Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, one of the best places for bird watching and nature lovers in Delhi. The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a haven for over 400 species of native and migratory birds, as well as a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert in birding, you will be amazed by the sights and sounds of the feathered friends that inhabit this sanctuary. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, such as its history, significance, birds, things to do, best time to visit, and how to reach. Read on to find out why you should make the Okhla Bird Sanctuary your next destination.
History and Significance of Okhla Bird Sanctuary
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary was established in 1990 as a part of the Okhla barrage, which was built in 1874 to supply water to Delhi. The sanctuary is located on the banks of the Yamuna river, which forms the boundary between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary covers an area of about 4 square kilometers and is home to a wide range of biodiversity.
The sanctuary is also recognized as a Ramsar site, which means it is a wetland of international importance for conservation and sustainable use. The sanctuary plays a vital role in preserving the ecological balance of the Yamuna river basin and providing a habitat for various bird species.
Birds of Okhla Bird Sanctuary
The main attraction of the Okhla Bird Sanctuary is, of course, its birds. The sanctuary boasts of hosting over 400 species of birds, both native and migratory. Some of the common birds that can be seen in the sanctuary are flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, egrets, spoonbills, ibises, ducks, geese, kingfishers, lapwings, plovers, sandpipers, gulls, terns, warblers, flycatchers, shrikes, babblers, robins, sunbirds, sparrows, mynas, and crows. Some of the rare and endangered birds that can be spotted in the sanctuary are black-bellied tern (Chlidonias hybrida), white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), sarus crane (Antigone antigone), black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus), white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), and greater spotted eagle (Clanga clanga). The sanctuary also attracts many migratory birds during the winter season from places like Central Asia, Europe, and Africa. Some of the migratory birds that can be seen in the sanctuary are bar-headed goose (Anser indicus), red-crested pochard (Netta rufina), common teal (Anas crecca), northern pintail (Anas acuta), northern shoveler (Anas clypeata), ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), common coot (Fulica atra), Eurasian wigeon (Mareca penelope), and black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa).
Things to Do in Okhla Bird Sanctuary
There are plenty of things to do in the Okhla Bird Sanctuary besides bird watching. You can also enjoy photography, nature walks, boating, cycling, and picnicking in the sanctuary. Here are some tips and tricks for having a memorable experience in the sanctuary:
1. Carry binoculars, cameras, guide books, water bottles, snacks, and hats with you.
2. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are suitable for walking and exploring.
3. Avoid making loud noises or disturbing the birds or the wildlife.
4. Follow the rules and regulations of the sanctuary and respect the environment.
5. Do not litter or feed the birds or the animals.
6. Do not pluck or damage the plants or the flowers.
You can also visit some nearby attractions that can be combined with your trip to the sanctuary, such as:
Lotus Temple: A stunning architectural marvel that is shaped like a lotus flower and is a place of worship for people of all faiths.
Humayun’s Tomb: A magnificent mausoleum that is considered as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Qutub Minar: A towering minaret that is one of the oldest monuments in Delhi and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Best Time to Visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary
The best time to visit the Okhla Bird Sanctuary is during the winter months from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and many migratory birds flock to the sanctuary. This is also the peak season for bird watching, as you can witness a variety of birds in different colors, shapes, and sizes.
You can also see some of the rare and endangered birds that are not easily seen elsewhere. The winter months are also ideal for photography, as you can capture some stunning shots of the birds and the scenery.
However, you can also visit the sanctuary during other seasons, as there are always some resident birds that can be seen throughout the year. You can also enjoy the changing landscapes and vegetation of the sanctuary according to the seasons. The summer months from April to June are very hot and dry, and the temperature can reach up to 45 degrees Celsius.
You should avoid visiting the sanctuary during this time, as it can be very uncomfortable and exhausting. The monsoon months from July to September are humid and wet, and the rainfall can cause flooding and waterlogging in the sanctuary. You should also avoid visiting the sanctuary during this time, as it can be very risky and inconvenient.
How to Reach Okhla Bird Sanctuary
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is easily accessible by different modes of transport, such as road, rail, and air. Here are some of the ways to reach the sanctuary:
By road:
The sanctuary is located on the Delhi-Noida road (NH-24), which is well-connected by buses, taxis, and autorickshaws. The distance from Delhi to the sanctuary is about 15 kilometers and it takes about 30 minutes to reach by road. The distance from Noida to the sanctuary is about 8 kilometers and it takes about 15 minutes to reach by road.
By rail:
The nearest railway station to the sanctuary is Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, which is about 10 kilometers away. You can take a train from any major city in India to this station and then take a bus, taxi, or autorickshaw to the sanctuary.
By air:
The nearest airport to the sanctuary is Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is about 25 kilometers away. You can take a flight from any domestic or international destination to this airport and then take a bus, taxi, or autorickshaw to the sanctuary.
You can also use the metro service to reach the sanctuary, as there are some metro stations that are close to the sanctuary, such as:
Okhla Bird Sanctuary Metro Station: This is the nearest metro station to the sanctuary, which is on the Magenta Line. It is about 1 kilometer away from the sanctuary and you can walk or take an autorickshaw from here.
Botanical Garden Metro Station: This is another metro station that is near the sanctuary, which is on the Blue Line. It is about 3 kilometers away from the sanctuary and you can take a bus or an autorickshaw from here.
Jasola Apollo Metro Station: This is another metro station that is near the sanctuary, which is on the Violet Line. It is about 4 kilometers away from the sanctuary and you can take a bus or an autorickshaw from here.
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The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers in Delhi, where you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature and wildlife. It is a place where you can see over 400 species of birds, both native and migratory, as well as a rich variety of flora and fauna.
It is a place where you can indulge in various activities, such as bird watching, photography, nature walks, boating, cycling, and picnicking. It is a place where you can visit some nearby attractions, such as Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar. It is a place where you can have a memorable experience with your family and friends.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to the Okhla Bird Sanctuary today and discover its wonders for yourself. You will not regret it!
