Bird Sanctuaries in India: State-wise List, PDF, Map & Important Facts for UPSC, SSC, Railway
Bird Sanctuaries in India are protected areas established to conserve resident and migratory bird species and their natural habitats. India is home to more than 70 bird sanctuaries, providing shelter to hundreds of bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, cranes, storks, and migratory birds arriving from Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe. These sanctuaries are important for biodiversity conservation and are frequently asked about in UPSC, SSC, Railway, Banking, and State PCS exams.
Bird Sanctuaries in India – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Bird Sanctuaries | 70+ |
| Purpose | Conservation of birds and wetlands |
| Famous Sanctuary | Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) |
| Best Season | October to March |
| Important Exams | UPSC, UPPSC, SSC, Railway, Banking |
Bird Sanctuaries in India State-wise List
| State/UT | Important Bird Sanctuaries |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Nelapattu, Pulicat Lake, Uppalapadu |
| Bihar | Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary |
| Delhi | Najafgarh Bird Sanctuary |
| Goa | Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary |
| Gujarat | Nal Sarovar, Khijadiya, Porbandar, Kutch Bustard |
| Haryana | Sultanpur, Bhindawas |
| Himachal Pradesh | Pong Dam Lake Bird Sanctuary |
| Karnataka | Ranganathittu, Gudavi, Kokrebellur |
| Kerala | Kumarakom, Thattekad, Mangalavanam |
| Maharashtra | Karnala, Nandur Madhmeshwar, Mayani |
| Odisha | Chilika Lake |
| Rajasthan | Keoladeo National Park, Tal Chhapar |
| Tamil Nadu | Vedanthangal, Koonthankulam, Karaivetti, Vettangudi |
| Uttar Pradesh | Okhla, Nawabganj (Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Azad), Sandi, Lakh Bahosi, Surha Tal |
| West Bengal | Raiganj (Kulik), Chintamoni Kar, Rasikbill |
This is a list of major sanctuaries; India has many more protected bird habitats.
Top 10 Bird Sanctuaries in India
10
- Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) – UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (Karnataka) – Famous for painted storks and pelicans.
- Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu) – One of India’s oldest bird sanctuaries.
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (Kerala) – Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake.
- Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary (Gujarat) – Major wetland for migratory birds.
- Chilika Lake (Odisha) – Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon.
- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (Goa) – Mangrove ecosystem.
- Sultanpur National Park (Haryana) – Popular birding destination near Delhi.
- Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (Kerala) – Known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
- Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu) – One of South India’s largest breeding sites.
Important Bird Sanctuaries in India for Competitive Exams
| Bird Sanctuary | State | Important Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Keoladeo National Park | Rajasthan | UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Nal Sarovar | Gujarat | Largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat |
| Vedanthangal | Tamil Nadu | One of India’s oldest bird sanctuaries |
| Ranganathittu | Karnataka | Island sanctuary on River Kaveri |
| Kumarakom | Kerala | Near Vembanad Lake |
| Salim Ali | Goa | Mangrove bird sanctuary |
| Chilika Lake | Odisha | Largest brackish lagoon in Asia |
| Sultanpur | Haryana | More than 250 bird species |
| Karnala | Maharashtra | Popular Western Ghats birding destination |
| Pong Dam | Himachal Pradesh | Ramsar wetland and migratory bird habitat |
Why are Bird Sanctuaries in India Important?
- Protect endangered bird species.
- Conserve wetlands and ecosystems.
- Provide breeding and nesting grounds.
- Support migratory birds.
- Promote eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation.
Bird Sanctuaries in India PDF
📥 Download Bird Sanctuaries in India PDF
Bird Sanctuaries in India MCQs
Q1. Which is the most famous bird sanctuary in India?
Answer: Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan.
Q2. Which bird sanctuary is located in Goa?
Answer: Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
Q3. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is located in which state?
Answer: Tamil Nadu.
Q4. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is situated on which river?
Answer: Kaveri River.
Q5. Which is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia?
Answer: Chilika Lake, Odisha.
FAQs on Bird Sanctuaries in India
Which is the largest bird sanctuary in India?
Keoladeo National Park is among the most famous bird sanctuaries, while Chilika Lake is India’s largest brackish-water bird habitat supporting millions of migratory birds.
Which is the oldest bird sanctuary in India?
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu is one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India.
How many bird sanctuaries are there in India?
India has more than 70 bird sanctuaries spread across different states and union territories.