If you're looking to combine adventure with the serenity of nature, off-roading birding expeditions offer the perfect escape. The weekends are an excellent opportunity to explore offbeat destinations, navigate rugged terrains, and immerse yourself in the melodies of exotic bird species. With winter still lingering, many migratory birds flock to India's wetlands, forests, and highlands, creating a paradise for birding enthusiasts. Whether driving through dense woodlands, scaling rocky trails, or cruising across serene wetlands, these destinations promise a thrilling yet peaceful retreat from the urban grind. Pack your binoculars, charge up your 4x4, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure into the wild.

　　Purbasthali, West Bengal

　　Don’t let the early morning mist deter you. Set sail in a country boat, and by the time the mist lifts, you’ll witness a stunning variety of birds already up and about. Chupir Char, an oxbow lake located about 150 km from Kolkata, is home to numerous resident and migratory birds, including lesser whistling teals, red-crested pochards, little grebes, and many more.

　　Situated in Purbasthali in West Bengal’s Burdwan district, this tranquil waterbody was formed when the Bhagirathi River (locally known as the Ganga) altered its course. The lake’s rich biodiversity is carefully protected by a local organisation called Kasthashali Banbithi, which offers guided tours to visitors for a fee.

　　Best time to visit: December to January.

　　Getting There:

　　You can take a Katwa-bound local train from Howrah or Sealdah to Purbasthali station, a journey of less than three hours. From the station, battery-operated rickshaws (locally called totos) are available to take you to the birding site.

　　If travelling by road, you have two options:

　　Follow NH-34 to Krishnanagar and then proceed via Nabadwip to Parulia (approximately 135 km).

　　Take NH-2 to Parulia via Memari and Satgachhia (approximately 145 km).

　　Bhigwan, Maharashtra

　　Nestled in the sugarcane heartland of Maharashtra, Bhigwan is located along the backwaters of the Ujani Dam on the Bhima River. About 250 km from Mumbai and 100 km from Pune, it is one of the best places to observe greater flamingos up close during winter. In the colder months, the bird population swells as migratory birds join the resident species.

　　At Diksal, a narrow road runs through the lake, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. However, for a more peaceful experience, head to Kumbhargaon, situated on another part of the lake. Here, you can enjoy a tranquil boat ride, drawing closer to flocks of birds. Local fishermen offer boat rides at both locations for a unique birding experience.

　　The best time to visit: December to February

　　Getting There:

　　The most convenient way to reach Bhigwan is by driving from Pune or Mumbai. If you're looking to keep costs low, you can opt for the Solapur-bound ST buses from Pune, though they may not be the most comfortable.

　　Diksal is located about 8 km from Bhigwan village. Kumbhargaon is situated at the end of a service road off the Pune-Solapur Road, providing easy access to the birding spots.

　　Sewri, Maharashtra

　　Oblivious to the noise from ship repairing and unaware of the surrounding pollution and garbage, hundreds of pink-feathered flamingos intently scour the marshy land for food. Sewri, located on the eastern side of South Mumbai, offers a surprising and unique birding experience. The flamingos are believed to fly in from the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat every winter, flocking to the Sewri mudflats, now known as Flamingo Point. These majestic birds typically begin arriving in November and remain until March. For those familiar with the spot, the best time to observe the flamingos up close is either four hours before or after high tide. During winter, other bird species such as broad-billed sandpipers, curlew sandpipers, black-tailed godwits, whimbrels, and Eurasian curlews can also be spotted.

　　Best time to visit: December to February.

　　Getting There:

　　Sewri railway station, located on the Harbour Line of the Central Railway suburban network, is just a 20-minute walk from the birding spot. Alternatively, you can drive directly to the Sewri jetty.

　　Thol Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat

　　Located just 20km from Ahmedabad, the Thol Bird Sanctuary is home to over 100 bird species, including pelicans, egrets, herons, spoonbills, ducks, and whistling teals. The reservoir was constructed by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad of Baroda in 1912, and the surrounding lake, encircled by light forest, was declared a sanctuary in 1988. Open daily from 6am to 6pm, it’s perfect for a family outing. While there is a motorable road around the sanctuary, it is recommended to take the walking path for a better view of the lake.

　　Best time to visit: December to February.

　　Getting There:

　　The sanctuary is located about an hour's drive from Ahmedabad, away from the Thol village.

　　Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, Kerala

　　Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, approximately 20km from Kozhikode, boasts a diverse terrain that supports nearly a hundred species of resident birds. In winter, an additional 60 migratory species join the avian population, making it a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. Situated at the confluence of the Kadalundi River and the Arabian Sea, the sanctuary is characterised by mangrove forests and a cluster of scenic islands. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views from a 200m-high hillock that overlooks the sanctuary. Lucky observers may also spot otters and jackals moving stealthily through the mangroves.

　　Best time to visit: November to March.

　　Getting There:

　　You can easily reach the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary with a short 20km drive from Kozhikode.

　　Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh

　　Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, also called Keetham Lake, is situated near Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Spanning 7.97 square kilometres, the sanctuary provides a peaceful refuge for over 165 bird species, including migratory ones like Siberian cranes and bar-headed geese. Its centrepiece, the scenic Keetham Lake, is a man-made reservoir teeming with biodiversity. The sanctuary also houses the Agra Bear Rescue Facility, operated by Wildlife SOS, which rehabilitates sloth bears rescued from exploitative conditions. With its serene environment and diverse wildlife, Sur Sarovar is an ideal getaway for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

　　Best Time To Visit: November to March

　　Getting There:

　　The sanctuary is located approximately 20 km from Agra city and is easily accessible via NH19 or the Agra-Delhi Highway. Visitors can reach it conveniently by taxis or buses.