Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary, Nawabganj — Attraction in Uttar Pradesh

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, renamed in 2015 Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary, is a bird sanctuary located in Unnao district on the Kanpur-Lucknow highway in Uttar Pradesh, India consisting of a lake and the surrounding environment. It is one of the many wetlands of Northern India. The sanctuary provides protection for 250 species of migratory birds mostly from CIS (or formerly USSR) countries, but the numbers have been dwindling since the 1990s, most having relocated to newer areas in Himachal and Rajasthan. The sanctuary also houses a deer park, watchtowers and boats. The avian population here comprises a mix of residents as well as migratory birds. The birds migrate across Himalayas from Tibet, China, Europe and Siberia during winters. Some of these birds fly over 5000 km and above 8500 meters high to reach here. Some of the major migratory birds during the season are greylag goose, pintail, cotton teal, red-crested pochard, gadwall, shoveller, coot and mallard. Some major local migratory and residential birds are sarus crane, painted stork, peafowl, white ibis, dabchick, whistling teal, open-bill stork, white-necked stork, pheasant-tailed jacana, bronze winged jacana, purple moorhen, lapwing, tern, vulture, pigeon, king crow, Indian roller and bee-eater. The major reptiles found in the sanctuary are cobra, viper, krait, ratsnake and water snakes.

Cobra is the common name of various elapid snakes, most of which belonging to the genus Naja.

The Viperidae (vipers) are a family of venomous snakes found in most parts of the world, with the exception of Antarctica, Australia, Hawaii, Madagascar, New Zealand, various other isolated islands, and north of the Arctic Circle.

The common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), also known as Indian krait or blue krait) is a species of venomous snake of the genus Bungarus found in the jungles of the Indian subcontinent. It is a member of the "big four" species, inflicting the most snakebites on humans in India.

Rat snakes (or ratsnakes) are members – along with kingsnakes, milk snakes, vine snakes and indigo snakes – of the subfamily Colubrinae of the family Colubridae. They are medium to large constrictors and are found throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere. They feed primarily on rodents and birds.

Different snakes are called water snakes. "Water snake" is also sometimes used as a descriptive term for any snakes that spend a significant time in or near fresh water, such as any species belonging to the family Acrochordidae. They should not be confused with sea snakes, which live primarily or entirely in marine...

Situated in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh, Nawab Ganj Bird sanctuary is now known as Chandra Sekhar Azad Bird sanctuary. Peaceful and serene, the spot is a birdwatchers' paradise where especially during winter season birds can be seen and ambience enjoyed. It is a home and roosting site for both domestic and migratory birds. Water filled lake, surrounding woodland, chirping and quacking of birds attract nature lovers and bird-watchers. Easily approachable, the spot is about fifty kilometres away from Lucknow and can be reached in an hour by car. It is situated on the left-hand side of four-lane Lucknow-Kanpur highway which is congested at places. It is a toll-highway where both side toll charges are little above Rs 100 for a light motor vehicle. Inside the sanctuary area, there is a motel run by the state tourism department and a restaurant. A modest Forest Rest house is also present in the woodland area. The blissful silence and cosy green ambience are soul-soothing. Forest department charges an entry fee of Rs 30.00 per person. The main lane which runs parallel to the lake has been beautified and paved with tiles by the department. It gives a nice feeling of solace which helps to enjoy the shady promenade. A moderate-sized binocular is essential to watch and appreciate the birds from the specially constructed intermittent watchtowers. The place gives an opportunity for photography as well. There is a bird awakening and education centre at the entrance. The visitors are requested to observe silence and dignity. They should avoid loud music and obnoxious activities like consuming liquor, especially in the sanctuary area. People are also advised to beware of the monkeys which live there in large numbers and sometimes become furious...

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, renamed in 2015 Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary,1] is a bird sanctuary located in Unnao district on the Kanpur-Lucknow highway in Uttar Pradesh, India consisting of a lake and the surrounding environment. It is one of the many wetlands of Northern India. The sanctuary provides protection for 250 species of migratory birds mostly from CIS[clarification needed countries, but the numbers have been dwindling since the 1990s, most having relocated to newer areas in Himachal and Rajasthan. The sanctuary also houses a deer park, watchtowers and boats. ✓Birds The avian population here comprises a mix of residents as well as migratory birds. The birds migrate across Himalayas from Tibet, China, Europe and Siberia during winters. Some of these birds fly over 5000 km and above 8500 meters high to reach here. Some of the major migratory birds during the season are greylag goose, pintail, cotton teal, red-crested pochard, gadwall, shoveller, coot and mallard. Earlier Some major local migratory and residential birds are sarus crane, painted stork, peafowl, white ibis, dabchick, whistling teal, open-bill stork, white-necked stork, pheasant-tailed jacana, bronze winged jacana, purple moorhen, lapwing, tern, vulture, pigeon, king crow, Indian roller and bee-eater.

✓Reptiles The major reptiles found in the sanctuary are cobra, viper, krait, ratsnake and water snakes.

✓Deer park A small park for deer has been established in the vicinity of the sanctuary. There are spotted and barking deers in the park. It is one of the main attractions in the sanctuary.

✓Hospitality A guesthouse with bedding and lodging is provided inside the sanctuary along with a restaurant and a...