Introduction
Okhla Bird Sanctuary, situated in the Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) district of Delhi & Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s most celebrated avian sanctuaries. Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a premier urban wetland sanctuary situated at the Okhla Barrage where the Yamuna River exits Delhi into Noida.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Sanctuary Name | Okhla Bird Sanctuary |
| State & District | Delhi & Uttar Pradesh (Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida)) |
| Year of Notification | 1990 |
| Total Protected Area | 4.0 sq km |
| Rivers & Waterbodies | Yamuna River behind Okhla Barrage and Agra Canal headworks |
| Nearest Airport | Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi (DEL) – 25 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM) – 10 km / Okhla Metro Station – 0 km |
| Best Time to Visit | November to March |
Location
Okhla Bird Sanctuary is geographically located in the Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) district of Delhi & Uttar Pradesh. Directly accessible via Okhla Bird Sanctuary Metro Station (Magenta Line).
History and Year of Notification
The sanctuary was officially notified in 1990 under Indian wildlife conservation frameworks. Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary by Uttar Pradesh Forest Department in May 1990.
Landscape, Geography and Habitat
Riverine wetland, open water reservoir behind barrage, Typha and Phragmites reed beds, and wooded banks.
Flora and Bird Species
Records over 300 bird species. Key species include Sarus Crane, Black-headed Ibis, Indian Skimmer, Baikal Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, Greater Flamingo, Stork-billed Kingfisher, and Marsh Harrier.
Other Wild Animals & Wildlife
Nilgai (Blue Bull), Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Porcupine, Smooth-coated Otter, and Monitor Lizard.
Rivers and Water Bodies
The sanctuary’s ecosystem is sustained by: Yamuna River behind Okhla Barrage and Agra Canal headworks.
Other Attractions Nearby
Key tourist attractions and historical sites near Okhla Bird Sanctuary include: Botanical Garden Noida (3 km), Lotus Temple (8 km), Akshardham Temple (10 km), Humayun’s Tomb (10 km).
Weather and Climate
Subtropical climate. Hot summers (30°C to 44°C), monsoons (July–September), and cold winters (5°C to 20°C).
How to Reach (Airport & Railway Access)
- Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi (DEL) – 25 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM) – 10 km / Okhla Metro Station – 0 km
- Road Connectivity: Directly accessible via Okhla Bird Sanctuary Metro Station (Magenta Line).
Best Time for Birdwatching
The optimal window to explore Okhla Bird Sanctuary is between November to March.
Accommodation
UP Tourism Rahi Hotels, ITDC Hotels in Delhi.. Visitors are advised to book official state government eco-tourism stays in advance.
Last Updated: August 2026
