There is a special range for the one-horned rhinoceros and it is best to book a special trip to be most likely to see them – approaching the reserve mounted on the back of an elephant is quite a popular way of getting there…
Dudhwa is wonderful for birdwatchers, with hundreds of species of birds including around four hundred residents and quite a few migratory species! One may see Barbets Kuils, Mynahs and Bengal Florican, Minivets Painted Storks, Peacocks, Owls, Swamp Partridge and Woodpeckers to name but a tiny fraction of the possibilities. Wildlife in Lucknow is well kept.
Bird-lovers looking for wildlife excitement near Lucknow, in India’s northern region Uttar Pradesh will also find a colorful bird sanctuary at Nawabganj Lake, about forty kilometers outside the city. The sanctuary occupies four square kilometers and attracts lots of migratory birds such as Cranes during the winter. Rather closer to the capital is Kukrail, a good picnic spot and also the location where a crocodile nursery is a major tourist attraction. It is not advisable to get as close as one is able to… There is also a deer park with spotted and Sambar deer to see as well as the black buck. There is also a children's park with cafeteria and rest rooms attached - all very civilized if you prefer your wildlife contained somewhat.
Amongst India’s local wildlife around Lucknow is the Porcupine and visitors are sometimes surprised at the size of the Nilgai, a member of the bovine family, like the domestic cow, but much larger than the latter. Keen and patient mammal-spotters may also see a red fox. Those who look out for reptiles may see a Monitor lizard or a Chameleon, quite a large python or even a viper (this last being best avoided as it is a poisonous variety!)
As a wildlife tourism destination India’s Lucknow is, perhaps, not the most obvious or best-known but there are plenty of places to visit, using the city as a base. The light is particularly good for photography in this region and there are special photography treks taking in several national parks for those who are interested. |
