23 Best National Parks, Wildlife and Bird Sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh often conjures the image of swaying fields of wheat, orchards of mango, forests of sheesham and dome shaped heritage buildings, however this is not all that gives the shape to the state. A large number of both known and lesser known wildlife reserves also contribute in making Uttar Pradesh a vast and diverse and not to mention enthralling state. In the list below there are some of the national parks and wildlife reserves that you may have heard or maybe it’ll be the first time for them to be introduced to you. What is to be noted is that Uttar Pradesh is not only the destination to savour visual treats like Taj Mahal but it is also a destination of rich wildlife diversity. These wildlife reserves are a significant part of Uttar Pradesh tourism; the state promotes them as adventure destinations and welcomes wildlife lovers who would like to contribute towards the conservation of these reserves.

Dudhwa National Park & Tiger Reseve

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The ideal reflection of ‘Teria’ ecosystem, Dudhwa is most famous national park in Uttar Pradesh. Acquiring fairly large territory on the Indo-Nepal border, this national park is the home to various wildlife species such as Tigers and Swap Deer. The park covers an area of 1,284.3km and includes three large forests. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in the late 1980s and ever since it remains a safe hub for the rare Bengal Tigers in India. Numerous birds in Dudhwa also make earn it a badge of birdwatchers’ paradise. The national park is dotted with many small and big lakes, where one can often enjoy spotting swamp deer, one-horned rhinoceros, hog deer, cheetal and many species of birds.

Highlights

• Natural Forest
• Grasslands
• Elephant Ride
• Tiger
• Rhino
• Migratory Birds

Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary

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Chandraprabha Wildlife sanctuary is situated in the Southeast of Varanasi. It is one of the lesser-known wildlife sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh. It is endowed with beautiful locations that are primarily due to dense forests and scenic waterfalls like Rajdari and Devdari. A variety of wild animals and plants are found at Chandraprabha. Blackbucks, chital, sambhar, nilgai, wild boar, porcupine and Indian gazelle are some of the animals that can be spotted in the dry deciduous forest here.

Highlights

• Rajdari Falls
• Devdari Falls
• Chandra Prabha Falls and Dam
• Medicinal Plants
• Leopards
• Sloth Bear

National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary

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The National Chambal Sanctuary is a riverine sanctuary along the Chambal River. The sanctuary is rich in the crocodilian species Gavialis gangeticus (Gharial) and is also one of the few places to sight Gangetic Dolphins. A large number of nesting of Indian Skimmers is recorded here and the reserve supports 8 rare turtle species out of the 26 found in the country. River Chambal, which is one of the cleanest rivers in the country, is a home to more than 320 resident and migrant birds.

Highlights

• Chambal River
• Gharial
• Migratory Birds
• Fresh Water Dolphins

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve & Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread in Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich District of Uttar Pradesh, Pilibhit Wildlife Sanctuary. It norther border lies along the India-Nepal border while the southern boundary is marked by the river Sharada and Khakra. The sanctuary is one of India’s 41 Tiger reserves project, recently 4 new tiger cubs were found in the park establishing the fact that it is safe and prosperous reserve for tigers. It is amongst the finest examples of the diverse and productive Terai eco-systems as it is the home to over 127 animals, 556 bird species and 2,100 plants. Also a large number of rare and endangered species including tiger, leopard, swamp deer, hispid hare, and Bengal floricans also call this reserve to be their home.

Highlights

• Tiger
• Chuka Interpretations Zones
• Swamp Deer
• Birds (Migratory and Local)

Martyr Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary

Also known as Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, it is spread in an area of 2.25sq km. An ideal place for bird watchers in Uttar Pradesh, the sanctuary is situated near Unnao. With a large population of both migratory and indigenous birds, Martyr Chandra Shekhar Azad has been globally recognized as an important habitat for birds’ conservation. Among the sighted birds in the sanctuary are Common Teal, Gargney, Red Crested Pochared, Gadwall and Marsh Harrier.

Highlights

• Deer Park
• Spotted Deer
• Barking Deer
• Reptiles
• Cobra
• Krait
• Viper
• Ratsnake
• Water Snakes

Okhla Bird Sanctuary

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The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is only 4sq kms in size and is situated at the entrance of Gautam Budh Nagar district (Noida) of Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary stands at a point where river Yamuna enters in the state of Uttar Pradesh and has thorny scrub, grassland and wetland features due to its unique positioning. About 250 species of birds can be sighted here and out of which 160 bird species are migratory, travelling from Tibet, Europe and Siberia. Aquatic animals like turtles, fishes and water snakes can also be sighted here.

Highlights

• Geese
• Teal
• Coot
• Pelican
• Pochard
• Turtles
• River Yamuna

Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary

Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is not merely a bird sanctuary but it has few legends attached to it. It is reckoned to be the place where Lord Krishna and Radha used to meet, also it is believed to be the place that inspired the famed poet Soordas to compose the “Bhakti Kavya”. Today Soor Sarovar is a declared heaven for birds that come here from farthest lands. The sanctuary is spread in an area of 7.97sq km and has a large lake, which is the home to more than 165 species of migratory and resident birds. Besides being the resident for migratory and indigenous birds the sanctuary also has around 300 pythons. Also, Soor Sarovar has is recorded to be the biggest Bear Rescue centre for rescued dancing bears.

Highlights

• Keetham Lake
• Pythons
• Bears
• Migratory Birds

Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary

Located on the border area of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary consists of 500 sq km of verdant land. The topography of the region is populated by mosaic grassland, deciduous forest and swampy marshes. The main animal population consists of antelope, blue bull, blackbuck chital, chinkara and pea fowl. The sanctuary is also rich in avifauna and is home to birds like Brahmini duck, red crested poacher, pintail, mallard, coot, common teal, tufted duck are some of the species that throng the park. A decent number of migratory birds add colour to Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary.

Highlights

• Blackbuck
• Migratory Birds
• River Son

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary

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Situated in the Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh, Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary has been carved out of Old Gorakhpur forest division. The sanctuary has some part lying on the Indo-Nepal border and UP-Bihar border as well. It is a picturesque park with ponds and lake in Nagwa and Sonari zone and grasslands in Madhaulia and Lachmipur range. Sohagi Barwa is the refuge for animals like Leopard, Tiger, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Bull, Deer and many others. It is also has varied species of birds like Little Cormorant, Snake Bird, Brahmini Duck, Common Teal, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Black Ibis and Spoon Bill.

Highlights

• Cane Forest
• Grasslands
• Leopard
• Avifauna

Katarinaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Bahraich district Uttar Pradesh. Covering an area of about 154.7 square meters, this sanctuary is blessed with natural beauties. If you enjoy indulging in adventures then Katarniaghat might be a good choice for you. The sanctuary is the home of animals like Gharials, Crocodiles, Tigers, Rhinoceros, Gangetic Dolphins, Gazelles, Wild rabbits, Elephants, Jackals, Deer. There are also as many as 1300 species of birds including Darter, Grey Heron, Painted Stork, Spunbil, ASEAN Openbil and the Northern Pinten.

Highlights

• Gharial
• Cheetal
• Tiger
• Leopard

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary

Part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve near Mailani in Uttar Pradesh, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, is 13 km away from Bhira town in Lakhimpur Kheri District. Spread in an area of 200 sq km, the sanctuary has the terai forest and meadows. It is home to species like Tigers, Leopards, Pythons, Barking Deer, Ghariyal, Wild Boar and Swamp Deers. Also an enviable 450 resident and migratory bird species can be found in this park. Visitors have frequently spotted herds of Chital, Barasingha, otters in the Jhadi Tal region of the reserve and it is believed that even tigers can be spotted in Sharada Beat around Jhadi Tal.

Highlights

• Meadows
• Swamp Deer
• Sambar
• Spotted Deer
• Barking Deer
• Hog Deer

Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary

Ranipur Wildlife sanctuary is situated around 150kms from Allahabad. The sanctuary is known for its good leopard population. The shrub land in the vicinity is the home of herd of nilgai, which move towards the brackish water land to quench their thirst. Ranipur is in close proximity to Chitrakoot and while one visits this wildlife sanctuary one can stop to witness attractions like Shabri Waterfall, Raghav Waterfall, Amravati Waterfall, Marwariya Devi Temple and Dhaarkundi Asharam.

Highlights

• Ooshan River
• Tiger
• Bardaha River
• Leopard
• Painted Stork
• Crocodile
• Vulture

Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled amidst the dense forests Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh is known for its acres of lush greenery and varied topography. The wildlife sanctuary is an ideal place to get a glimpse of animal species like leopard, nilgai, wild boar, and sambhar. It is also the home to a rich number of varied avian species and is indeed a bird watcher’s paradise. A distinct feature of this sanctuary is a group of 41 Jain temples that covers an area of about 8 acres. The temples are believed to belong to the Gupta period and are adorned with sculptures of gods and goddesses and 24 Tirthankaras, pillars and edifices.

Highlights

• Jain Temples
• Dashaavtar Temple
• Nahaar Ghati
• Siddh Caves
• River Betwa
• Raajghati
• Crocodile
• Vulture

Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary

Hastinapur Sanctuary is spread in an area of 2073sq kms. The sanctuary has a decent population of swamp deer, sambhar, cheetal, blue bull, leopard, hyena, wild cat, and different types of birds. Hastinapur also houses alligators, amphibians (frogs & toads) butterflies and invertebrate groups of Scorpions, Centipedes and Odonata (dragon & damselflies, A variety of birds like painted storks, black and white necked storks, sarus cranes and varied night birds of prey, ranging from the great Indian horned owl to the jungle owlet, Colorful woodpeckers, barbets, kingfishers, minivets, bee eaters and bulbuls can be easily sighted in the wildlife sanctuary.

Highlights

• Swamp Deer
• Hog Deer
• Spotted Deer
• Crocodile
• Grassland (Khaadar Region)
• Ganga Dolphins
• Turtles

Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated in the Balrampur and Sravasti district in Uttar Pradesh, Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary spreads in an area of 452 sq km. The major species found here is that of leopard, beer, wolf, hare and jackal. The sanctuary has a thick forest of Sheesham and Khair trees. The park also has a rich population of birds; the most prominent birds sighted here are Black Partridge, Peacock, Kingfishers, Bulbul, Eagles and Nightingales. Suhaildev is also inhabited by Tharu Tribe, which is completely dependent on the reserve for their livelihood. This wildlife sanctuary is also in proximity of Buddhist circuit and therefore visiting it while on the circuit can be a good idea.

Highlights

• Tharu Tribe
• Spotted Deer
• Tiger
• Leopard
• Migratory Birds

Patna Bird Sanctuary

Patna Bird Sanctuary is small but unique, it is a protected area and comprises of a fresh water shallow wetland, which is popularly known as Patna jheel. The wetland is spread in an area of 269 acres and accommodates more than 1,00,000 water birds. A large number of migratory birds add to a riot of colours, sounds and forms here. Every year this bird sanctuary provides shelter to more than 50000 birds during the season of winter. Northern Pintail Anas acuta, Common Pochard Aythya ferina, Gadwal Anas strepera, Northern Shoveller A. clypeata and Garganey are some of the birds that can be spotted her. Among other features, the sanctuary is home to Nilgai, Jackal, Monitor Lizard, Jungle cat, Porcupine and about 252 species of plants.

Highlights

• Sarus Crane
• Northern Pintail
• Common Pochard
• Gadwal
• Nilgai
• Shiva Temple

Bakhira Bird Sanctuary

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Spread over an area of 29sq kms, Bakhira Bird Sanctuary is named after the Bakhira tal. The sanctuary is situated near Jaswal village, which is 46kms from Gorakhpur. The lake Bakhira adjoins wetlands, Gram Samaj land and some agricultural land where people still cultivate. Bakhira is the shelter for over 40,000 migratory waterfowl, while resident birds like purple moorhen and are reported to be about 5000 in number here.

Highlights

• Purple Moorhen
• Swamp Hen

Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Bird Sanctuary

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Bird Sanctuary is located in Kunda town of Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh. Situated to the south of Kunda, adjacent to River Ganga, the sanctuary is at a distance of 13 kms from the main town. The sanctuary covers an area of 4.27sq km and has land area of Beti Talaab, Purnemau Taalab, Banemau Taalab, and Shahpur Taalab, including the barren and sodic lands. There are about 500 species of birds found in the sanctuary. The migratory birds fly here from Paleartic regions like Siberia, Europe and Central Asia. Migratory birds like Rosy Pelican, Grayling Goose, Pintail, Common Teal, Gargani Teel, Red-Crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Vision, Gadwalls, Shovler, Scope Duck, Coot, Surkhab, Great Crested also travel up to reach this sanctuary during the winter season.

Highlights

• Northern Pintail
• Common Teal
• Gargney
• Northern Shovler
• Lakes

Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary

The Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary is situated in Ballia and Baansdih area of Uttar Pradesh. The bird sanctuary is settles around ‘Surha Taal’, which has a rich historical, traditional and religious background. There are about 45 villages are in the vicinity of the Surha Taal that bank upon the lake for its livelihood. Apart from fishing, the population engages in agro activities in the lake area. During rainy season a portion of the lake submerges providing a natural expansion of the natural habitat. According to an estimare approximately 10,000 birds of 15 species can be sighted in ‘Surha Taal’ the year round. And during the winter, about 200,000 birds both foreign and local can be seen here.

Highlights

• Villages in the Vicinity
• Seekhpur
• Tidari
• Coot
• Karketa
• White Hawks
• Kingfisher
• Blue Bull
• Blackbuck
• Spider Monkey
• Island

Lakhbahosi Bird Sanctuary

Lakh Bahosi Sanctuary is spread over two shallow lakes near the villages of Lakh and Bahosi (4 km apart) in Kannauj district. The bird sanctuary is blessed with rich diversity of avifauna, infact it is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in India. Covering 80sq. km including the stretch of the Upper Ganges canal, the sanctuary plays host to migratory birds from the month of November to March. Apart from the birds, it is also the shelter for animals like jackal, blue bull, mongoose, fishing cat and monkeys. This sanctuary has become an ideal destination for the bird lovers as well as tourists.

Highlights

• Grey Lag Goose
• Bar-Headed Goose
• Pin Tail
• Mallard
• Great Crested Grebe
• Open Billed Stork
• White Ibis
• White Breasted Kingfisher
• Snakes
• Turtles

Sandi Bird Sanctuary

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Sandi Bird sanctuary spread in 3sq km of land is situated in Hardoi district on Hardoi-Sandi Road around the Deher Jheel and the Garra River. This bird sanctuary is the home to more than 200 Sarus Crane and in winter season, it welcomes several migratory birds. Red Crested Pochard, Brahmini Duck, Northern Shoveller and Eurasion Wigeon are some of the foreign avian that can be sighted here. Apart from the birds, the bird sanctuary shelters animal species like fox, jackal, nilgai and Indian porcupine, there are also few varieties of turtles found here.

Highlights

• Sarus Crane
• Dahar Jheel
• Brahmini Duck
• Bird Interpretation
• Soft Shelled Turtle
• Indian Flap Shelled Turtle
• Spotted Pond Turtle
• Wolf Snake

Saman Bird Sanctuary

Saman Bird Sanctuary is located near village Saman in Karhal tehsil of Mainpuri district. The sanctuary has a natural rain-fed oxbow lake that covers 5 sq km of land that dries up in summer. The wetland developed here attracts a large number of migratory birds in the winter season, while resident birds are seen in abundance all through the year. There are eight villages inside the sanctuary and several settlements are along its periphery. Sarus cranes are the resident birds of the sanctuary, while Common Teal, Northern Pintail, Lesser Whistling Duck and Great White Pelican can be seeing visiting the reserve in the winter season.

Highlights

• Sarus Crane
• Common Teal
• Great White Pelican
• Painted Stork
• Woolly Necked Stork

Samaspur Bird Sanctuary

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Samaspur bird sanctuary is located in Samaspur area near Salon town of Rai Bareli district of Uttar Pradesh. This sanctuary has only a small area of 7.8sq km. In this sanctuary more than 250 bird species are inhabits and in the summer season various migratory birds are also seen in this sanctuary. The reason being that climate of this area is comparatively better and birds find some relief. Vulture, Kingfishers, Spot Bill Teel Common Teal etc are the permanent habitats of the sanctuary. Except the birds, more than 11 fish species can also be found in the lake situated at Samaspur. Migratory birds are recorded to visit here come from more than 5000 kilometers away to spend some time in pleasant weather.

Highlights

• Grey Lag Goose
• Bar-Headed Goose
• White Eyed Pochard
• Mallard
• Gulls
• Glossy Ibis
• Pied Kingfisher
• Snakes
• Indian Roof Turtle
• Lizards

We do hope that you liked our lists and if there are still more places that you would want us to enlist here, please feel free to comment below.

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