A haven of refuge within the bustle of Delhi and Noida, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary happens to be a very beautiful and quiet place, famous mainly for its wonderful birds, leafy trees, and fresh air. Thousands come every year for birdwatching, nature trail walking, and fawning over unbenign surroundings. This place is visited by kids, families, students, and anybody who has a fondness for nature.
Where Is Okhla Bird Sanctuary Located?
Okhla Bird Sanctuary is perched on the banks of the Yamuna River, close to Kalindi Kunj in Delhi and Sector 95 in Noida. You can reach it quite comfortingly by car and bus, and also using the Delhi metro. The Okhla Bird Sanctuary Metro Station on the Magenta Line is just a stone’s throw away from the entrance.
While coming in from Delhi or Noida, you will have no trouble reaching here because of the nearby roads such as DND Flyway, Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, and Outer Ring Road.
Why Is Okhla Bird Sanctuary Special?
Established in the year 1990, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a protected area for birds and nature. The site has an area of about 4 square kilometers and is endowed with wetlands, trees, and other plants, which provide perfect homes for birds and even animals, and insects.
In addition, this sanctuary is also classified as an Important Bird Area (IBA). It implies that this is one of the most promising places around where one can find an immense number of bird species. Not only do visitors come to the site from across the world to see birds that reside here year-round, but also from foreign visitors sighting migratory birds that shelter here in the different seasons of the year.
Birds Found in Okhla Bird Sanctuary
Home to over 320 species of birds, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary serves as an all-year hub for countless types of birds.
Popular Resident Birds
These birds can be seen almost every day:
- Sarus Crane
- Indian Peafowl
- Purple Heron
- Black-winged Stilt
- Kingfisher
- Coppersmith Barbet
Winter Migratory Birds
During wintertime (November to February), birds migrate from the colder nations like Russia, China, and Europe to the sanctuary to be warm. Some of them are:
- Greater Flamingo
- Northern Pintail
- Ruddy Shelduck
- Garganey
- White-tailed Lapwing
- Pallas’s Gull
Plants and Trees in the Sanctuary
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary also has many kinds of trees and plants. Some trees you’ll see are:
- Acacia
- Eucalyptus
- Neem
- Babul
Best Time to Visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary
Ideal really is ideal to visit the Okhla Bird Sanctuary during winter, November to February, because that is usually when the best migratory birds come in their migratory season, and it is perfect weather for walking around.
Early summer or after the rainy season, you can come up, but it seems warmer. Still, so green surroundings and quiet paths make for a great visit at any time of the year.
Timings and Entry Fees
One can visit the Okhla Bird Sanctuary almost any day except Sunday. The time allowed in the sanctuary is from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Weekdays are mostly quiet.
Here are the entry fees:
- Indians: ₹30
- Foreigners: ₹350
- Camera Fee (DSLR): ₹500
- Video Camera: ₹1000
- Guided Tours: ₹500–₹1000 (optional)
Things to See and Do Inside the Sanctuary
Okhla Bird Sanctuary is just perfect for several activities, such as:
Birdwatching
One can find more than 300 types of birds, making birdwatching a great spot for activity. You could take binoculars to spot birds in the trees, on the water, or in the grass.
Photography
There are so many great places to take photographs in the sanctuary, including images of birds, trees, flowers, and sunsets. Just do not forget to be quiet and not disturb the birds.
Walking Trails
Paths and towers are provided clearly, through which one can walk and explore without danger. These nature trails would take you through different precincts of the sanctuary, and you would enjoy both views and fresh air.
Calm and Learn
There are plenty of benches and sitting places for relaxation. Also, information centers can be used for learning about various birds and plants in the sanctuary.
Wildlife in the Sanctuary
Along with birds, you can also find other animals in the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, such as:
- Monitor Lizards
- Mongoose
- Jackals
- Palm Squirrels
- Frogs and Turtles
Rules to Follow While Visiting
Rules for Safe and Clean Okhla Bird Sanctuary
- Never throw garbage.
- Do not feed birds or other animals.
- Stay confined to the marked paths.
- Maintain low noise levels.
- No music, smoking, or drinking
- Don’t bring any pets.
Facilities Available for Visitors
The sanctuary provides many useful facilities to make your visit better:
- Clean restrooms
- Drinking water
- Birdwatching towers
- Information boards
- Parking area
- Wheelchair access
Nearby Places to Explore
If you want to explore more, there are several places near Okhla Bird Sanctuary:
- Kalindi Kunj Park
- Botanical Garden, Noida
- Akshardham Temple
- Lodhi Garden, Delhi
- Yamuna Biodiversity Park
Problems Faced by the Sanctuary
Even though it’s a protected area, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary faces problems like:
- Pollution
- Water shortage
- Construction near the area
- Garbage dumping
How to Reach Okhla Bird Sanctuary
It’s easy to reach the sanctuary in many ways:
- By Metro: Take the Magenta Line to Okhla Bird Sanctuary Station.
- By Car: Use the DND Flyway or Noida Expressway.
- By Bus or Auto: Local buses and auto-rickshaws go to the sanctuary regularly.
Conclusion
However, it is very quiet and green and brings you nearer to nature. Be it an ornithophile, a student, or someone just having a lazy day, this place has something for everyone.
Teaches us about birds, animals, and the environment. It shows that if everyone follows the principle of respect for and conservation of nature, then all of us can live happily with Mother Nature. The visit here is a fun and learning experience.
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