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We often go to the mountains just to enjoy the cool breeze and snow, but have you ever noticed the natural music playing in the forests there? Uttarakhand is very special not only for its valleys and temples, but also for its ‘aerial guests’ i.e. birds. The morning here begins not with the tune of an alarm, but with the sweet chirping of mountain birds.
If you are a nature lover or have a passion for photography, then believe me, the forests of Uttarakhand are no less than a treasure for you. From small villages to big national parks, more than 700 types of birds welcome you here. Come, today let us take you on a tour of those selected places of Uttarakhand, where you will get a different kind of peace by going there.
1. Jim Corbett: Not just a home for tigers
Usually, when the name of Jim Corbett National Park comes, the picture of lion and tiger comes to mind. But do you know that this park is also a favorite of bird lovers? The banks of river Ramganga and the Sal forests here are home to about 550 species of birds. If you’re lucky, you can see ‘Pallas’ Fish Eagle’ hunting in the river or the huge ‘Great Hornbill’ in flight. In winter this place looks like an open air theatre.
2. Kilbari (Pangot): Hidden paradise of birds
If you are going to Nainital, then definitely go to ‘Pangot’, 15 kilometers away from the crowd there. The Kilbury Bird Sanctuary located here is a tranquil place hidden in the dense oak forests. There are many lodges built here where you can hide and watch the birds for hours without moving. Rare birds like the Himalayan Griffon are easily seen here. The mist and silence here takes you to a different world.
3. Binsar: A close encounter with the clouds
‘Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary’ situated in the hills of Kumaon feels as if you have come amidst the clouds. Not only is the view of the Himalayas visible from the ‘zero point’ here, the colorful ‘sunbirds’ chirping on the rhododendron trees fascinate the mind. There are about 200 species of birds here. If you want peace and stay away from crowd, then Binsar is best.
4. Naina Devi Reserve: A relaxing walk
This place is perfect for those who do not want to get too tired in trekking. This quiet forest around Nainital has easy paths. While walking here, you will get to see the woodpecker or ‘laughing thrush’ found in the mountains. This place makes you feel very close to nature.
5. Rajaji National Park: Where migratory birds stop
Spread over the Shivalik hills and the banks of river Ganga, this park becomes a hub of exotic birds in winter. This is a migration corridor, i.e. the path of movement of birds. Seeing birds like kingfishers and hornbills flying here is soothing to the eyes. It is very close to Dehradun and Haridwar, so it is easy to reach.
6. Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: Thrill of heights
This place is for those who like a little adventure. Reaching this sanctuary spread in the high Himalayan areas is a bit of hard work, but the view here takes away all the fatigue. Here you will find rare Himalayan birds that are not seen in lower places, such as the colorful ‘Monal’ or the Koklass Pheasant.
7. Asan Barrage: A haven for foreign guests
Asan Barrage near Dehradun, which is also known as the first ‘Ramsar site’ of Uttarakhand, comes alive in winter. Here one can see Red-crested Pochard and thousands of exotic migratory birds swimming in the water. If you are visiting Doon in winter, do not forget to carry your binoculars here.
So next time you pack, don’t forget to pack a good pair of binoculars. These feathered friends of Uttarakhand are waiting for you!
