Madhya Pradesh is blessed enough to still have 33% of its lands covered by forests. It is these very forests which inspired Rudyard Kipling to pen-down one of the most loved children’s stories of all time, “The Jungle Book”. Apart from hosting a huge population of tigers, MP also happens to be home to 572 different species of birds. This state truly serves to add another feather of accomplishment in any birder’s hat. And the beauty of the forests is simply mesmerizing.
Let me tell you about the famous bird watching places of Madhya Pradesh. Let’s start with the best places to see migratory birds. National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Van Vihar National Park of Bhopal are excellent choices for observing the winged visitors.
Other popular bird watching places include Bandhavgarh National Park with recorded 250 species of birds, Kanha Tiger Reserve with 300 bird species, Panna Tiger Reserve with 200 bird species, Pench Tiger Reserve with 250 bird species, Madhav National Park, Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary, Karera Wildlife Sanctuary with 245 bird species, Panna Wildlife Sanctuary, Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, Sanjay Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary, and Veerangana Durgawati Wildlife Sanctuary.
The state bird of Madhya Pradesh is Indian Paradise Flycatcher and can be seen in many of these places.
Other exciting birds you can spot in MP include Spur Fowl, Dotted Snake Bird, Pintail Snake Bird, Drongo, Red-headed Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Wagtail, Golden Hooded Oriole, King Vulture, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, and many more.
The birds and enchanting forests of MP will make you come back to them again and again, and I can promise you that you won’t regret either of those times.
Satpura National Park
Satpura Tiger Reserve, also known as Satpura National Park is home to over 300 species of birds. Located in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, it’s known for its unique highland ecosystem, mesmerizing forests and captivating silence which lets you hear the snores of bears and roars of tigers.
Pench Tiger Reserve
The Pench Tiger Reserve is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and almost 285 species of birds. Spread across the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, this is also known as “Mowgli’s Land”. Pench also protects 4 species of endangered vultures.