Bhindawas wildlife Sanctuary and the lake including many migratory bird makes for an offbeat day trip from Delhi.
Last weekend happened to be my second weekend at home in Faridabad, with no travelling at all. I was bored and desperately seeking a quick escape near Delhi.
The only thing was, I had only a day to spare (I am leaving for Northeast India soon) and didn’t want to go anywhere beyond 150km from Delhi, hence Bhindawas Lake and bird sanctuary — located less than 70km from Delhi — felt like a good plan.
Looking for more places to visit near Delhi? Read this article for places to visit within 250 and 500km from Delhi (including mentions of Bhindawas sanctuary).
Visiting Northeast India? Let me share my personal favorite place in the region that 99% of people in mainland India had no idea existed in the Northeast: Manas National Park located in the territorial area of Bodoland in Assam. Very scenic, super offbeat and a very budget friendly place because hardly any tourists go there)
So I called a few friends and asked for recommendations, and a few names that everyone repeatedly suggested were Neemrana, Agra, and Jaipur. No one suggested Bhindawas wildlife sanctuary or the lake around it.
I knew that Neemrana is a good place for those who are staying in Neemrana Hotel, but for day-trippers, it has nothing to offer. To make it even worse, Neemrana charges some 1500 Rupees as an entry fee. Other places like Agra and Jaipur were over 200km away and a long drive was the demotivation.
Later, as the research got a little intense and I started studying Google Maps in detail, I came across this big blue patch that appeared as a pretty decent-sized waterbody. A little more research and I later found that this blue patch was, in fact, an artificial Bhindawas lake made to collect water from two local canals.
Here’s a video from my Youtube channel of the entire ride from Delhi to Bhindawas wildlife sanctuary:
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Bhindawas Lake Is The Original Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhindawas Lake, which later turned into Bhindawas Wildlife and bird Sanctuary was originally constructed in 2009, to store the excess waters of two nearby canals. Today, the area of the bird sanctuary accounts for a total of over 1000 acres, with an impressive ecosystem for migratory birds.
According to the figures, it is believed that over 30,000 different varieties of migratory birds flock to this place and find a temporary abode.
And that’s not it, the place is moreover home to over 250 species of local resident birds that call Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary their permanent home. The number dips during the summer and picks up during the winter.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t carrying my DSLR and thus couldn’t shoot any birds but just the usual surroundings with my phone.
Developed and funded by the government, the place Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary houses an interpretation center as well as a museum that provides in-depth knowledge of the place and the birds that visit the area.
Visitors can find watchtowers located at a few places to spot bird action or just soak in the freshness of the place. Those who are not much of bird lovers can also enjoy the peaceful nature of the place and the fresh air.
Since there are many mammals found around too, it is also called Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary. According to Wikipedia, it is an important part of the ecological corridor along the route of the Sahibi River.
Though the place is massive (spread over an area of 1000+ acres) a trip to Bhindawas Lake does not involve too much talking. A nearly 15 km vehicle track that goes all around the lake, in a loop. It is possible to drive a car/jeep, as well as ride a motorcycle along the track.
How To Travel From Delhi To Bhindawas
The total distance to Bhindawas Lake is less than 100km from Delhi and even lesser from Gurgaon. Driving to Bhindawas is easy and takes less than 2 hours from Delhi. The ideal way to get there is in your own car/motorcycle as there is no direct public transport to Bhindawas.
The place is moreover super-easy to navigate on Google Maps.
The best time to visit Bhindawas is between November and February when the weather is cold and the maximum number of migratory birds can be spotted.
Things To Do At Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary
Apart from bird-watching, Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary offers several slow-travel experiences that make it ideal for a peaceful one-day trip from Delhi NCR.
1. Bird Watching & Photography
Winters transform Bhindawas into a paradise for bird photographers. Species like painted storks, bar-headed geese, spoonbills, black-necked storks, and multiple varieties of ducks can be spotted near the shallow edges of the lake. Carrying binoculars or a zoom lens significantly enhances the experience.
2. Cycling Around The Bhindawas Lake
The 15-km loop road around Bhindawas Lake is perfect for cycling. Early mornings or late evenings offer the best light and the least disturbance from vehicles.
For travellers who enjoy similar nature-cycling experiences near Delhi, another underrated option is Mangar Bani in Faridabad. While Bhindawas offers open wetland views and birdlife, Mangar Bani provides a completely different terrain — forest trails, rocky paths, and Aravalli landscapes. Together, both places make for excellent low-cost, eco-friendly outdoor escapes for cyclists looking to explore beyond the usual city roads.
3. Nature Walks & Silent Observation
Even if you’re not an avid birder, Bhindawas is a fantastic place for mindful walking, meditation, or simply sitting by the water and listening to the sounds of nature. The wide open landscape, minimal commercial activity, and absence of loud crowds make it one of those rare places near Delhi NCR where you can genuinely slow down. Many visitors come here not with cameras or binoculars, but just to disconnect from screens and city noise for a few hours.
4. Sunset Views Over The Wetlands
Sunsets here are unexpectedly beautiful. The reflection of orange skies on the still lake water creates a surreal atmosphere rarely found so close to Delhi.
Have you been to Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary? Or have you heard of it before?
Also Read: Delhi to Kalagarh and Delhi to Barog, Two More Day Weekend Trips
