A bliss for bird-watchers, nature lovers, and those looking for a break from city life, the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is perfect weekend getaway. This sanctuary is in about 224.6 hectares of area located in the Unnao district in Uttar Pradesh. The chirping of the birds is a melody to the ears and can be heard everywhere in the sanctuary.
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is also called Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary. Immersed by thick backwoods, this bird safe-haven is home to 250 species of birds and is likewise a great spot to detect other wildlife. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary houses homegrown Indian birds as well as migratory birds like the Peafowl, Sarus Crane, King Crow, and Indian Roller among others.
Moreover, it is additionally a dwelling place for reptiles like Viper, Water Snakes, Cobra, and Rattlesnakes. The timing to visit the sanctuary is 8 am to 5 pm. In case, one wants to go for bird watching you can book your slot for early morning a day in advance.
History
The sanctuary got recognition as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984 by the Government of India. It was then known as Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary. In 2015, it was renamed as Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary also has a Bird Interpretation center, where knowledge of birds and their behavior are taught in detail.
The mainland of the sanctuary is around a shallow lake which acts as a perfect place for the migratory birds to dwell around when they come there.
It is also said that this is the place where Lakshman rested while returning after dropping Sita in Bithoor.
How to reach
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is effectively accessible through all the methods of transport – air, rail, and road. In any case, the most ideal way to reach is the railway which offers a convenient facility for travellers.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to the sanctuary is Unnao Junction railway station. The station is situated at a distance of 20 kms from the bird sanctuary and is very much associated with every one of the significant urban cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata. From the station, travellers can either take a taxi or can board a local transport to arrive at Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary.
In another case, the travellers can reach Kanpur or Lucknow by train and further travel to the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary by car.
By Road
The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is located on the National Highway making it convenient for travellers to reach. The travellers can travel by bus or by car and reach the destination. The buses which travel from Lucknow to Kanpur or vice versa have to pass through the Sanctuary and can easily drop the travellers there. Otherwise, a taxi can also be hired to travel to the sanctuary.
By Air
The nearest airport to the sanctuary is the Chaudhary Charan Singh airport in Lucknow which is about 30 kms from the sanctuary. It is an international airport; hence direct flights are easily available. From there, only a taxi is available to travel further to the sanctuary.
An alternate for this route can be through the Kanpur airport which is about 40 kms from the sanctuary. Travellers can reach there by flight and travel further by taxi to the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary.
Local Cuisine/ Accommodation
Unnao is a small district located between Lucknow and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Though there is no unique local cuisine, this place offers a variety of food from all the famous Indian cuisines.
The place does not have many luxurious accommodation places. If you are interested in Bird watching and have to reach the sanctuary in the early morning then you can stay in the hotel which is operated by the state tourism department. The hotel has a restaurant and is the nearest place to the sanctuary.
Some other places where the travellers can stay are:
- Golden Hotel
Price – Rs.1500/ per night (approximately)
The hotel is located in the market area of Unnao.
- Hotel Surya Galaxy by WB Inn
Price – Rs.2300/per night (approximately)
Suggestions
- A day trip to the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is fine.
- Wear comfortable footwear as you will have to walk a lot.
- Best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to March, which is when the migratory birds can be seen.
- Carry an identification card with you, as it is checked to get entry.
- Binoculars are a must if you are going for bird watching.
- Eat before you go. As food is only available outside the sanctuary and you are not allowed to carry anything with you inside.
- There is a fee for the camera. However, there is no fees for mobile cameras.
- Cycles are also available at the gate of the sanctuary. If you wish you can take a cycle and go cycling.
Conclusion
A walking trail is created by the Forest Department alongside the lake. The travellers can sit and enjoy the view there. You might definitely see a group of birds taking a flight there which is a delight to the eyes. Other than the birds, reptiles can also be sighted near the lake thus, it is recommended not to go too close to the lake. The place is such a delightful ambiance that one must definitely enjoy the visit there.
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