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Odisha boasts over 400 bird species across its mangrove estuaries, coastal lagoons, and freshwater wetlands. From the crocodile- and bird-rich Bhitarkanika mangroves to Asia’s largest winter lagoon at Chilika, it’s a hotspot for wildlife lovers. Best birding occurs from October to March, with flights into Bhubaneswar. There’s more than birding: expect cultural heritage, boat safaris, tidal ecosystems, and Dolphins among the mangroves.
At A Glance
Nearest Airport
Bhubaneswar
Best Time
October–March
Forests
Mangroves, Coastal Lagoons & Wetlands
Min Recommended Stay
03 Days
Main Destinations
Bhitarkanika, Chilika
These two are Odisha’s top birding hubs. We can also customize with sites like Mangalajodi, Satkosia, or Simlipal, depending on your interests and trip length.
Places to Go:
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Chilika Lagoon (0–2 m; brackish coastal lake): Asia’s largest coastal lagoon, 200+ winter species, including flamingos, pelicans, ibis, ducks; Irrawaddy dolphins frequent the waters.
Suggested Itineraries
Wings Over Water: Birding in Odisha
7 nights, 8 days
Glide through creeks to spot saltwater crocodiles, kingfishers, monitor lizards, and estuarine birdlife in India’s “Mini-Amazon.”
Witness the world’s largest mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles at Gahirmatha and Rushikulya beaches (Nov–Dec)
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Evergreen Echoes: Birding the Western Ghats
5 nights, 6 days
Look for Nilgiri wood-pigeon, Flame-throated Bulbul, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Sahyadri Whistling-Thrush & more in forest zones.
Explore Bhagwan Mahavir, Bondla, and Salim Ali sanctuaries for Malabar trogon, blue-eared kingfisher, Malabar grey hornbill, and winter waders in the estuaries.
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High Passes & Crying Rivers: Birding Kashmir & Ladakh
14 nights, 15 days
Kashmir Valley’s Forest & Valley Specialists – In Dachigam, Aru, Sonmarg, and Zabarwan, spot Kashmir Flycatcher, White-cheeked Nuthatch, Kashmir Nutcracker, Orange Bullfinch, and Spectacled Finch.
Along shingle beds and brooks, Ibisbill and White-throated Dipper thrive, especially on the Srinagar–Leh highway stretches.
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Rivers, Wetlands & Winged Wonders: West Bengal Birding
7 nights, 8 days
Buxa Tiger Reserve, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Latpanchar show great numbers of oriental pied, grey, and rufous-necked hornbills in forest canopy.
Waterbirds, geese, and raptors gather around the water for dramatic winter displays at sunrise.
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Song of the Hills: Uttarakhand Birding Trails
7 nights, 8 days
Corbett, Rajaji and the Terai belt host Pallas’s fish eagle, great hornbill, red-headed trogon, and rich waterbird congregations.
Around Sattal, Pangot, and the Dehradun valley, expect laughingthrushes, forktails, sunbirds, and flocks of barbets.
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Taj, Tigers & Temples
11 nights, 12 days
Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
Go on thrilling safaris in Ranthambore
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Sundarbans
3 nights, 4 days
Boat cruises through tidal mangrove creeks
Search for Bengal tigers and estuarine crocodiles
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A South Indian Odyssey
11 nights, 12 days
Explore Brihadeeswarar and Meenakshi temples
Visit Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO-listed Shore Temple
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Tigers & Golden Triangle
12 nights, 13 days
Witness the Taj Mahal at sunrise
Go on safaris in Ranthambore
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