Okhla Bird Sanctuary - Haven for Waterbirds.

 

Okhla Bird Sanctuary known as a haven for over 300 bird species, especially waterbirds. It is situated at the Okhla barrage over Yamuna River in Noida, Gautam Buddh Nagar district on Delhi-Uttar Pradesh state border. The Uttar Pradesh Government designated this a sanctuary in the year 1990 an area of 3.5 square kilometres (1.4 sq mi) on the river Yamuna. The bird species of thorny scrub, grassland and wetland are seen in the sanctuary due it's unique positioning. This wetland was formed due to the creation of Okhla Barrage. It is an ideal picnic spot where you can seek some quality time with your family, indulge in bird watching, embark on a short hike, and catch a stunning sunset across the lake. Okhla Bird Sanctuary gives you a golden opportunity to spend some refreshing moments in the grace and captivating beauty of nature.

 

 

The sanctuary houses over 188 different species of plants that comprises medicinal herbs, shrubs, herbaceous climbers, trees like Ficus, Babool, Keekar, Sheesham, Shemal, and others.

 

More than 320 bird species recorded in the sanctuary. Out of these 20 common resident water bird species, 44 common resident woodland species, 43 migratory water birds species and 26 migratory woodland birds species.

 

About 10 species of mammals includes nilgai, indian mongoose, blacknaped hare, jackels, 08 species of reptiles, 02 species of amphibians.

 

 

One of the pristine locations in the Okhla Bird Sanctuary is the majestic lake that has been built by damming the Yamuna River and lies seated between the Okhla village and Gautam Budh Nagar. The best time to visit the Okhla Bird Sanctuary is in the winter months between October and March. The Okhla Bird Sanctuary timings are 7 am to 5:30 pm while the Okhla Bird Sanctuary entry fee is a nominal Rs. 30 for Indian citizens and Rs. 350 for foreigners.

 

The sanctuary is approachable from Mathura Road (NH-2), via Sarita Vihar going towards Noida. The nearest stations of Delhi Metro is Okhla Bird Sanctuary metro station on Magenta Line.

 

Winter: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Summer: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM

 

Indian Person: ₹30

Foreigners: ₹350

Camera Charges: ₹500