Maharashtra is located on the western side of India, and it is a region well known for its tranquil beauty, bewitching biodiversity, and rugged topography. Tourists who wish to explore this area can stay in one of the luxury resorts or Airbnb vacation rentals. It is a popular destination for nature lovers who are interested in spending time in peaceful environments surrounded by an abundance of flora and fauna. If you are a bird watcher, then coming to Maharashtra is definitely a good idea since there are thousands of bird species to watch, featuring local, exotic, and migratory birds. Interested to know where exactly in Maharashtra you get to see these birds? Scroll down to learn about the top bird sanctuaries in Maharashtra, India.
Travel advisory
According to The Hindu, there have been periodic outbreaks of avian flu all across India in recent years. Maharashtra’s Nagpur reported an avian flue outbreak as recently as March 2024, and tourists planning to visit bird sanctuaries in the state should stay vigilant about any potential outbreaks or contamination risks.
When to see migratory birds in the state
According to the Times of India, migratory birds flock to Maharshtra’s bird sanctuaries, especially Bhigwan, in the winter, between November and early March. I’d bring a binocular along if I were you!
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1. Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Karnala Bird Sanctuary is the home to several bird species including endangered species such as the Malabar and Butterfly trogons. It also sits in a comparatively easily accessible spot, which I think makes it a great spot to bring the family.
This is the best place to come to if you want to have a close interaction with species such as grey-fronted green pigeon, Nilgiri wood pigeon, and most importantly, the Malabar grey hornbill.
Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Address: NH 66, Karnala, Maharashtra 410206, India
Website: Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Opening hours: 7am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 60 INR (0.7 USD)
2. Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary
Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary spans over 30 islands that form a beautiful natural ecosystem featuring various types of forests and marshlands, transforming it into an ideal habitat for various bird species.
The sanctuary is one of the top breeding grounds for hundreds of migratory species from various parts of the world. This is the place to be if you want to watch birds from places such as Europe, Afghanistan, Siberia, and Switzerland among other regions.
Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary
Address: Paithan, Maharashtra 431148, India
Website: Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
3. Mayani Bird Sanctuary
Mayani Bird Sanctuary is in the Satara District of Maharashtra. This sanctuary is believed to be the home to over 600 migratory bird species. Some of the notable species here include flamingo, stork, kingfisher, painted stork, and black ibis.
You will also see several aquatic birds enjoying life in the shallow waters of the dam.
Mayani Bird Sanctuary
Address: SH76, Kankatre, Maharashtra 415102, India
Website: Mayani Bird Sanctuary
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
4. Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary was started way back in 1979. The park was created to provide sufficient amenities for preserving the highly endangered Great Indian bustard species in the state of Maharashtra.
As such, this is your destination if you want to see, interact with, and learn more about the bird. Additionally, you will find a plethora of species of both local and migratory birds.
Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
Address: Nannaj, Maharashtra 413222, India
Website: Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
5. Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary
Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary neighbors the Nandur Madhmeshwar Dam – the confluence site of the Godavari and Kadwa rivers. The park covers thousands of hectares of land reserved for the preservation of thousands of bird species.
This protected sanctuary houses species such as the grey hornbill, buzzard, egret, heron, and peafowl. It also has a decent population of migratory birds with sightings of white stork, glossy ibis, pintail, and flamingo among others being common.
Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary
Address: Nandur Madhmeshwar Reserve Dam, Chapadgaon, Maharashtra 422210
Website: Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary
Opening hours: 7:30am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 30 INR (0.36 USD)
6. Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary
Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary houses thousands of migratory birds in a very picturesque location. The sanctuary features a manmade lake, making it a hotspot for aquatic birds, with flamingos being the dominant species on the shores of the lake. This sanctuary is hailed as one of the best places to check out if you want to spot flamingos in India.
You will also be treated to spectacular views of other species such as raptors, bills, and storks among others.
Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary
Address: Solapur - Pune Hwy, Bhigwan, Maharashtra 413130, India
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
7. Dr. Salim Ali Biodiversity Park
Dr. Salim Ali Biodiversity Park is one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in the state of Maharashtra. It may not be the biggest bird sanctuary in the country, but it is a great place to check out if you want to comprehend the full extent of the country’s biodiversity. It’s also a great spot for a day trip.
Other than the beautiful scenes of birds chirping up in the trees, there are so many jackals, elephants, wild boars, antelopes, and other wildlife that call this park home.
Dr. Salim Ali Biodiversity Park
Address: Gunjan Chowk, Nagar Rd, beside Hindu Smashaan Bhumi, Yerawada, Pune, Maharashtra 411006, India
Opening hours: 6am - 6:30pm (daily)
8. Bird Sanctuary Bhal
Bird Sanctuary Bhal is another must-see sanctuary for all bird-watching aficionados coming to India. This sanctuary is regarded as one of the most popular bird sanctuaries in the country as it is not just the breeding ground for hundreds of migratory species, but it is also one of the best sanctuaries to visit if you want to learn more about the local bird species in India. I’d say it’s a great spot for Mumbaiites to find some relief from the city as it is situated pretty close to Mumbai.
It is a breathtakingly beautiful sanctuary and its aura, sounds, and views will bring you a great sense of relaxation during your visit.
Bird Sanctuary Bhal
Address: Thane, Maharashtra 421203, India
Opening hours: 4am - 6:30pm (daily)
Enjoy the best bird watching experiences in India
A bird-watching excursion is something that you should never miss in your itinerary when visiting Maharashtra. I’m sure this list of the top bird sanctuaries in Maharashtra, India, will help you discover the best places to head to for the most fulfilling bird watching experience.
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