5 Most Surprising Birdwatching Spots In Dehradun

India.com

16-05-2025

Dehradun lies at the base of the Himalayas and is a city where nature and civilization coexist. The city is recognized for its beautiful scenery and as a center for economic activities. Dehradun is also an underappreciated city for birdwatching enthusiasts. This capital of Uttarakhand may not be known to birders the same way Bharatpur or Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary are famous for avifauna, but it certainly has some surprising places that bird lovers will admire. From quiet woods to peaceful marshes, here are the most great Dehradun birdwatching spots.
1.Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is one of the prominent Indian wildlife sanctuaries and serves as a special treat to ornithologists. It is located just outside Dehradun. This park consists of a variety of ecosystems that contains dense Sal forests, riverine belts and grasslands, therefore making it ideal to spot more than three hundred and fifteen species of birds. The park has an area of 820 square kilometers.
Birders coming to Rajaji will be thrilled to see glorious raptors such as the Crested Serpent Eagle, and Oriental Honey Buzzard effortlessly gliding above the trees. Other vibrant species include the Indian Pitta, which winters here, and the beautiful Red Junglefowl, the ancestor of domestic chickens. Remember, waterbirds are plentiful in the park; look for the Painted Stork, Woolly necked Stork, and many kinds of Kingfishers.
What makes Rajaji particularly special is how it is directly reachable from Dehradun city. A small drive provides you with ample opportunity to witness an array of birds, making it a hotspot for casual and advanced birders alike.
2.Asan Conservation Reserve
The Asan Conservation Reserve is around 40 kilometers from Dehradun and is a designated Ramsar wetland site that many visitors find astonishing due to the number of bird species it hosts. This artificial lake at the confluence of the rivers Yamuna and Asana is a magnet for hundreds of migratory birds from all over the world during October to March, so make sure to check it out.
In the winter, the reserve becomes a gem for bird watchers, hosting globally threatened species like the Ferruginous Duck and Baer's Pochard. Migratory ducks that are Northern Pintail, Common Teal, and Bar-headed Goose also make an appearance to the reserve. Year round, the Black-winged Kite, Purple Sunbird, and Indian Roller make the landscape lively and full of color.
The tranquil waters of the reserve serve as a mirror to flocks of ducks and waders, creating breathtaking scenery ideal for capturing great photographs. In addition, watching via these watchtowers and bird hides allows bird watchers to get very close to the birds without scaring them, making the experience that much better.
3.Sahastradhara
Known because of its beautiful landscapes and sulfur springs, Sahastradhara has over a thousand springs. But most people aren't aware that it is also popular for bird watching. Its thick deciduous forests and rocky landscapes provide ample shelter to many birds which makes it a great bird watching place.
Visitors might hear the captivating songs of the Himalayan Bulbul and see an elusive Blue-throated Barbet sitting on some tree branches. Birds of prey such as the Black Eagle and the Changeable Hawk-Eagle can be seen soaring overhead while smaller birds like the Verditer Flycatcher can be seen buzzing through the bushes. Robber's Cave, another tourist spot, provides further opportunities to appreciate the region for its wonderful bird watching.
Sahastradhara's tranquil surroundings along with its proximity to Dehradun combine to make this place less popular but equally good for bird watching.
4. Tapkeshwar Temple Forest
Apart from being a religious site, Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is mostly known for its location being deep within cedar forests next to a stream. However, it is primarily a temple, the serene environment conceals an equally beautiful world teeming with birds. The wooded area encircling the temple is a retreat for several avifauna species, which would indeed be a pleasant shock for people who step outside the conventional boundaries.
Here, birdwatchers can listen for the symphonic calls of the Great Barbet and gaze at the Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush and its bird watching birders can observe the Greater Yellownape and Rufous-bellied Woodpecker as they bore holes into wooden stumps in anticipation of finding bugs. The stream that flows through the forest also brings in dippers and wagtails which are lively additions to the scenery.
The combination of self–reflection and bird watching at Tapkeshwar provide a one-of-a-kind experience that is adored by almost all the local birders.
5. Malsi Deer Park
Malsi Deer Park is located on the borders of Dehradun, and is looked down upon as just another place for families to hangout. But one look closer and it is a beauty in disguise when it comes to avian life. While the park is relatively small in size, the wooded & open areas of the park has a diverse collection of bird species.
Some of the birds that can be commonly seen are the Asian Koel and the White-throated Kingfisher, relatively easier to spot due to the bright blue color. There is also a time in the year when the park serves as a stop for many migratory birds like warblers, flycatchers, and thrushes. Indian Paradise Flycatchers have also made this park their home, something most consider far-fetched.
For city dwellers looking to take a break from their busy lifestyles, Malsi Deer Park presents a captivating opportunity to watch birds.
Final Thoughts
It may not be at the top of the list of all bird watching spots, but Dehradun is definitely one of the places that require keen consideration, especially with birding in the city. The captivating combination of urban living with natural elegance draws the attention of bird lovers. The great Rajaji National Park and its wild surroundings, the picturesque Sahastradhara, or the well concealed Treasure Tapkeshwar Temple Forest and many such places will amaze everyone. A meticulous plan along with a zest for adventure around this picturesque city will definitely help you find many beautiful birds. So, it's time to put on the infiltrating lenses and set out to spot some of the most incredible birds in Dehradun, as the city perfectly exemplifies the biodiversity.