Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary showed up on Google maps as I was planning my trip to Bithoor from Lucknow. I zoomed in and saw a huge water body and assumed there must be a good population of birds. So, I kept it in my backup list to visit if time permits on way back from Bithoor.
I am so happy we stopped here despite being tired. We walked 4-5 km inside the sanctuary, but it was such a refreshing walk. There were hardly any tourists there despite it being a Sunday. A few families we met at the ticket counter also walked less than half a kilometer and returned back.
This Bird Sanctuary is actually a large wetland with small islands popping here and there. The forest department has created a walking trail around the lake. The best part is they have made pugdundee like walking paths that let you stand in the middle of the water bodies and watch birds all around. In fact, walking on this narrow strip connecting the opposite ends of the lake with blue water all around and thousands of birds basking in the sun will remain in my memory forever.
If you sit quietly for some time, you will see groups of birds flying around, playing in the lake as if it is their playground. Watching them in flight is a delight for someone who loves to photograph birds.