Important Bird Sanctuaries in India 2026 for UPSC, SSC, Railway, Banking and State PSC
Bird Sanctuaries in India play a vital role in protecting birds and preserving their natural habitats. These protected areas provide a safe environment for resident and migratory birds to feed, breed, and nest without disturbance. They also help conserve biodiversity and maintain ecological balance. Hunting and destruction of wildlife are strictly prohibited within these sanctuaries. Explore the complete list of Bird Sanctuaries in India below to enhance your knowledge and prepare for competitive exams.
State Wise Bird Sanctuaries in India
A Bird Sanctuary is a protected natural area established to conserve and protect native as well as migratory bird species in their natural habitats. These sanctuaries provide a safe environment for birds to feed, breed, nest, and migrate without human disturbance. Hunting, poaching, and habitat destruction are strictly prohibited, making bird sanctuaries essential for wildlife conservation and maintaining ecological balance.
India is home to numerous bird sanctuaries that support a rich diversity of bird species. According to the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), India has around 72 bird sanctuaries and is home to more than 1,200 bird species, including several rare and endangered birds. Many of these sanctuaries also attract thousands of migratory birds every year from different parts of the world.
Static GK - List of Bird Sanctuaries in India 2026
From a competitive exam perspective, Bird Sanctuaries in India are an important topic in Static GK. Questions related to the largest bird sanctuary, Ramsar sites, state-wise bird sanctuaries, migratory birds, and important wildlife conservation facts are frequently asked in exams such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, Banking, State PSC, CDS, NDA, and other government examinations. The state-wise list of bird sanctuaries provided below will help you revise this topic quickly and effectively.
Bird Sanctuaries in India 2026: State-Wise List, Important Bird Sanctuaries
What is Bird Sanctuary ?
➨ A bird sanctuary is an area of land where birds are protected and encouraged to breed .
➨ Approximately there are 72 bird sanctuaries in India .
Q) Which is the biggest bird sanctuary in India?
➨ Keoladeo or Bharatpur bird sanctuary is the largest bird sanctuary- Rajasthan
Q) Which is the first bird sanctuary in India?
➨ Vedantangal Bird Sanctuary is the first bird sanctuary in India - Tamil Nadu
Rajasthan
1) Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - also known as Keoladeo National Park, is the largest bird sanctuary in India. It hosts thousands of birds, with almost 400 species.
2) Desert National Park
Tamil Nadu
1) Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary
2) Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary
3) Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary
4) Point Calimere Bird Sanctuary
5) Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
6) Vaduvoor Lake Bird Sanctuary
7) Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary
8) Ariyakulam Bird Sanctuary
Karnataka
1) Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary
2) Bankapur Peacock Conservation Reserve (Bird)
3) Gudavi Bird Sanctuary
4) Kokkare Bellur Community Reserve (Bird)
5) Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
6) Adichunchanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Andhra Pradesh
1) Kolleru Bird Sanctuary
2) Manjira Bird Sanctuary
3) Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
4) Rollapadu Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
5) Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary
Haryana
1) Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary
2) Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
Madhya Pradesh
1) Ghatigaon Bustard Sanctuary
2) Karera Bustard Sanctuary
3) Sailana Kharmor (Lesser Florican) Sanctuary
4) Sardarpur Kharmor (Lesser Florican) Sanctuary
Kerala
1) Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
2) Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
3) Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
4) Chulanur Peafowl Wildlife Sanctuary
5) Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Gujarat
1) Naliya Grassland (Lala Bustard Wildlife Sanctuary)
2) Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
3) Kutch Bustard Sanctuary
4) Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
5) Porbandar Bird Sanctuary
6) Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary
West Bengal
1) Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary
2) Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary (Kulik Bird Sanctuary)
3) Uttarakhand
4) Asan Barrage Bird Sanctuary
5) Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve (Bird)
Maharashtra
1) Mayani Bird Sanctuary
2) Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
3) Jaikwadi Bird Sanctuary
4) Jawaharlal Nehru Bustard Sanctuary
5) Karnala Bird Sanctuary
6) Naigaon Mayur Wildlife Sanctuary
7) Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary
Uttar Pradesh
1) Bakhira Sanctuary
2) Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary
3) Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
4) Patna Bird Sanctuary
5) Saman Sanctuary
6) Samaspur Sanctuary
7) Sandi Bird Sanctuary
Goa
1) Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Nagaland
1) Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary
Punjab
1) Harike Lake Bird Sanctuary
Himachal Pradesh
1) Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary
2) Kais Wildlife Sanctuary
3) Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary
Odisha
1) Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
Sikkim
1) Kitam Bird Sanctuary
Top 5 Bird Sanctuaries in India
India is home to several famous bird sanctuaries that attract thousands of nature lovers, birdwatchers, and wildlife photographers every year. These protected areas provide a safe habitat for both resident and migratory birds while playing an important role in biodiversity conservation. Below are five of the most popular bird sanctuaries in India.
1. Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Rajasthan
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, popularly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is one of India's most famous bird sanctuaries. It was developed in the 18th century by Maharaja Suraj Mal after the construction of the Ajan Bund. The sanctuary is named after the nearby Keoladeo Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It is home to hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds, including cranes, pelicans, ducks, geese, eagles, hawks, storks, and many other water birds. Besides birds, visitors can also spot animals such as nilgai, wild boar, sambar, and spotted deer. It is a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
2. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is the first bird sanctuary in Kerala. Located on the banks of the Periyar River, it was named after Dr. Salim Ali, popularly known as the "Bird Man of India."
The sanctuary is home to more than 280 bird species, including numerous forest birds, water birds, and migratory birds. Its rich biodiversity and peaceful surroundings make it one of the best birdwatching destinations in South India.
3. Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, popularly known as Keetham Lake Bird Sanctuary, is located near Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1991 and is an important habitat for both migratory and resident birds.
The wetland supports a wide variety of waterfowl and was recognized as a Ramsar Site in 2020. It is an excellent destination for birdwatching and nature tourism.
4. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa
Located on Chorao Island along the Mandovi River, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is one of Goa's most important protected wetlands. It is named after the renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali.
The sanctuary attracts numerous migratory birds every winter and is home to species such as herons, kingfishers, egrets, cormorants, woodpeckers, bitterns, avocets, eagles, kites, and many others. It is one of the best places in Goa for birdwatching and eco-tourism.
5. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary, is situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Formerly known as Baker's Estate, it is one of the most popular destinations for migratory birds in India.
The sanctuary is home to nearly 180 bird species, with around 25,000 birds visiting the area. Visitors can observe local birds such as herons, egrets, owls, cuckoos, and water ducks, along with migratory species like Siberian cranes, parrots, teal, flycatchers, and larks.
Bird Sanctuaries in India MCQs with Answers
1. Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary is located in which state?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. West Bengal
D. Karnataka
Answer: C. West Bengal
Fact: Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary is the smallest bird sanctuary in West Bengal and is named after renowned ornithologist Chintamoni Kar.
2. Attiveri Bird Sanctuary is located in which state?
A. Himachal Pradesh
B. Odisha
C. Punjab
D. Karnataka
Answer: D. Karnataka
Fact: Attiveri Bird Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Kali River and is famous for migratory water birds.
3. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located in which state?
A. Haryana
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Goa
D. Tamil Nadu
Answer: C. Goa
Fact: The sanctuary is located on Chorao Island and is named after Dr. Salim Ali, popularly known as the "Bird Man of India."
4. Which of the following bird sanctuaries is not located in Bihar?
A. Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary
B. Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuary
C. Bhimband Wildlife Sanctuary
D. Najafgarh Drain Bird Sanctuary
Answer: D. Najafgarh Drain Bird Sanctuary
Fact: Najafgarh Drain Bird Sanctuary is located in Delhi, while the other three are in Bihar.
5. Porbandar Bird Sanctuary is located in which state?
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Arunachal Pradesh
C. Himachal Pradesh
D. Gujarat
Answer: D. Gujarat
Fact: Porbandar Bird Sanctuary is one of the smallest bird sanctuaries in Gujarat and is located within Porbandar city.
6. Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is located in which state?
A. Maharashtra
B. Assam
C. Odisha
D. Manipur
Answer: A. Maharashtra
Fact: This sanctuary was established to protect the endangered Great Indian Bustard, one of India's rarest birds.
7. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is located in which state?
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Telangana
D. Kerala
Answer: B. Tamil Nadu
Fact: Vedanthangal is the oldest water bird sanctuary in India and is also a Ramsar Site.
8. Which of the following bird sanctuaries is not located in Andhra Pradesh?
A. Atapaka Bird Sanctuary
B. Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
C. Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary
D. Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
Answer: D. Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
Fact: Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is located in Gujarat and is recognized as a Ramsar Site.
9. Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in which state?
A. Himachal Pradesh
B. Arunachal Pradesh
C. Haryana
D. Punjab
Answer: C. Haryana
Fact: Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is Haryana's largest wetland and an important habitat for migratory birds.
10. Keoladeo National Park is located in which state?
A. Gujarat
B. Rajasthan
C. Bihar
D. Odisha
Answer: B. Rajasthan
Fact: Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11. Which of the following bird sanctuaries is located in Assam?
A. Bonal Bird Sanctuary
B. Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary
C. Gudavi Bird Sanctuary
D. Kaggaladu Bird Sanctuary
Answer: B. Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary
Fact: Deepor Beel is a Ramsar Site and one of the most important freshwater wetlands in Northeast India.
12. Which of the following pairs is incorrect?
A. Kutch Bustard Sanctuary – Gujarat
B. Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary – Rajasthan
C. Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary – Karnataka
D. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary – Kerala
Answer: B. Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary – Rajasthan
Fact: Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Haryana, not Rajasthan.
13. Which of the following pairs is correct?
A. Mayani Bird Sanctuary – Assam
B. Harike Bird Sanctuary – Punjab
C. Khichan Bird Sanctuary – Tamil Nadu
D. Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary – Uttar Pradesh
Answer: B. Harike Bird Sanctuary – Punjab
Fact: Harike Wetland is the largest wetland in North India and an important Ramsar Site.
14. Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is located in which state?
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Uttarakhand
C. Goa
D. Karnataka
Answer: D. Karnataka
Fact: Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is located on an island in the Tunga River and is famous for migratory birds like egrets and cormorants.
15. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is located in which state?
A. Kerala
B. Assam
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Jammu & Kashmir
Answer: A. Kerala
Fact: Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is also known as the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and is home to over 300 species of birds.