Well, tiger reserves are not always about elusive tigers. There is more to it, like thick forests, dramatic safaris, which also double up as the wild havens for the birds. You will be surprised to know that many tiger reserves are also treasure troves for birdwatchers, places where you can actually get to witness vibrant bee-eaters and hornbills to rare vultures and elusive owls.So, here’s a list of tiger reserves where, even if a tiger remains elusive, the incredible birdlife is sure to keep you captivated.Read more: 5 must-do road trips for mountain lovers
Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand
It’s known for tigers no doubt and is famed as the country’s first tiger reserve, but it’s also a paradise for birders, serving home to more than 600 recorded species. You might get lucky and spot crested serpent eagles, or great hornbills, or the rare Ibisbill in winter. Visit Dhikala zone for chances to spot raptors, waterfowl, and woodpeckers.
Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha is well-known for tigers and barasingha. But the very fact that its forests come alive with birdsong is something that you need to experience at least once. More than 300 species have been recorded here, including the Indian pitta, racket-tailed drongo, and Malabar pied hornbill.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Rhinos and tigers are the highlights of this place. However, its wetlands and floodplains also manage to attract an extraordinary number of birds and the list includes birds like migratory storks, pelicans, and the critically endangered Bengal florican. Winter months are a treat for spotting bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks, and various ducks.
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, West Bengal
A visit to this place is a full-blown experience in itself. Add to it the rich birdlife, and you will love every bit of it. Spot masked finfoots, black-capped kingfishers, and even mangrove whistlers amid tangled roots and tidal creeks. Boat safaris offer unique opportunities for spotting elusive water birds.Read more: From dhole to bush dog: 10 types of wild dogs and where they are found
Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere, Nagarhole is not just tiger territory, it’s a birder’s paradise too. Home to more than 270 bird species, including the Malabar trogon, Indian paradise flycatcher, and several species of hornbills, if you opt for early morning jeep safaris, you might get rewarded with vibrant sightings.
Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala
Known for boat safaris and elephants, Periyar’s lake and forests are home to over 260 species of birds. You might spot the Nilgiri wood pigeon, black baza, or even the elusive Sri Lanka frogmouth. Guided nature walks and bamboo rafting offer birding at forest-edge and water-level perspectives.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
Adjacent to Nagarhole, Bandipur shares a similar ecosystem, offering sightings of crested hawk-eagles, drongos, and Indian vultures. The dry deciduous forest also makes it easier to spot canopy-dwelling birds. Spotting hornbills during fruiting season is a treat here.
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Tadoba is a rising star for both tigers and birdwatchers. Its mixed forests and wetlands support over 195 bird species, including crested serpent eagles, golden orioles, and the grey-headed fish eagle. The Irai Lake is a hot spot for both migratory and resident birds.
Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh/Maharashtra
Made famous by The Jungle Book, Pench is also a haven for over 250 bird species. Look out for peafowls, and Indian rollers. The open canopy makes it easier to spot flying and perched birds alike.
Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
One of the few reserves that allow walking safaris, Satpura offers an intimate birding experience. Over 300 species live here, including crested kingfishers, Indian skimmers, and paradise flycatchers. Try a canoe safari on the Denwa River for waterbird sightings.
