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udhwa

Nature & Wildlife

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary

Jharkhand’s only bird sanctuary — a Ganga backwater wetland of two lakes, Patauda and Berhale, declared a Ramsar Site in 2025.

Udhwa, Sahibganj district, Jharkhand 816108

Directions
Asian openbill storks wading in the shallow water of Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary
Asian openbill storks feeding in the shallows of the sanctuary. · Photo: Udhwa

About Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is a 5.65 km² wetland formed by two backwater lakes of the Ganga — Patauda and Berhale. It is the only bird sanctuary in Jharkhand and was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance on 1 February 2025.

The Asian Waterbird Census of January 2024 recorded 58 bird species and 18,009 individual birds here, including six globally threatened species. Winter brings migratory flocks; storks, egrets, herons and purple swamphens are seen through much of the year.

Visiting

  • Best season: November to March, when migratory birds arrive.

  • Best time of day: early morning (6–9 AM) and late afternoon (4–6 PM).

  • Nearest railway station: Barharwa Junction, about 15 km away.

  • Things to do: bird watching, photography, nature walks and boating.

History

The sanctuary was established in 1991 to protect resident and migratory birds, and is recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA). It is managed by the Jharkhand Forest Department with support from the National Mission for Clean Ganga. Udhwa itself is said to be named after Uddhava, a friend of Lord Krishna.

Photos of Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary

All photos
Asian openbill storks wading in the shallow water of Udhwa Lake Bird SanctuaryOpenbill storks at Udhwa LakeUdhwa Lake wetland with green marshes and the Rajmahal hills on the horizonUdhwa wetlands and the Rajmahal hillsGreen 'I love Udhwa' sign beside a brick walkway at the lakeside park‘I ♥ Udhwa’ at the lakeside

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