Wildlife Sanctuary near Lucknow

Wildlife and natural resources conservation is done for the protection of endangered plant and animal species for the future generations to understand and learn about their importance. Lucknow makes a proactive effort in the conservation of the state natural resources by maintaining bird sanctuary and crocodile rehabilitation centre which also serves as a leopard rescue centre.

Wildlife sanctuary near Lucknow aims at raising awareness about wildlife conservation among the common man. People often are not aware that wildlife constitutes all plants and animals that cannot be raised in domestic surroundings and their need to be protected to maintain equilibrium in nature’s biodiversity. The city also aims to protect the habitats of wildlife due to increased urbanization by seeking co-operation from the local government as well as the society.

Dudhwa National Park

This wildlife sanctuary was established in the 1958 mainly for Swamp Deer. Later in 1977, it was declared as a National Park as well as in the year 1987, the park was notified as the Tiger Reserve. The temperature here can rise up to 40 degree Celsius during summers.

Major Attractions of Dudhwa National Park

Tigers and Swamp Deer form the major attractions, however some other animals also found in this park are: Indian rhinoceros, barking deer, Sambar deer, hog deer, spotted deer, jackal, jungle cat, sloth bear, civets, leopard cat, fishing cat, ratel.

How to Reach

The best time to be in this park is in the month of February to April. To reach this park you can either drive from Delhi (8 to 9 hours), or avail a train from Shahjehanpur and then drive to Dudhwa (3 hours). From Lucknow airport you can drive to Dudhwa in 6 hours.

Address and Phone number

Dudhwa National Park
Lakhimpur Kheri
Phone no: 05872 52106

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary

Regarded as one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh, the Nawabganj bird sanctuary is one of the major tourist attractions in Lucknow. The sanctuary has a natural water body which is home to a variety of migratory birds like Cotton teal, Gadwall, Coot, Graylag Goose and many more. Among local birds one can spot Painted, Open billed and White necked Storks, White Ibis, Dabchick, Peacocks, Pheasants, Tern Vultures, King Crow, Indian roller and a variety of Bee eaters.

Special Attractions

• Many rare species of European and Siberian migratory birds.
• Excellent photography location for wildlife photographers and bird watchers.
• Serves as Interpretation centre for bird behavior

How to Reach

The sanctuary is located in Nawabganj town on the Kanpur-Lucknow road at a distance of about thirty five kilometers from the city of Lucknow. The station and Lucknow Airport are also within forty kilometers from the sanctuary.

Best Time to Visit

Since Lucknow has very harsh summer months with temperature soaring to more than forty degrees, most tourists visit the city between October to March. The migratory birds all through the winter months, however the best time to catch a glimpse of maximum numbers of migratory birds is from November to March.

Kukrail Forest Reserve

The Kukrail sanctuary was established in the late 70s in collaboration with the UP forest department with the sole aim of conservation of crocodiles or ghariyals which were killed for their teeth and skin. The sanctuary at present serves as a reserve park for many species of deer and a leopard rescue centre and also as a favorite picnic spot near the Lucknow city.

Major Attractions

• Crocodile conservation and breeding from egg to adult stage
• Conservation of plants species that are rare and endangered
• Conservation of leopards from areas which fall under man-animal conflict zones in order to save them from human attack.

Facilities

• Serves as a picnic spot and children’s park
• Boating facilities in Kukrail river at nominal charges available
• Canteens for food and other refreshments available
• Drinking water taps installed
• Parking facilities for visitor vehicles

Timings

The park section of the sanctuary is open from morning till sun down, all seven days of the week; however, the crocodile rehab centre can be visited between 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening.

How to Reach

The sanctuary is located in Indira Nagar Township about nine kilometers away from the city of Lucknow. Two different ways from Indira Nagar lead to the sanctuary, one from Munshi Pulia and the other from Khurram Nagar crossing. Autorikshaws and buses are available from both these points.