Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Lucknow - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 43 km from Lucknow, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary located at Nawabganj near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Situated on the Kanpur-Lucknow highway, it is one of the many wetlands of Northern India, and among the best places to visit near Lucknow.

Also known as Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary, the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is a virtual heaven for bird-watchers, nature lovers, and those seeking a break from the humdrum city life. To promote proper protection and conservation to the resident and migratory birds, the Nawabganj lake and its surrounding areas were declared as Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary in 1984. Managed by the State Forest Department, the sanctuary was renamed Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary in the year 2015.

Spread over an area of 3 sq. km, the sanctuary provides protection for 250 species of migratory birds mostly from the Himalayas, Tibet, China, Europe, and Siberia. Greylag Goose, Pintail, Common teal, Cotton teal, Red Crested pochard, Brahmini duck, Gadwall, Shoveller, Wigeon, Coot and Mallard, etc. are some of the migratory birds found in the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary. Besides, one can also spot native birds like Spot will, Sarus crane, Painted Stork, White Ibis, Black Ibis, Dabchick, Whistling teal, Open billed stork, White-necked stork, Black-necked stork, Spoonbill, Indian Moorhen, Grebe, Cormorant Darter, Lapwing, Egret, Kingfisher, Nightjar, Tern vulture, Kite, Partridge, etc. in the sanctuary.

The sanctuary is also an abode for reptiles like Viper, Water Snakes, Cobra, and Rattlesnakes. Besides, a special deer park has been set up near the bird sanctuary where one can spot barking deers. The bird sanctuary also has an interpretation center where visitors can watch films that demonstrate different kinds of wildlife. The lake is the breeding ground for fishes like Katla, Mangur, Saul, Sindhi, Kavai, etc. Apart, there are two walking trails, eastern and western, that have been constructed to facilitate bird-watching, and platforms and benches are also placed for rest.

The best season to visit this sanctuary is from November to March since this is the time when many species of migratory birds come here.

Timings: 7 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Rs. 30 for Indians, Rs. 350 for Foreigners & RS. 500 for Camera