Udhwa Bird Sanctuary, in the Rajmahal subdivision of Sahibganj district, is Jharkhand's only bird sanctuary and centres on two wetlands, Pataura Jheel and the larger Brahma Jamalpur (or Berhale) Jheel, together recognised as a wetland of international importance. Over 80 bird species have been recorded here, including rarities such as the Nordmann's greenshank and the near-threatened black-necked stork, drawing birdwatchers to a part of the state that otherwise sees relatively little tourist traffic.
Winter transforms the sanctuary as migratory birds arrive from as far away as Siberia and other parts of Central Asia, settling into the wetlands for the season. The sanctuary takes its name from the nearby village of Udhwa, itself named for Uddhava, a companion of Krishna in the Mahabharata, adding a small note of legend to what is primarily a quiet, ecologically significant corner of northeastern Jharkhand.
Notified as a bird sanctuary in 1991 to protect the exceptional variety of resident and migratory birds using its wetlands, Udhwa remains the state's only dedicated bird sanctuary and one of its more overlooked natural attractions.
November to February, for peak migratory bird activity.
About 10km from Sahibganj railway station; the nearest airport is Ranchi's Birsa Munda, roughly 300–400km away.
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