Dhanauri Wetlands — Attraction in Uttar Pradesh

One gets to see a wide variety of migratory ducks and other birds especially during the winter season. Flamingoes, Pelicans, Sarus Cranes, Egrets and Herons are some of the main attractions besides the Ducks and Teets. If one is fond of watching birds, Dhanauri should not be left out.

Though quite in the interiors from the expressway in Gr Noida short of the Jewar toll Plaza, it is a birders paradise. These are basically cultivation fields with a collection of water where some parts are swampy.

It should be borne in mind that the complete stretch of road after leaving the expressway is not as good with certain short stretches completely of dirt, however small and low level cars can also make the journey without any ado.

Being deep in the villages, this area doesn't have any dhaba or eatery. If one plans to spend time waiting and watching, please be sure to carry munchies and water.

No untoward instance towards visitors has been reported till now or come to notice. Still it is advisable to go either in a group and leave before Sunset while it is still light just as a precaution....

Saras Crane, the tallest flying birds!

You still remember the day when you first met these fellows in Dhanauri wetland in Greater Noida. You were surprised to see the birds almost of your size just standing by your side.

Yes, Sarus Cranes are the tallest flying birds in the world and it is a delight to see them dance and sing. You mainly find them in marshy wetlands. It is said that they pair to life. These birds are revered in most parts of the world especially in India.

The bird is listed as 'Vulnerable' in IUCN Red List. Their global numbers are decreasing due to habitat loss, hunting and other reasons. The efforts are being made to sensitize the farmers to protect these lovely birds especially in Uttar Pradesh where they are crowned as the...

Our Canadian friend and his wife, an air force coursemate, my wife and I visited Dhanauri on the morning of 8th Feb 2020. It was somewhat foggy, but we had fun, and spotted a number of migratory and native birds and other fauna: Swamp hens, water cocks, teals, sarus cranes, painted stork, various ibises, storks, herons, hornbills, kingfishers, purple herons, geese, terns, neelgai ...

The drive up to the wetlands is through a few villages with narrow, broken lanes. The villagers are a bit aloof and, while not welcoming, they are not at all hostile either. In fact, some of their children playing cricket in the hard grounds between the wetlands were talkative...