Wildlife, Nature & Eco Tourism

Wildlife Destinations in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is home to diverse wildlife reserves, bird sanctuaries, and eco-tourism hotspots. From Royal Bengal tigers to rare Gangetic dolphins, the state offers exciting jungle safaris, birdwatching experiences, and river safaris.

1. Dudhwa National Park – The Wild Jewel of UP

 Location: Lakhimpur Kheri (Near Nepal Border)
 Best Time to Visit: November – May
 Nearest City: Lucknow (230 km)

 Why Visit?

• Home to Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian Rhinos, Elephants, and Swamp Deer (Barasingha).
• One of India’s most pristine and less crowded tiger reserves.
• Elephant safari, jeep safari, and nature walks available.

 Things to Do:
✅ Jeep Safari & Elephant Safari – Spot tigers, rhinos & wild elephants.
✅ Birdwatching – Over 400 bird species, including the Great Hornbill.
✅ Visit Sathiana & Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuaries – Best for dense forest experiences.

2. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve – The Hidden Tiger Haven

 Location: Pilibhit District (Near Nepal Border)
 Best Time to Visit: November – June
 Nearest City: Bareilly (50 km)

 Why Visit?

• One of India’s newest and least explored tiger reserves.
• Dense forests, open grasslands, and riverine swamps perfect for wildlife photography.
• Less commercialized, ideal for offbeat travelers.

 Things to Do:
✅ Wildlife Safari – Spot tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.
✅ Gharial & Crocodile Spotting in Sharda River – Unique river ecosystem.
✅ Birdwatching – More than 320 bird species.

3. Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary – Gharial & Dolphin Paradise

 Location: Bahraich District (Near Nepal Border)
 Best Time to Visit: October – April
 Nearest City: Lucknow (205 km)

 Why Visit?

• One of the few places in India to see Gangetic Dolphins in the wild.
• Rare Gharials (fish-eating crocodiles) thrive in the Girwa River.
• Untouched forests, perfect for adventure lovers.

 Things to Do:
✅ Boat Safari in Girwa River – Spot dolphins & crocodiles.
✅ Jungle Safari & Trekking – Explore deep forests & spot tigers.
✅ Photography at the Indo-Nepal Border – Perfect for landscape shots.

4. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary – A Paradise for Birdwatchers

 Location: Unnao District (Near Lucknow-Kanpur Highway)
 Best Time to Visit: October – March (Winter Migration Season)
Nearest City: Lucknow (45 km)

 Why Visit?

• Best for migratory birds like Siberian Cranes, Pelicans, and Painted Storks.
• Calm and peaceful nature getaway.
• Ideal for bird photography and eco-tourism.

 Things to Do:
✅ Birdwatching Trails – Spot exotic winter birds.
✅ Boating in the Lake – Enjoy a peaceful ride.
✅ Visit the Interpretation Center – Learn about bird conservation.

5. National Chambal Sanctuary – The Gharial & Dolphin Safari Spot

 Location: Etawah District (Along the Chambal River)
 Best Time to Visit: November – March
 Nearest City: Agra (70 km)

 Why Visit?

• Best place to see endangered Ganges River Dolphins in UP.
• Rare Indian Gharials, Mugger Crocodiles, and over 290 bird species.
• Boat safaris instead of jeep safaris make it a unique wildlife experience.

 Things to Do:
✅ Boat Safari in Chambal River – Spot dolphins & crocodiles.
✅ Birdwatching at the Chambal Wetlands – See Indian Skimmers, Flamingos & Cranes.
✅ Explore the Chambal Ravines – Offbeat hiking trails.

6. Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary (Keetham Lake) – A Hidden Wetland Gem

 Location: Agra District
 Best Time to Visit: October – March
 Nearest City: Agra (20 km)

 Why Visit?

• Perfect stopover for nature lovers visiting the Taj Mahal.
• Flamingos, Kingfishers, and Ducks thrive here.
• Less crowded than Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

 Things to Do:
✅ Boating on Keetham Lake – Scenic beauty & birdwatching.
✅ Visit the Bear Rescue Center – See rescued Sloth Bears up close.
✅ Photography & Nature Walks – Best for peaceful outings.

7. Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary – The Best Offbeat Forest Escape

 Location: Mirzapur District (Near Varanasi)
 Best Time to Visit: October – March
 Nearest City: Varanasi (90 km)

 Why Visit?

• Best for adventure lovers & offbeat explorers.
• Home to Leopards, Sloth Bears, and Wild Boars.
• Stunning waterfalls & cave temples inside the sanctuary.

 Things to Do:
✅ Jungle Trekking & Safari – Spot Leopards & Wild Boars.
✅ Visit the Cave Temples – Experience hidden spiritual sites.
✅ Explore Devdari & Rajdari Waterfalls – Best scenic getaway.

 Best Wildlife Experiences in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is not just about heritage & spirituality—it has incredible wildlife safaris, bird sanctuaries, and eco-tourism adventures.

✅ Want to see Tigers? Go to Dudhwa & Pilibhit Tiger Reserves.
✅ Looking for River Safaris? Visit Katarniaghat & Chambal.
✅ Love Birdwatching? Head to Nawabganj & Bharatpur Sanctuaries.