Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is a wetland reserve near Nawabganj town in Unnao district, on the Lucknow–Kanpur Road. With a permanent freshwater lake, adjoining marshland and more than 250 bird species, it offers a nature-focused day trip from Lucknow; the recommended visiting period is November to February.
- Location: National Highway 25, near Nawabganj town, Unnao district.
- From Lucknow: The sanctuary is about 43 km away, according to Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism.
- Recommended season: November to February.
- On site: Viewing platforms, watchtowers, a 2.6 km cycle trail, cafeteria and interpretation centre.
What to expect at Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is a 224.60-hectare wetland of lake and marshland, with birdlife as its main draw. The Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board describes it as a destination for more than 250 species, including migratory birds arriving from Northern Europe, Tibet, China and Siberia.
Among the migratory species recorded here are Greylag Goose, Pintail, Red-crested Pochard, Gadwall, Coot and Mallard. Viewing platforms, sheds and watchtowers provide places to look across the wetland. A circular chauraha runs along the cycle track, and the lake-side cycle trail covers 2.6 km.
The sanctuary was declared by notification on 7 August 1984. The Unnao district administration says it was renamed Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary in 2015; Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism continues to present it as Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary.
When is the best time for birdwatching?
November to February is the recommended time to visit Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, when migratory birds are a key attraction. Their departure begins with the onset of spring and is complete by the second week of March.
Plan your visit with that seasonal pattern in mind if seeing migratory birds is a priority. The sanctuary’s climate ranges from 4°C in winter to 48°C in summer, so conditions vary considerably across the year.
How do you get to Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary from Lucknow?
The sanctuary is on National Highway 25, the Lucknow–Kanpur Road, about 43 km from Lucknow. Public and private buses and taxis connect it with major cities via the highway. The Unnao district administration also says taxis and buses can be obtained from Lucknow and Kanpur.
If you are travelling by train, the published distance to the sanctuary from Lucknow Junction varies: the Unnao district administration gives about 55 km, while the Eco-Tourism Development Board gives about 39 km.
The same board places Kanpur Junction about 47 km away. Nawabganj bus station is 1 km from the sanctuary, and Kusumbi railway station is 2 km away.
The sanctuary is about 36.1 km from Europe Plaza, a three-star Lucknow hotel, which offers a Lucknow base for this day trip.
What facilities are available at the sanctuary?
Facilities on the sanctuary campus include a children’s park, cafeteria, interpretation centre and motel. The interpretation centre has interactive interpretive material, display signage and an audio-visual room for wildlife film shows.
Current opening hours, entry fees, seasonal closures, visitor rules and accessibility details can change. Check the official site before you go, using Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism for current visitor information.
FAQs
What is the sanctuary’s official name?
Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism presents it as Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary. The Unnao district administration says it was renamed Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary in 2015.
When do migratory birds leave?
They begin leaving with the onset of spring, and their departure is complete by the second week of March.
Is there a cycle trail?
Yes. A 2.6 km cycle trail runs along the lake.
How far is the sanctuary from Kanpur?
Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism places it about 44 km from Kanpur, on National Highway 25. A separate guide to Ambedkar Memorial Park and Ram Manohar Lohia Park covers green spaces within Lucknow.