Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is part of the Naina Devi Himalayan Bird Conservation Reserve located near Pangot village, approximately 12-13 km from Nainital in Uttarakhand. Established as a conservation reserve in March 2015, it encompasses dense oak and pine forests at an elevation of 2,528 meters (6,510 feet). The sanctuary is renowned for its exceptional avian diversity with over 580 recorded bird species, making it a premier destination for birdwatching and nature photography in the Kumaon Himalayas.

Visitors can expect to explore well-marked forest trails through dense oak and rhododendron woodlands with panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. The sanctuary offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching with chances to spot both resident and migratory species along quiet nature trails. The area features cool mountain air, peaceful surroundings away from urban noise, and scenic landscapes typical of the Kumaon Himalayas. Guided bird-watching tours are often available, and the terrain includes gentle to moderate trekking paths suitable for nature walks.

The area was formally notified as the Naina Devi Himalayan Bird Conservation Reserve in March 2015 by the Government of Uttarakhand and Uttarakhand Forest Department, encompassing 111.9 square kilometers. The reserve includes areas such as Barapathar, Kilbury (Pangot), and Vinayak.