Kilbury Bird Sanctuary Nainital: Complete Nature Guide (2026)

Kilbury Bird Sanctuary Nainital is one of the most underrated nature escapes in Uttarakhand. Located just 13 km from Nainital, near the peaceful mountain village of Pangot, this high-altitude forest sits at 6,510 feet above sea level. Known for dense oak and rhododendron forests and extraordinary birdlife, Kilbury is a must-visit for birdwatchers, photographers, and travelers looking for quiet Himalayan beauty.

Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary: Location & Overview

Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary together form a rich ecological zone in the Kumaon Himalayas. Pangot acts as the gateway village, while Kilbury forest stretches deeper into untouched wilderness. The area is famous for:

• Silent forest roads

• Misty Himalayan views

• Rare Himalayan bird species

If you love slow travel, nature walks, and wildlife photography, Pangot & Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is ideal for you.

Kilbury Wildlife Sanctuary: Flora & Fauna

Kilbury Wildlife Sanctuary is blanketed with oak, pine, and rhododendron forests, creating a cool and refreshing environment year-round.

Birds you can spot

• Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)

• Himalayan Griffon

• Blue-winged Minla

• Rufous Sibia

• Himalayan Woodpeckers

With 580+ recorded bird species, Kilbury is among the most biodiverse birding destinations in India.

Wildlife

Apart from birds, the forest is home to:

• Leopards

• Himalayan Palm Civets

• Barking Deer

This makes Kilbury and Pangot wildlife and bird sanctuary a complete biodiversity hotspot.

Kilbury Bird Sanctuary Timings & Entry Fee

Kilbury Bird Sanctuary Timings

• Monday to Sunday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

✅ Entry Fee: Free
You can explore the sanctuary without paying any entry charges.

Best Time to Visit Kilbury Bird Sanctuary Uttarakhand

• March to June (Best Season):
  Pleasant weather, clear skies, excellent bird sightings.

• October to February (Winter):
  Snowfall, romantic landscapes, fewer tourists.

• Monsoon (July–September):
  Lush greenery but slippery roads and limited visibility.

👉 For birdwatching and photography, summer is the best time to visit Kilbury Bird Sanctuary Nainital.

How to Reach Pangot & Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

By Road

• 13 km scenic drive from Nainital to Pangot

• Taxis easily available

By Train

• Nearest station: Kathgodam Railway Station (20 km)

By Air

• Nearest airport: Pantnagar Airport (95 km)

Activities at Pangot & Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

• Birdwatching – paradise for bird lovers

• Nature walks & trekking

• Wildlife photography

• Guided forest tours

• Sunrise & mist photography

This region is perfect for slow, mindful travel away from crowded hill stations.

Nearby Attractions from Kilbury Forest

• Naini Lake – boating & views

• Mall Road – cafes & shopping

• Naina Devi Temple

• Snow View Point

• Tiffin Top

• Eco Cave Garden

• Nainital Zoo

• Raj Bhawan

Interesting Facts About Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

• One of the highest bird sanctuaries in India

• Over 580 bird species recorded

• Dense forests reduce noise pollution naturally

• Ideal for eco-tourism and responsible travel

Tips for Visiting Kilbury and Pangot Wildlife Sanctuary

• Wear warm layers even in summer

• Carry binoculars & camera

• Visit early morning for best bird sightings

• Carry water & light snacks

• Avoid loud noise to protect wildlife

• Hire local guides for deeper forest knowledge

Kilbury Forest: The Heart of Pangot & Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

Kilbury Forest is the green backbone of Pangot & Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, spread across high-altitude Himalayan terrain near Nainital. This dense forest belt is known for its untouched ecosystem, silent trails, and exceptional bird diversity, making it one of the most pristine forest zones in Uttarakhand.

Dominated by oak, pine, deodar, and rhododendron trees, Kilbury Forest creates a cool microclimate that attracts resident and migratory Himalayan birds throughout the year. Early mornings in the forest are especially magical, with mist drifting through the trees and birdsong echoing across the valleys.

Why Kilbury Forest is Special

• One of the best-preserved forests near Nainital

• Core zone of Kilbury Wildlife Sanctuary

• Ideal habitat for rare Himalayan bird species

• Minimal human disturbance and low tourist crowd

• Perfect for eco-tourism, bird photography & nature walks

Birdwatching in Kilbury Forest

Birdwatching in Kilbury Forest Pangot is considered among the best in North India. Species commonly spotted include:

• Lammergeier

• Himalayan Griffon

• Rufous Sibia

• Blue-winged Minla

• Himalayan Monal (seasonal)

Because of its elevation and forest density, the Kilbury Forest trail offers excellent chances for spotting birds at eye level—something rare in many sanctuaries.

Trekking & Nature Walks

Short forest treks through Kilbury Forest Nainital allow travelers to experience:

• Panoramic Himalayan viewpoints

• Hidden forest clearings

• Natural silence broken only by birds

These trails connect Pangot village to deeper forest areas, making them perfect for slow travelers and wildlife lovers.

Conclusion: Why Visit Kilbury Bird Sanctuary Nainital

Kilbury Bird Sanctuary Nainital is a hidden Himalayan treasure where forests whisper, birds rule the skies, and time slows down. Whether you are a birdwatcher, nature photographer, or a traveler craving peace, Pangot & Kilbury Bird Sanctuary promises a soulful escape into raw Himalayan wilderness.

✨ If you’re building a responsible travel itinerary in Uttarakhand, this sanctuary deserves a top spot.