Introduction

City Bird Sanctuary, situated in the Chandigarh Sector 21 district of Chandigarh, is one of India’s most celebrated avian sanctuaries. City Bird Sanctuary in Sector 21, Chandigarh, is a unique urban sanctuary famous as a major roosting site for thousands of parakeets.

Quick Facts

Attribute Details
Sanctuary Name City Bird Sanctuary
State & District Chandigarh (Chandigarh Sector 21)
Year of Notification 1998
Total Protected Area 0.03 sq km (2.9 hectares)
Rivers & Waterbodies Sukhna Lake catchment channels and urban forest ponds
Nearest Airport Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) – 12 km
Nearest Railway Station Chandigarh Junction Railway Station (CDG) – 8 km
Best Time to Visit Round the year (Peak parrot evening roosting)

Location

City Bird Sanctuary is geographically located in the Chandigarh Sector 21 district of Chandigarh. Located inside Sector 21C, easily reached via local city taxis and autos.

History and Year of Notification

The sanctuary was officially notified in 1998 under Indian wildlife conservation frameworks. Declared a protected bird sanctuary in September 1998 by Chandigarh Union Territory Administration.

Landscape, Geography and Habitat

Urban grove featuring mature Eucalyptus, Mango, Jamun, and Ficus trees.

Flora and Bird Species

Urban parrot and woodland sanctuary. Key species include Rose-ringed Parakeet, Alexandrine Parakeet, Indian Grey Hornbill, Black Kite, Spotted Owlet, Sunbird, Barbets, and Shikra.

Other Wild Animals & Wildlife

Indian Palm Civet, Common Mongoose, Fruit Bat, Flying Squirrel, and Garden Lizard.

Rivers and Water Bodies

The sanctuary’s ecosystem is sustained by: Sukhna Lake catchment channels and urban forest ponds.

Other Attractions Nearby

Key tourist attractions and historical sites near City Bird Sanctuary include: Sukhna Lake (5 km), Rock Garden Chandigarh (6 km), Zakir Hussain Rose Garden (3 km), Capitol Complex (6 km).

Weather and Climate

Sub-Himalayan climate. Hot summers (30°C to 42°C), monsoons (July–September), and cold winters (5°C to 18°C).

How to Reach (Airport & Railway Access)

  • Nearest Airport: Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) – 12 km
  • Nearest Railway Station: Chandigarh Junction Railway Station (CDG) – 8 km
  • Road Connectivity: Located inside Sector 21C, easily reached via local city taxis and autos.

Best Time for Birdwatching

The optimal window to explore City Bird Sanctuary is between Round the year (Peak parrot evening roosting).

Accommodation

CITCO Hotel Mountview Chandigarh, Hotel Parkview Sector 24.. Visitors are advised to book official state government eco-tourism stays in advance.

Last Updated: August 2026