, you can spot Peregrine Falcon, Pied Harriers, Black-shouldered Kite, and Common Kestrel. Smaller birds like Bengal Bushlark, Oriental Reed Warbler, Oriental Skylark, and Bluethroat can also be found. To access Rajarhat Bypass, take the bypass road leading from Kolkata Airport to Kolkata.
Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary, CKBS Narendrapur, 24 Parganas
Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary, CKBS, This 17-acre sanctuary, also known as Koyeler Bagan, is located in South 24 Parganas near the Rathtala Bus stop, Baruipur. It features a variety of bird species, including Oriental Honey-buzzard, Slaty-legged Crake, Scaly Thrush, Eurasian Woodcock, Blue-throated Flycatcher, Tickell’s Thrush, White-eyed Buzzard, Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, Little Spiderhunter, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Large-billed Reed Warbler, Changeable Hawk Eagle, and Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo. You can reach the sanctuary by taking buses or auto-rickshaws from Garia or boarding a private bus to Rathtala.
Baruipur Bird watching – Baruipur grasslands
Baruipur, nestled near Kolkata, beckons migratory birds with its allure. The Baruipur marsh stands out as a birdwatcher’s paradise, renowned for attracting elusive species like Pied Wheatears and Blue-breasted Quails. Over 230 bird species have graced the area with their presence. While Rabindra Sarobar, Alipore Zoo, and Santragachijheel serve as prime spots for birdwatching enthusiasts to catch glimpses of these avian travelers, this year’s migration has seen a decline. Experts attribute this downturn to the conflicts in Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Palestine, while others point to the overarching issue of global warming. However, amidst these challenges, hope flickers. Baruipur remains a beacon, offering the promise of avian encounters.
Nalban Fishery Complex Bird Watching
The Nalban Fishery Complex is a large interconnected water body primarily used for commercial fishery. It is home to a variety of bird species, including Purple and Grey Heron, Great and Intermediate Egret, Black-headed Gulls, Rubythroat, Baillon’s and Ruddy Crake, Rusty-rumped Warbler, Clamorous Reed Warblers, Watercock, Common Shelduck, Grey-headed Lapwing, and more. The complex is easily accessible via local buses, metered taxis, and mini buses from Salt Lake Technology Park in Salt Lake.
Santragachi Jheel Howrah Bird Watching
Santragachi Jheel is a vast water body in Howrah district, covering around 13,75,000 square feet. It serves as a habitat for thousands of water birds, especially during the winter months. You can spot species like Northern Pintail, Lesser Whistling-Ducks, Ferruginous Pochard, Gadwall, Falcated Duck, Comb Duck, Baikal Teal, Fulvous Whistling-ducks, and Swinhoe’s Snipe. The nearest railhead is Santragachi Railway Station, just a 20-minute drive from the center of Kolkata.
Baranagar Bird Watching
Baranagar offers a 20-bigha forest land, hosting around 50 bird species, including various Woodpeckers, migratory birds, Storks, parrots, and Egrets. This area belongs to Bengal Immunity, a Central government undertaking that previously had a factory on the land. The land is located off Tobin Road, and local auto-rickshaws from Tobin Road bus stop on BT road can take you to the Bengal Immunity ground.
IIM Joka area Bird Watching
The area behind the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Joka is a breeding ground for birds such as Cinnamon, Bengal Bushlark, Black and Yellow Bitterns, Black-breasted Weavers, Watercock, Black-shouldered Kite, Oriental Skylark, White-eyed Buzzard, Purple Swamphen, and Zitting Cisticola, among others. Joka is located in South 24 Parganas, and you can reach it by taking a Joka-bound bus or metered taxi.
Barrackpore Bird Watching
Barrackpore, located in North 24 Parganas, offers lush green riverside areas that serve as breeding grounds for birds like the Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker. To reach Barrackpore, you can take a train from Sealdah main line or a Barrackpore-bound bus from Shyambazar to B.T Bose stop or Talpukur, and then take a rickshaw to the nature parks.
Purbasthali – Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary – Rivers and Lakes- chupir char
Purbasthali, approximately 120 km from Kolkata, is known for its diverse bird species, especially around the oxbow lake created by the River Ganges. Rare species found here include Common Teal, Eurasian Wigeons, Little Ringed Plover, Northern Pintail, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Intermediate Egret, White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Pond Heron, and Common Kingfisher. You can visit Purbasthali by taking a direct train from Howrah to Katwa and then catching a rickshaw from the station to Chupir Chor.
Boshipota Bird Watching
Boshipota, a small village near Dankuni, is a popular bird-watching site. It is surrounded by a variety of bird species, including Indian silverbill, Common rosefinch, Pied harrier, Yellow-bellied prinia, Black-shouldered kite, and more. To reach Boshipota, take a train to Uttarpara and then an auto-rickshaw to Raghunathpur Bazaar, followed by a short walk to Boshipota.
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