Top birdwatching sites in Himachal Pradesh

Surrounded by high-altitude mountains and brimming with lakes and rivers, Himachal Pradesh enjoys a varied topography which makes the region rich in flora and fauna. The dense forests here are a mix of tropical to coniferous, providing a perfect home to myriad migratory and rare birds. Some of the rarest pheasants can also be witnessed in Himachal, and the place is a paradise for nature seekers and bird lovers.

Here are some of the top five birdwatching spots in Himachal Pradesh.

The upper Dharamshala region is the place where one can find a number of colourful and rarely seen birds. The dense forests here are rich in birdlife and boasts of a rich mix of local and migratory birds. Common woodshrike, bulbul, Indian grey hornbill and woodpeckers are the prime residents of these forests.

Pong Dam is counted as one of the top birding sites in India. Set in the Kangra district, the dam was built in 1975 on the Beas River. In 1983, the region was declared a bird sanctuary and is also the country's 25 Ramsar sites. The beautiful little hamlets around the wetland are ideal for birdwatchers. Bird species such as babblers, warblers, kingfishers and moorhens can be easily spotted here. Besides some exotic birds like Pallas's and Caspian gulls can also be seen in the region.

The park is home to a number of cold desert bird species, as the temperatures here remain below zero. During summers, the rivers and lakes in the region remain semi-frozen and the gorgeous ibex can be spotted here along with numerous other animal and bird species. The rare mountain bird species like Himalayan snowcocks, snow partridge, kestrels, snow pigeons and golden eagles can be spotted in their natural habitat.

The national park here is probably the best place to witness a wide range of exotic and home bird species. With undisturbed forests, the wilderness here is just unexplored. One can spot birdies such as the yellow-billed blue magpie, Himalayan black bulbul, white capped redstart, and brown dipper among others.

The sanctuary in Chail is another beautiful spot for birdwatchers. Chir pheasant and Khalij pheasants are a common sight here. With some luck, you might also be able to capture a russet sparrow, green-backed and golden eagles on your camera.