Okhla Bird Sanctuary

Perched over Yamuna River in Noida, Delhi-Uttar Pradesh, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary is approximately 4 square Kilometres in size. The bird sanctuary is an abode for over 300 bird species, especially waterbirds. One of the most prominent features of the sanctuary is the large lake that was created by damming the river which lies between Okhla village to the west and Gautam Budh Nagar to the east.

Also known as Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Azad sanctuary, Okhla Bird sanctuary 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.

Two critically endangered (CR) species (white-rumped vulture and Indian vulture). Nine vulnerable species (Baikal teal, Baer’s pochard, sarus crane, sociable lapwing, Indian skimmer, Pallas’s fish eagle, lesser adjutant, bristled grassbird and Finn’s weaver). Seven near threatened species (ferruginous pochard, black-bellied tern, grey-headed fish eagle, erratically east to West Bengal and south to Kerala and Sri Lanka.

The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a haven for exotic birds. It houses a number of endangered species of birds including white-rumped vulture and Indian vulture, Baikal teal, Indian skimmer, sarus crane, Finn’s weaver, Palla’s fish eagle, black-bellied tern, grey-headed fish eagle, and bristled grassbird.

• Flora – The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a haven for more than 188 species of a variety of both native and exotic species of plants can be seen in Okhla Bird Sanctuary. The water body is mainly covered in patches by water hyacinth Eichhornia cracippes and water lettucpistia stratiotes. Hydrilla verticillate, Vallisneria spiralis potamogeton pecpinatos potamogeton crispus are the common submerged vegetation. The reed bed Typha angustata and Phragmites maxima are abandoned along the deltas and bank providing habitat for birds of all kinds of the sanctuary.
• Fauna – More than 320 bird species were recorded, out of these, 20 common residents - water birds, and 44 common residents - woodland species and 43 migratory water birdspecies and 26 woodland species. About 10 species of threatened birds recorded including species of critically endangered (CR) birds. Species of nearly threatened (NT) birds recorded. About 10 species mammals including Nil Gai, Indian mongoose, black napped hare, jackals, 8 species of reptiles, and 2 species of amphibians, 87 species of fishes, 30 species of butterfly are recorded here.

The ticket price for Indian tourists to visit the Okhla Bird Sanctuary is INR 30. Whereas, the entry fee for foreigners in INR 350. However, if you wish to carry a camera with you inside then you will have to pay separate charges for it which is INR 500.

It is recommended to visit the Okhla Bird Sanctuary during the winter season between the months of October and March. It is so, because the weather remains quite pleasant and the probability of spotting exotic migratory birds is higher. However, it is advised against visiting the sanctuary during Summers and Monsoons since the weather during summer season is marked with scorching heat whereas during monsoon the place receives heavy rainfall.

• KidZania – Located at a distance of 2 km away from the Okhla Bird Sanctuary in Delhi, KidZania is India’s one of a kind global indoor entertainment and learning centre for children and young adults. They aspire to inspire and educate kids through fun role-play activities.
• DLF Mall Of India – Located in Noida, the DLF Mall is considered as one of the biggest and the largest malls in India. The entire shopping mall has been thoughtfully divided into 5 unique zones in order to render a seamless shopping, entertainment and fun experiences to its consumers.
• World of Wonder – Located in Noida, World of Wonder is a complete package of entertainment for you and your loved ones. It houses an Amusement Park, a Water Park, and a Go-Karting track. The Theme Parks are designed to cater to the needs of all age groups.
• Atlantic Water World – Regarded as the best water park in Delhi NCR, Atlantic Water World is the perfect getaway if you are exploring fun, thrill, and excitement. The water park is surrounded by a water canal and sits on the Yamuna waterfront along the Kalindi Kunj barrage.

• Hotel P.K. Residency – Located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Hotel P.K. Residency is a perfect amalgamation of comfort and value. A modern stay with a touch of old-world charm in its architectural design, the hotel is perfect for all your occasions.
• Savoy Suites – Experience the best of comfort and luxury at the most prestigious accommodation in Noida. The Savoy Suites aim at making your staycation as comfortable and memorable as you would have wanted it to be.
• IIDL Suites New Delhi – A world-class experience in one of the lavish 5-star hotels in Delhi, IIDL Suites is amongst the top-rated hotels. With its top-notch hospitality and accommodations, the hotel is a perfect one for you.
• The Athena Hotel – A plush 4-star hotel nestled in the neighbourhood of Maharani Bagh; The Athena Hotel is a comfortable stay for you.
• Kings Heritage Plaza – Located in Jasola in New Delhi, Kings Heritage Plaza is an ideal stay for you if you are looking for a comfortable yet reasonable hotel on your trip.

The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is connected to all the major cities. It is conveniently accessible from everywhere. If you happen to travel by road via cab then it will approximately take an hour to reach. However, the cheapest mode to travel to the bird sanctuary would be via metro or bus; the nearest metro station to Okhla Bird Sanctuary is Kalindi Kunj which is 22 minutes’ walk, whereas, the nearest bus station to Okhla Bird Sanctuary is Mahamaya Flyover which is at a walking distance of 3 minutes.