Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a wetland reserve in Gautam Budh Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh, at the point where the Yamuna leaves Delhi and enters the state. Its lake, marshland and birdwatching trails make it a nature outing near Jasola, with migratory birds visiting from October to March.
- Setting: Yamuna wetland at the Delhi–Uttar Pradesh boundary
- Size: Approximately 4 square kilometres
- Winter hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
- Summer hours: 7:00 AM–5:30 PM
- Weekly closure: Every Monday
Where Okhla Bird Sanctuary is
Okhla Bird Sanctuary lies beside the Yamuna, where the river crosses from Delhi into Uttar Pradesh. The reserve covers approximately 4 square kilometres of marshland and lake habitat.
The Okhla Barrage was established over the Yamuna in 1984. The barrage and surrounding marshland were protected and declared a sanctuary in 1990. Its large lake formed when the river was dammed, and watch towers in open fields provide views of birds and the surrounding area.
The Uttar Pradesh Ecotourism website reports more than 324 bird species at the sanctuary: about 50% are migratory and 36% resident.
How do you get to Okhla Bird Sanctuary from Jasola?
From Jasola, you can reach Okhla Bird Sanctuary by road or use a nearby metro approach. The sanctuary is about an 18-minute drive from Kundan Palace, a three-star hotel offering three-star hotel rooms.
One road entrance is off the Noida–Greater Noida Expressway in Gautam Budh Nagar. Another route approaches from Kalindi Kunj via Sarita Vihar and the Okhla Barrage. A management-plan document identifies Okhla Bird Sanctuary station on the Magenta Line as the nearest metro station.
Botanical Garden station is another metro approach; from there, the sanctuary is a 3 km road journey by three-wheeler or cycle rickshaw. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is approximately 25 km from the sanctuary. For planning local journeys, see how to get around New Delhi from Jasola.
What to expect on the trails
A motorable road runs for a little over a kilometer inside the sanctuary before becoming a narrow walking trail. Watch towers in open fields offer places to look out over the wetland and observe birds.
For birdwatching, the October-to-March migratory period is a useful seasonal guide. The Uttar Pradesh Ecotourism website names Shoveller Duck, Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Gadwall Duck and Blue Winged Teal among the migratory birds recorded here. You can pair a sanctuary visit with other stops using a one-day route from Jasola.
Entry rules, timings and visitor facilities
Okhla Bird Sanctuary is closed every Monday. Check the official sanctuary site before you go.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 7:00–17:30
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The sanctuary’s fee structure is based on a Government Order dated 19-9-2010; the official site directs visitors to its Fee Structure page for current entry charges. The Divisional Forest Officer, Gautam Budh Nagar UP Forest Division, is at E1, Sector 1, Noida; the listed phone numbers are +91 120 2425 989 and +91 8448 035 012.
Choosing a season and preparing for the visit
October to March is when migratory birds visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary, while resident species are also part of the sanctuary’s bird population. The seasonal distinction can help you decide when to plan a birdwatching visit.
The Range Forest Officer, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, is at Okhla Forest Rest House Campus, Canal Colony, Okhla, New Delhi PIN 110025; the phone number is 9718028930.
FAQs
When do migratory birds visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
Migratory birds visit from October to March. Species include Shoveller Duck, Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Gadwall Duck and Blue Winged Teal.
Is Okhla Bird Sanctuary open on Mondays?
Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday. No. The sanctuary is closed every Monday.
How much is entry to Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
The official site directs visitors to its Fee Structure page for entry charges. Check that page before your visit.
Does the sanctuary have walking trails?
Yes. An internal motorable road runs for a little over a kilometer before narrowing into a walking trail.