Samaspur Bird Sanctuary is a protected area situated near Salon in Raebareli district, Uttar Pradesh.
It’s a mere 122 km from the bustling city of Lucknow, and a stone’s throw away from the Lucknow-Varanasi highway.
Established in 1987, this 780-hectare protected area is a haven for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. From November to March, be prepared to be mesmerized by the over 250 species of birds that call this place home. From far-flung travelers like the Greylag Goose to local favorites like the Knob-billed Duck, Samaspur is a birdwatcher’s dream come true.
Samaspur is also home to 12 species of fish, making it a double delight for those who appreciate both winged and finned creatures. The sanctuary is fed by six interconnected lakes that are heavily dependent on monsoon rains, creating a haven for over 75,000 birds annually.
It’s also a safe haven for endangered species such as the Egyptian vulture and Pallas’ Fish Eagle, as well as more than 1% of the South Asian population of the vulnerable Common Pochard.
Getting to Samaspur is a breeze. The nearest railway station is Unchahar and the nearest airport is Fursatganj. Alternatively, you can take the SH-25 (Palia-Lucknow Road) and be at the sanctuary in no time, just 120 km from Lucknow and 60 km from Pratapgarh. The Bholaganj Bazar, which is connected to Samaspur by a 4 km village road, is the perfect starting point for your birdwatching escapade.
So, grab your binoculars and join me on this avian extravaganza at Samaspur Bird Sanctuary. Who knows, you might even spot a rare specie and become the envy of all your birdwatching buddies! “