7 Rain-Soaked Monsoon Escapes Perfect For Birdwatching In India

When the monsoon clouds roll in and the skies break open, most travellers cancel their plans and settle indoors. But for birdwatchers, this is when the real show begins. Monsoon in India doesn't just bring lush greenery — it transforms the country into a living stage of feathers, flashes, and song. While many species breed, feed, and show off their plumage during these months, only a few places offer the perfect mix of habitat and spectacle. From mist-covered forests in the Western Ghats to marshy wetlands in the north and east, these seven birding destinations are best experienced when it's pouring.

Also Read: 7 Incredible Birds You'll Only Spot In National Parks Of India

Here Are 7 Birdwatching Spots In India Where You Can Go During Monsoon:

1. Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Keoladeo is often seen as a winter destination — but monsoon is its best-kept secret. Come July, the dry scrubland transforms into a thriving wetland as rains fill up its shallow lakes and marshes. Painted storks start nesting, Indian darters spread their wings to dry, and jacanas tiptoe across lotus ponds. It's also breeding season for the sarus crane, the tallest flying bird in the world. Bring waterproof gear — Keoladeo in the rain is muddy, magical, and 100% worth it.

2. Wayanad, Kerala

Nilgiri flycatcher. Photo: Pixabay

Don't be put off by the word 'monsoon' here — Wayanad's thick forests and high rainfall create the perfect backdrop for birdwatching. The Western Ghats hotspot is home to over 300 species, including endemics like the Malabar trogon, Wayanad laughingthrush, and Nilgiri flycatcher. Rainfall boosts insect life, which in turn attracts hungry flocks. The upside? Fewer tourists, quieter trails, and photogenic mist curling through tree canopies.

3. Ratnagiri, Maharashtra

The Konkan coast might not be the first place that comes to mind for birding, but Ratnagiri surprises even seasoned twitchers. Come monsoon, the wetlands and mangroves here attract waders like sandpipers and plovers, and the nearby forest patches are ideal for spotting Indian pittas, which migrate here to breed. Bonus: You can chase birds in the morning and enjoy steaming vada pav and coastal thalis by noon. What's not to love?

4. Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh

Photo: Unsplash

If you've got the patience for northeast India's moody monsoon weather, Eaglenest will reward you handsomely. This offbeat sanctuary is one of the best birding spots in Asia, home to over 450 species. The monsoon months see the forests teeming with life — laughingthrushes, scimitar babblers, and the elusive bugun liocichla, which was discovered only in 2006. The terrain can be challenging, but even a single morning walk here can yield lifers you won't forget.

5. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala

Malabar grey hornbill. Photo: Pixabay

Called the 'birdman of India' Salim Ali's favourite patch of forest, Thattekad isn't one to show off-but the birds here do plenty of that. The sanctuary, also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, turns into a rainforest dreamscape during the monsoon. Endemic species like the Sri Lanka frogmouth, Malabar grey hornbill, and white-bellied treepie are relatively easier to spot when food sources peak after the rains. Just don't forget leech socks — they're more common than tourists this time of year.

Also Read: 10 Notable State Birds Of India And Where To Spot Them

6. Mangalajodi, Odisha

Known as the 'bird village' of Odisha, Mangalajodi sits on the northern edge of Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon. While winter brings in lakhs of migratory birds, the monsoon paints the wetlands in emerald hues and attracts breeding species like purple moorhens, bronze-winged jacanas, and black-headed ibis. Locals run guided boat rides through the marshes-quiet, non-intrusive, and ridiculously scenic. It's birdwatching at its most intimate.

7. Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Photo: Unsplash

You don't need to be big-cat obsessed to love Satpura. While most parks shut during monsoon, parts of Satpura remain open for nature lovers. Its hilly terrain, dense sal forests, and rivers make it a paradise for birds like the crested serpent eagle, Malabar whistling thrush, and paradise flycatcher. Plus, there's something magical about spotting birds from a canoe while the forest drips around you. Just pack your rain gear and a sense of humour.