Some of the most famous birding locations in Assam are Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Nameri National Park, Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Dehing Patkai National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Majuli Island, Deepor Beel and Maguri Beel. These areas offer habitats such as grasslands, swamps, riverine islands, semi-evergreen forests and wetlands that support hornbills, kingfishers, storks, pelicans, eagles, floricans and several rare migratory species.
Along with major national parks, Assam also offers scenic bird-watching trails. Popular trails include Kamakhya Temple trail, Bageshwari Devi Temple trail, Agnigarh Hill Trail, Bamuni Hill Trail, Maliyata Trek, IIITG – Bagheshwari Devi Temple trail, Deepor Beel Trail, Orang National Park Loop, Bagori – Kaziranga National Park Trail, Kamalabari Ghat Hike, Salbari Loop, Hudukhata Trail, Silbori – Dhansri River via Orang National Park trail, Silbori – Orang National Park trail, Manas Safari and Rafting trail, Dibru-Saikhowa Biking route, Umananda Mandir trail, Manas Elephant Safari route, Brahmaputra Bank Trail, Silbori – Badlichar trail, Sarupeta Loop, Mayang Trail in Pobitora, Garamur MTB Loop in Majuli, Kohora – Mihimukh Central Range trail, Chareido Moidams trail, Birinabari Hike, Kohora – Mihimukh Central Range Loop, Bagori Western Range Loop, Bailey Trek Guwahati to Dirang Section 1, Agaratoli Eastern Range, Chariduar – Nameri National Park trail, Majuli Island Trek and Silighat – Brahmaputra Trail.
These routes offer not just bird sightings but also views of rhinoceros, elephants, deer, wild buffaloes and river dolphins in some places. Deepor Beel and Maguri Beel wetlands are prime locations for water birds, while Dehing Patkai and Nameri are excellent for forest species such as hornbills, trogons and broadbills. Jatinga near Haflong is also famous for its mysterious bird behavior, making it a unique attraction for bird enthusiasts.
The best time for bird watching in Assam is from November to February when migratory birds arrive and the climate is comfortable. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the highest chances of sightings, especially in areas like Manas, Kaziranga, Nameri and Pobitora. With its river islands, forest trails and national parks, Assam offers unforgettable bird watching experiences for beginners and experts alike.
Key Pointers
Top Trails & Bird-watching / Nature Spots in Assam
Sacred hill trail leading to the famous Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill, offering spiritual ambiance and panoramic views of the Brahmaputra and Guwahati city. 2. Bageshwari Devi Temple Trail
A cultural temple trail through forested surroundings of Maliyata Reserve Forest, popular among pilgrims and nature lovers with birdlife all around.
A short hill climb in Tezpur with mythological significance, offering landscaped viewpoints and sweeping views of the Brahmaputra River.
Known for ancient stone carvings and archaeological remains, this moderate trail combines light hiking with heritage exploration.
5. Maliyata Trek
A peaceful forest trek inside Maliyata Reserve Forest, great for bird watching, short nature walks, and spotting small wildlife species.
6. IIITG – Bageshwari Devi Temple Trail Easy walking route connecting IIIT Guwahati with Bageshwari Temple, passing through green surroundings and village landscapes. Ramsar-listed wetland trail famous for migratory birds, lake views, and sunset photography around the freshwater beel ecosystem.
Longer wildlife loop trail through grasslands and wetlands, known for rhinos, elephants, and excellent bird watching along the Brahmaputra floodplains.
A popular safari access route through Kaziranga's western range, ideal for spotting one-horned rhinos and wetland birds. 10. Kamalabari Ghat Hike
Riverside hike along the Brahmaputra leading to Kamalabari Ghat with serene views, village scenery, and rich avifauna.
11. Salbari Loop (Manas Landscape) Scenic loop trail near Manas National Park featuring grasslands and riverbanks, home to hundreds of bird species and large mammals. 12. Hudukhata Trail
Nature trail toward Manas National Park offering open landscapes, off-roading tracks, and excellent chances for spotting grassland birds. A river-side birding trail passing through Orang's forest edges and sandbanks, great for water birds and raptors. Moderate distance nature route through the Orang terrain featuring forest patches, wetlands, and diverse bird habitats. Adventure combination trail with jungle safari and river rafting, giving opportunities for spotting hornbills, eagles, and riverine bird species.
Short trail on Umananda River Island, reached by ferry, combining temple visit with sightings of peacocks and island birds. Wildlife viewing trail inside Manas National Park offering close-range observation of forest birds and grassland fauna. 19. Brahmaputra Bank Trail
Riverside trail across Dibru–Saikhowa riverine island landscapes, rich in wetland vegetation and migratory birdlife. 20. Silbori – Badlichar Trail
Longer Orang National Park route through forest and grassland mosaics, great for viewing waterfowl, storks, and grassland birds. 21. Sarupeta Loop
Expansive cycling or driving loop around Manas landscape with open plains, river channels, and frequent bird sightings. Mountain biking trail across Majuli Island, passing villages, paddy fields, and wetlands rich in winter migratory birds. 24. Kohora – Mihimukh (Central Range) Trail
Kaziranga central range access route offering sightings of rhinos, swamp deer, and numerous waterfowl and raptor species. Heritage trail through ancient royal burial mounds of the Ahom dynasty surrounded by scenic countryside and open bird habitats. 26. Birinabari Hike
Riverside hike near Brahmaputra with lush greenery, open sandbanks, and frequent sightings of waders and river birds.
27. Kohora – Mihimukh Central Range Loop
Extended loop trail in Kaziranga's core area ideal for wildlife safaris and extensive bird watching in wetlands and grasslands. 28. Bagori Western Range Loop
Kaziranga western range safari loop known for rhino sightings and vibrant bird populations around beels and reed beds. 29. Bailey Trek: Guwahati – Dirang (Section 1)
Long-distance Himalayan heritage route offering changing landscapes, remote villages, and alpine bird species along the journey.
30. Agaratoli Eastern Range Trail
Kaziranga's eastern range trail close to river channels, ideal for spotting fishing eagles, storks, and river dolphins. Forest and riverbank trail entering Nameri National Park, excellent for sighting white-winged wood ducks, hornbills, and butterflies. Trek across Majuli river island through tribal villages, wetlands, monasteries, and open birding habitats ideal for winter migrants.
33. Silighat – Brahmaputra Trail
Easy riverside nature trail along the Brahmaputra near Silighat, offering peaceful views, sandbar birds, and boat activity photography.
Famous for the mysterious bird suicide phenomenon, offering unique views and birdwatching opportunities near Haflong
India's largest tropical lowland rainforest, excellent for spotting hornbills, trogons, and broadbills.
A vital wetland haven for diverse birdlife, particularly famous for winter migratory geese, ducks (like Bar-headed Goose, Greylag, Mallard), storks (Adjutant, Openbill), and resident species like Fishing Eagles, offering an adventurous birding experience with limited infrastructure but rich biodiversity.
