One of the best places to visit for birdwatching, Okhla Bird Sanctuary in Noida is a paradise where you can witness more than 300 exotic species of birds. Spreading over an area of 4 sq km, this sprawling park is located on the banks of pristine Yamuna river which adds more charm to its unadulterated beauty. Nestled in a lush green ambience that is adorned by trees, marshes, and Yamuna river, this place serves as a respite from the fast-paced city life. Local travelers, foreign tourists and bird watchers from different parts of the world visit here to experience the calmness and serenity of the sanctuary and clicking pictures of birds in their natural habitat.
Best Time to Visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary
December to March is the best time to visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary. During this time of the year, an array of migratory birds fly from distant lands to this sanctuary and there are fair chances of spotting these exotic species and photographing them as well. Also, the climate during this time is apt to explore the sanctuary.
Okhla Bird Sanctuary Timings, Entry Fees & Contact Details
The sanctuary remains open on all 5 days of the week between 7 am to 5:30 pm in summers and between 7:30 am to 5:00 pm in winters.
There is a nominal fee of INR 30 (subject to change) for Indian tourists to visit this sanctuary and INR 350 (subject to change) for foreign travelers. There are extra charges for carrying different types of cameras in the sanctuary.
You can drop an Email at contact@obs-up.com or dfonoida@gmail.com if you wish to enquire anything related to the sanctuary.
You can also call at following numbers for faster response:
Contact Numbers: +91 120 2425 989, +91 7839 434 257, +91 8448 035 012
History of Okhla Bird Sanctuary
Okhla Bird sanctuary is also known as Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Azad sanctuary and is located on the Delhi - Uttar Pradesh Border in Noida which comes under the Gautam Budh Nagar district. It was also declared a protected zone under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and later, the Government of Uttar Pradesh sanctioned an area of about 4 square kilometres of Okhla barrage for this sanctuary in 1990.
Major Attractions of Okhla Bird Sanctuary
Today, the sanctuary is home to many critically endangered and nearly threatened species of birds. Bird watchers and tourists encounter birds such as White Rumped Vulture, Baikal Teal, Sarus Crane, Black-Bellied Tern, and Indian vulture in this famous bird sanctuary of India. Also known as the famous picnic spot close to the capital city, here are major attractions of OBS that make it a haven for bird watchers and tourists alike.
1. Exotic Birds
Countless exotic birds that are either native to the land or the migrants are the major attraction point of the sanctuary. One might get to spot birds like Rain Quail, Comb Duck, Pied Kingfisher, Yellow-Crowned Woodpecker, Indian Roller, Barn Owl, Baer's Pochard Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Bristled Grassbird, and Wood Sandpiper which are also a delightful discovery for nature lovers.
2. Migratory Birds
As per the official records, the sanctuary is home to about 50% of migratory birds. Okhla Bird Sanctuary is the best site for the curious birdwatchers who wish to see winter migratory birds and water birds.
3. View of River Yamuna
Okhla Bird Sanctuary is an iconic site for bird lovers and tourists alike. Offering a breathtaking view of pristine river, Okhla Bird Sanctuary is located right at juncture where Yamuna river enters Uttar Pradesh. Serving as a source of water for the residing birds, the river also adds extra charm to the natural beauty of this popular bird sanctuary in Noida.
4. Species of Plants
Along with different species of birds, visitors also have an equal opportunity to check out unique species of plants, flowers, and trees in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is a great spot for nature lovers and photographers as it boasts an exotic foliage. More than 188 species of plants can be explored here at the sanctuary. All this and the surreal views make the trip to the sanctuary a delightful experience.
5. Strolling Around Gautam Buddha Park
The park is just 2 km away from the sanctuary and is visited by tourists and locals for its lush green and calming vibes. Tourists and locals may also take food and drinks along to enjoy a weekend brunch with family and friends.
6. Visit Stupa 18 Gallery
Located 10 km away from the sanctuary, this gallery is home to some of the best contemporary artworks by Indian artists. The gallery has a collection of modern and contemporary paintings, hand-made sculptures, portraits, and a lot more. Due to its close proximity to the sanctuary, you can also consider visiting here.
How To Reach Okhla Bird Sanctuary
You can easily reach Okhla Bird Sanctuary from Delhi and Noida. Here are the details on how you can reach here by the following means of public transport.
- Nearest Major City. Delhi
- Nearest Airbase. Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Nearest Railhead. Nizamuddin Railway Station
- Distance from Delhi. 35 km
By Air
Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the nearest airport. It is well-connected via domestic flights from all parts of India and also international flights. From the airport, consider booking a taxi or some other means of public transport to reach the destination.
- Distance from Indira Gandhi International Airport. 35 km
Popular Domestic Flights to Delhi
By Train
Deboard at the Nizamuddin railway station situated 10-15km from the sanctuary. The station receives all the major express and super-fast trains from the major metro cities of India offering excellent train connectivity. After deboarding your train, you can board a taxi, bus, or auto to reach here.
- Distance from Nizamuddin Railway Station. 15 km
By Road
Noida and areas of Delhi NCR have excellent road connectivity to other cities and towns. You can easily board interstate buses (government or private) to reach here at affordable prices. Otherwise, you can also take a taxi or drive your own vehicle to reach here.
- Distance from Amritsar. 466 km via Grand Trunk Road
- Distance from Aligarh. 135 km via Taj Express Highway
- Distance from Alwar. 160 km via NH48
- Distance from Mumbai. 1,424 km
- Distance from Kolkata. 1,517 km
- Distance from Bengaluru. 2,178 km
You can easily reach Okhla Bird Sanctuary by putting the below mentioned address on Google maps or any other navigation app you use:
Address: Gautam Buddh Nagar
UP Forest Division
E1, Sector 1, Noida
Distt. Gautam Buddh Nagar,
UP - 201301
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Okhla Bird Sanctuary
Q. What is the best time to visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
A. Anytime between December to March is considered as the best time to visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary. During this time, various migratory birds can also be spotted here.
Q. Is Okhla Bird Sanctuary safe for couples?
A. Okhla Bird Sanctuary is pretty safe for couples. But people living around the sanctuary are of conservative mindset so it is advisable for the couples to avoid PDA (public display of affection).
Q. Are there birds in Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
A. Okhla Bird Sanctuary is home to about 300 species of birds so you are sure to spot many birds in their natural habitat here.
Q. Are cars allowed in Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
A. Being a protected area, no cars or any kind of vehicles are allowed in Okhla Bird Sanctuary.
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