Officially termed as the Shaheed Chander Azad Sanctuary, and nestled at the Okhla Barrage over the pristine Yamuna river, is the popular Okhla Bird Sanctuary. Located at the border zone of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, this sanctuary is the home of around 300 different species of birds. A visit to this picturesque place will surely give you some glimpses of some exotic waterbirds.
From the endangered species of white-rumped vulture and Indian vulture, one will also notice here the beautiful Baikal teal, Indian skimmer, sarus crane, Finn’s weaver, Palla’s fish eagle, black-bellied tern, grey-headed fish eagle, bristled grassbird and many others. Thus, you can well understand that the destination happens to be a favorite zone for birdwatchers and ornithologists.
Sprawling over an area of 3.5 square kilometers, this serene location serves as a reposeful retreat for many urban visitors. Besides, birdwatching another appealing sight here is that of the large, crystal clear lake that has been beautifully constructed by damming the river and adds to the aesthetic charm of the place.
The sanctuary abounds in the growth of many towering trees and wetlands which encompasses the entire sanctuary in a canopy of enchanting green hues. The place has many short trails that are ideal for exploration and will be a welcome change for all tourists.
It is an ideal picnic spot where you can seek some quality time with your family, indulge in bird watching, embark on a short hike, and catch a stunning sunset across the lake. Okhla Bird Sanctuary gives you a golden opportunity to spend some refreshing moments in the grace and captivating beauty of nature.
How To Reach
If you happen to travel to Okhla Bird Sanctuary from Delhi International Airport then the easiest way to travel is to hire a cab or book an online taxi. The cab services will cost you around Rs 500- 600 and you will require approximately an hour to cover a distance of around 25 km. You can also take your personal vehicle.
The cheaper way to travel to the destination is to avail of the metro or bus services from the airport. Though the time needed will be a bit longer, yet you can opt for these pocket- friendly means of conveyance.
Best Time To Visit
The ideal time to visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary is during the cooler months lasting between October to March as the weather remains pleasant and you will get to see some exotic migratory birds. The winter months attract hordes of tourists to this popular site and the entire place buzzes with life and activity.
The scorching heat during the summers( April to June) can spoil your plans and thus, tourists are often recommended to schedule their visit to the sanctuary during the morning or late afternoon hours.
Monsoon stretches from July to September and often the place receives heavy rainfall. Thus, the climatic condition is often not favorable to take a tour in the sanctuary. However, if luck prevails, then a visit to this place during the rainy season will offer you stunning imagery of the entire place refreshed by the onset of monsoon.
Other Essential Information
Location- The sanctuary lies on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border in the district of Gautam Buddha Nagar in Uttar Pradesh. The nearest city to this sanctuary is Noida which lies only at a distance of 12.6 km.
Tips For Visiting Okhla Bird Sanctuary:
For experiencing a perfect trip at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, visitors should keep some necessary tips in mind.
- The first and foremost thing to remember is when you are on the premises of the sanctuary, maintain silence and do not disturb the serenity of the place with unnecessary commotion. Also, do not litter around the place and use dustbins when needed.
- Choose clothes that are not very flashy and easily tend to camouflage with the natural surroundings. The bright colors might disturb the birds and scare them away.
- You can always carry a field guide and binoculars that will help you to draw more knowledge about specific birds when you spot them.
- Throwing stones at birds, laying loud music and honking remains strictly prohibited. Visitors should not disrupt the peace of the place at any cost.
Flora
The sanctuary houses over 188 different species of plants that comprises medicinal herbs, shrubs, herbaceous climbers, trees like Ficus, Babool, Keekar, Sheesham, Shemal, and others. You will find here both native and exotic species of plants and the dense growth of foliage acts as a good refuge for the birds.
Fauna
At the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, you will also come across some animals like Indian mongoose, Nilgai, jackals, black-necked hare, and various other reptiles, amphibians and colorful reptiles. On your winter visits, you can surely spot these animals as they lie basking in the sun.
The Lake
One of the pristine locations in the Okhla Bird Sanctuary is the majestic lake that has been built by damming the Yamuna River and lies seated between the Okhla village and Gautam Budh Nagar.
The impressive sight of the water hyacinths along with the flock of brown-headed gulls, Northern shoveler, spot-billed ducks and other water birds is indeed a pleasing sight.
Tourism Board Alliances
Okhla Bird Sanctuary FAQs
How do you get to Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
Okhla Bird Sanctuary is well accessible by roadways and metro services. If you happen to opt for the metro route then take the Magenta line from the Delhi Metro Station to reach your destination. It will take around one and a half hours and you can travel at a nominal rate.
The closest bus station to the sanctuary lies at a distance of around 400 meters and you can board any public bus from Delhi to Noida Sector 94 bus stand. You can also book the cab services or drive your own vehicle to the sanctuary.
Is Okhla bird sanctuary safe for couples?
Yes, Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a safe haven for couples. With your loved ones, you can embark upon a remarkable trip to this sanctuary. Lying nestled amidst nature, this picturesque place will offer you some cherishable moments.
With your partner, you can watch the beautiful birds, sit and enjoy the cool breeze by the lake, or simply take a leisurely stroll around the sanctuary. Away from the city’s frenzy, the sanctuary will turn out to be a refreshing change for every couple.
Is the camera allowed in Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
Yes, you can carry your cameras inside the Okhla Bird Sanctuary. However, visitors carrying their cameras, have to pay the extra charges Rs 500- Rs 1000.
If you want to shoot inside the park’s premises, then the charges applicable for movie cameras are around Rs 5000 for Indians and Rs 10,000 for foreign nationals per visit.
When can I visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
The best time to visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary is during the winter months that extend from October to mid-March. The weather remains cool and you will enjoy while exploring around the sanctuary.
You can plan your visit during the weekdays, as on the weekends the place witnesses tremendous rush. Visitors are always advised to keep the timings of the sanctuary in mind and not come after 5 pm as entering the park after evening hours can give rise to offenses.
