Kitam Bird Sanctuary- Explore Sikkim's Avian Wonderland

Kitam Bird Sanctuary is the house of more than 200 species of birds and butterflies located in Kitam village of South Sikkim in India. This bird sanctuary is situated beside the Rangeet river and around 19 kilometers from Namchi. This place is considered a birding paradise in Sikkim. It is an ideal holiday destination for experienced bird enthusiasts as it stays open all throughout the year.

Attraction

In Kitam Bird Sanctuary birds like an oriental white-eye, Red Jungle Fowl, Indian Peafowl, Scarlet Minivet, Green Magpie, Himalayan Flame, and many more are seen. Besides these Birds, there is a lot to see in and around this bird sanctuary. A breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area filled with lush greenery and mountain peaks is observed from the Tumbol Schor, the highest viewpoint of the bird sanctuary. This place is basically heaven for nature lovers. The cool weather of this place and the chirping of different types of birds soothes your soul. A unique flower called Oroxylum Indicum which is locally known as Tolota ka Phool is found in this bird sanctuary area.
Sumbak Village which is adjacent to Kitam village offers some fascinating things to see. The mesmerizing beauty of Gladioli farms of this village charms its visitors with its blooming red flowers. To relish the beauty of butterflies in the sanctuary, have a riverside walk.
100-year-old litchi trees and 200-year-old mud mud-huts in Kitam astonished its visitors.

Inside/Outside Views

Kitam Bird Sanctuary is situated at an elevation of 1200 feet to 3000 feet. It is encased with thick opulent vegetation of shrub Sal-chair and Pine forests. The shimmering Rangeet River goes by the side of this bird sanctuary and increases its beauty.
Watchtowers are set in the bird sanctuary to catch the enthusiasm of all glimpses. This is a matchless place for birdwatching. Chestnut-breasted partridge, White-rumped Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Slender-billed Babbler, White-naped Yuhina, Black-breasted Parrotbil, Beautiful Nuthatch, Rusty-bellied Shortwing, Grey-crowned Prinia, Yellow-vented Warbler, Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler, Wedge-billed Wren-Babbler and many other colorful birds are spotted in the Kitam Bird Sanctuary.

Opening Hours

Sunday 8.00 AM – 6.00 PM
Monday 8.00 AM – 6.00 PM
Tuesday 8.00 AM – 6.00 PM
Wednesday 8.00 AM – 6.00 PM
Thursday 8.00 AM – 6.00 PM
Friday 8.00 AM – 6.00 PM
Saturday 8.00 AM – 6.00 PM

How to Reach

By Air: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal is the nearest airport to reach Kitam Bird Sanctuary. This airport is well connected with all the main cities of India. It is around 102 kilometers from Namchi. This airport is also a domestic airport and is connected to the nearest international airport Kolkata in West Bengal. From Namchi, Kitam Bird Sanctuary is about 19 kilometers away. Hire a taxi or book a cap to reach the bird sanctuary from Namchi. Now Sikkim has its own airport – Pakyong airport. You can also go by this airport.

By Train: New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, West Bengal is the nearest railway station to reach Kitam Bird Sanctuary. It is around 96 kilometers from Namchi. This railway station is well connected with the major cities like Kolkata and Delhi. From Namchi, Kitam Bird Sanctuary is about 19 kilometers away. Hire a taxi or book a cap to reach the bird sanctuary from Namchi.

By Road: Namchi is around 92 kilometers from Siliguri. The Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) buses ply regularly from Siliguri to the state. You can also go by private taxi and shared taxi. From Namchi, Kitam Bird Sanctuary is about 19 kilometers away. Hire a taxi or book a cap to reach the bird sanctuary from Namchi.

Tips for Travellers

Try to get a binoculars and camera when you visit a bird sanctuary for a better and closer view of birds.
Carry necessary medicine and other things.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring this bird sanctuary area easily and also for trekking.
Get a guide for exploring this bird sanctuary area properly and follow your guide to avoid any kind of unwanted hazard.

FAQ

Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: Yes, This place is completely safe to visit.

Que-02: Is photography allowed inside Kitam Bird Sanctuary?

Ans: Yes. Photography and videography both are allowed inside Kitam Bird Sanctuary.

Que-03: What is the best time to explore Kitam Bird Sanctuary?

Ans: May to October is the best time to explore Kitam Bird Sanctuary as migratory birds are abundantly seen during this time. Also, different types of flowers bloom in this season.

Que-04: What are the nearby tourist attractions from Kitam Bird Sanctuary?

Ans: Kewzing, Namchi, Ravangla, Temi Tea Garden, Shri Char Dham Temple, and Samdruptse Solophok Hill are major tourist attractions near Kitam Bird Sanctuary.