India’s wetlands are far more than tranquil stretches of water and reeds, they are living ecosystems that quietly sustain some of the richest biodiversity on the planet. Spread across floodplains, deltas, high-altitude plateaus and coastal fringes, these watery landscapes act as nurseries for fish, winter homes for migratory birds, and safe havens for endangered species. For travellers, wetlands offer a rare chance to witness wildlife at its most intimate: flocks rising at dawn, otters slipping through channels, and birds nesting just metres away from still waters. From internationally recognised Ramsar sites to legendary bird sanctuaries, here are five of India’s most iconic wetlands and the extraordinary wildlife treasures they protect.