Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Noida (Visit In 2024)

Okhla Bird Sanctuary

Is Okhla sanctuary worth visiting? What is the best time to visit? What is Okhla Bird Sanctuary famous for?

I am Somraj Mondal, founder of indianchacha.com. In this blog post, I will show you complete details of Okhla Bird Sanctuary.

Here, you will learn about,

  • About and history of the sanctuary
  • Flora and fauna
  • Attraction
  • Best time to visit
  • And, much more information

Let’s begin.

Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Noida Overview

Okhla Bird Sanctuary is situated at the Okhla Barrage on the Yamuna River in Noida, on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh state border. Covering an area of ​​3.5 square kilometers, Okhla Bird Sanctuary is home to over 300 species of Birds. In the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the UP government designate the Sanctuary on the Yamuna River.

There is a huge lake that is created by the Yamuna River. it is the most prominent feature of the Bird Sanctuary, located between Okhla village to the west and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Where the Yamuna River leaves the Delhi Border and enters the state of UP, at this point, this Sanctuary is located.

The sanctuary is fulfilled with many Tall Tree that is surrounded by a full bird sanctuary with a lush green view. If are finding the ideal place for a Picnic where you can watch Birds, take short Hikes, and do many funny activities, it is one of the best places. Okhla Bird Sanctuary gives an opportunity to spend some refreshing moments in the grace and mesmerizing beauty of nature.

History of Okhla Bird Sanctuary

Basically, At first, the area is known for Okhla Barrage, which is made by the Wetlands and Yamuna River. In 1874, after the Construction of the Agra Canal, this area habitat for Bird Watching.  During his ornithological survey in the Delhi region from June 1943 to May 1945. Subsequently, Ms. Usha Ganguly recorded the avifauna from this site in her book, A Guide to Birds of the Delhi Area. After the construction of a barrage and the resulting lake in 1986, bird-watching activities at the site increased. 

Due to increasing pollution besides the Yamuna River and many water bodies, the number of Birds is declining in the area. The habitat of the sanctuary is under threat due to rapid urban development and construction activities in the surrounding area. Now, The Uttar Pradesh government approved an area of about 4 square kilometers of Okhla Barrage for this sanctuary in 1990.

Flora of the Okhla Bird Sanctuary

Along with the many types of Birds, the Sanctuary has also many species of plants, Trees, and Flowers. Okhla Bird Sanctuary has more than 188 different species such are babul, keikar, Sheesham, medicinal herbs, shrubs, herbaceous vines, hemal, and many other plants. You will find both indigenous and exotic species of plants here and the dense growth of foliage serves as a good shelter for birds. If you are a nature lover and Wildlife photographer, this horizon of the sanctuary is fulfill your mind.

Attractions Of Okhla Bird Sanctuary

1. Migratory Birds

Record says, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary has a total of 302 species of Birds and it is confirmed. According to official documents, the sanctuary is home to about 50% of migratory birds. During the winter season, from November month to February month, Migratory Birds come from different countries. The sanctuary hosts over 400 species throughout the year and over 1 lakh migratory birds during the winter months.

2. Native Birds

Native ad Migrants Birds are also one of the main attractions of the Sanctuary. Some are the native Birds of the Okhla Bird Sanctuary are Rain Quail, Indian Roller, Barn Owl, Bear’s Poached Pallas’ Fish Eagle, Comb Duck, Pied Kingfisher, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker,  Bristed Grassbird, Wood Sandpiper, and many more.

3. Yamuna River

As we already know before, Okhla Bird Sanctuary is located near the Yamuna Rover. And, the Sanctuary, offers a Breathtaking view of the river. This Bird Sanctuary is situated at the confluence of the Yamuna River with its entry into Uttar Pradesh. The water of this River serves water to the Wildlife and Birds living. The river adds extra charm to the natural beauty of this popular bird sanctuary in Noida.

4.  Gautam Buddha Park

Gautam Buddha Park is just around 2 km from the Okhla Bird sanctuary and is visited by tourists and locals for its green and serene environment. You can grab food and drinks to enjoy a weekend brunch with family and friends.

5. Visiting Stupa 18 Gallery

Stupa 18 Gallery Located 10 km from the Okhla Bird sanctuary, This is home to the best contemporary artworks by Indian artists. In the Stupa 18 Gallery, you can see many handmade sculptures, portraits, contemporary paintings, and many more attractive things. Due to its proximity to the sanctuary, you can also consider visiting here.

The Lake at Okhla Bird Sanctuary

By Damming the Yamuna River at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, there is a majestic lake. Basically, it is located between the Gautam Buddha Nagar and Okhla Village. The View of the Lake along with flocks of northern shovelers, spot-billed ducks and brown-headed gulls, and other waterfowl is just amazing to see. You can’t ignore this.

Okhla Bird Sanctuary Ticket Price, Timing

Okhla Bird Sanctuary Ticket Price:

Indian TouristRs. 30
Foreigners TouristRs. 350
Camera ChargesRs. 500

Okhla Bird Sanctuary Timing:

DayTiming
Monday7 AM–5 PM
Tuesday7 AM–5 PM
Wednesday7 AM–5 PM
Thursday7 AM–5 PM
Friday7 AM–5 PM
Saturday7 AM–5 PM
Sunday7 AM–5 PM

Best Time To Visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary

The Best time to visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary is during the winter month which is between November to February Month. At this time, the weather at the Bird Sanctuary is very Pleasant and you will get a huge chance to see the Migratory Birds. The winter months attract throngs of tourists to this popular site and the entire place hums with life and activity. Avoid visiting the Sanctuary during the Summer months and Moonsoon months. Because, in the summer, The scorching heat during summer can ruin your plans and thus. And, in the Monsoon season, the place often experiences heavy rainfall. 

How to reach Okhla Bird Sanctuary

You can easily reach Okhla Bird Sanctuary from Delhi and from another city in 3 ways.

1. By Road: Okhla Bird Sanctuary is located in the last of Delhi and is the start of UP. This area has excellent road connectivity with other cities and towns. You can easily get Taxis and buses to reach here at an affordable price. 

  • Distance from Amritsar. 466 km via Grand Trunk Road
  • Distance from Mumbai. 1,424 km
  • Distance from Kolkata. 1,517 km
  • Distance from Bangalore. 2,178 km

2. By Train: Nizamuddin Railway Station is the nearest Railway station to the Okhla Bird Sanctuary which is 10-15 km from the sanctuary.  After reaching the station, you need to take a local car or Taxi to reach the Sanctuary

3. By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the nearest airport to the Okhla Bird Sanctuary. It is well connected by domestic flights and international flights from all parts of India. After reaching the airport, you need to take a local Taxi to reach the Sanctuary.

Location in Google Map:

Tips For Visiting Okhla Bird Sanctuary

Here are a few Travel Tips while you are visiting the Sanctuary;

  1. Do not take Flashy which can easily blend clothes in with the natural surroundings. Bright colors can disturb birds and scare them away.
  2. Remember, While you are in the sanctuary premises, maintain silence and do not disturb the serenity of the place by making unnecessary noise. 
  3. Carry binoculars and a Guide book or Guider which will help you draw more knowledge about certain birds when you see them.

FAQ’s

  1. What is the best time to visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary?

    Though, you can visit the sanctuary throughout the year. But, The best time to visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary is during the winter months between, November to February Month.

  2. Are vehicles allowed in Okhla Bird Sanctuary?

    Being a protected area, no cars or vehicles of any kind are allowed in the Okhla Bird Sanctuary.

  3.  Is Okhla Bird Sanctuary safe for couples?

    Yes. Okhla Bird Sanctuary is quite safe for couples. But the people living around the sanctuary are conservative-minded, so couples are advised to avoid PDA.

  4. Are cameras allowed in Okhla Bird Sanctuary?

    Yes, you can take your camera inside the Okhla Bird Sanctuary. You have to pay an additional charge of Rs 500-1000 for the camera.

Conclusion

In short, in Noida, India, Okhla Bird Sanctuary is one of the most popular destinations to visit, near the Yamuna River. The bird sanctuary houses more than 302 species of birds. I hope you got the necessary information about Okhla Bird Sanctuary from this article before visiting the sanctuary.

Now, I want to know you:

Where are you from?

Have you already visited or are you ready to explore Okhla Bird Sanctuary?

Let me know in the comments now.

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