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National parks near Lucknow are perhaps the most tempting getaways from the bustling urban life with the background of vibrant wildlife sanctuaries and verdant forests. National parks have varied ecosystems which have shelter for rare species of Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and hundreds of migratory birds. In each, the diversity is unique some parks are dense forests, in others, quiet water bodies making them perfect for nature enthusiasts as well as wildlife photographers. These parks not only offer a real-life experience with wildlife but also facilitate opportunities for camping, trekking, and other types of ecotourism.
Top 8 National Parks Near Lucknow
Here is a list of the best 8 national parks near Lucknow for visitors to explore:
1. Dudhwa National Park
Photo: Rakshit Yadav / Unsplash
Dudhwa National Park is a national park near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, along the India-Nepal border. It is renowned for its dense forests and grassy wetlands, making it a prime habitat for Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros, elephants, and an array of rare species. Spread across 490 square kilometres, Dudhwa’s diverse landscape supports over 400 bird species and abundant flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s rivers and grasslands attract nature lovers and photographers, offering unique views of Uttar Pradesh’s rich biodiversity. Conservation efforts here focus on protecting endangered species, particularly tigers and the Indian rhino.
Distance From Lucknow: 225 km
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 days
Entry Fees: ₹100 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners
Timings: 6 AM – 9:30 AM, 3 PM – 6 PM
2. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Boris Smokrovic / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary also referred to as Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary, is a sanctuary in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. It is an essential place for wetlands and a large number of migrating birds. The sanctuary is a habitat of around 3 square kilometres and hosts over 250 species of birds, including rare species, such as northern pintail, painted stork, and open-billed stork. The sanctuary further houses various reptiles and mammals like monitor lizards and jackals. Its small lake is a centre for bird watching, especially in winter as the migratory birds arrive.
Distance From Lucknow: 45 km
Ideal Duration: Half-day to 1 day
Entry Fees: ₹30 for Indians and ₹350 for foreigners
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
3. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Photo: Umangranaphotoghrapher / Wikimedia Commons
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, a famous national park near Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, is characterised by lush Sal forests and vast grasslands, providing a critical habitat for Bengal tigers. Spanning 730 square kilometres, this reserve is recognized for its tiger conservation efforts under Project Tiger. Besides tigers, the reserve supports leopards, elephants, swamp deer, and rich avifauna, including migratory birds. Its diverse terrain of dense forests, grasslands, and rivers offers visitors stunning landscapes and a chance to witness rare wildlife species, making Pilibhit a unique eco-tourism destination with a strong commitment to biodiversity protection.
Distance From Lucknow: 240 km
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 days
Entry Fees: ₹200 for Indians and ₹1,000 for foreigners
Timings: 6 AM – 9:30 AM, 3 PM – 6 PM
4. Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Vladimir Kudinov / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh, along the Indo-Nepal border, covers 400 square kilometres and is part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Its mosaic of wetlands, forests, and grasslands provides vital habitat for Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, and the endangered gharial crocodile. It is known for its diverse bird population and the rare Gangetic dolphin found in the Girwa River. Rich biodiversity and scenic beauty make Katarniaghat ideal for nature exploration, trekking, and wildlife photography, attracting conservationists and tourists alike.
Distance From Lucknow: 200 km
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 days
Entry Fees: ₹50 for Indians and ₹350 for foreigners
Timings: 6 AM – 9 AM, 3 PM – 6 PM
5. Sohagibarwa Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: A. J. T. Johnsingh / Wikimedia Commons
The Sohagibarwa Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district, covers an area of 428 square kilometres. Dense forests and marshy grasslands also mark it. Its rich ecosystem houses a Bengal tiger, leopard, elephants, and several species of deer, besides various avifauna. The rivers and wetlands of the sanctuary attract migratory birds, and this is a bird-watching haven. Sohagibarwa offers a dense forest cover that presents a secluded habitat for wildlife and regional biodiversity is greatly contributed while offering opportunities for eco-tourism and nature study.
Distance From Lucknow: 325 km
Ideal Duration: 1 day
Entry Fees: ₹50 for Indians, ₹350 for foreigners
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
6. Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Ranipur is a wildlife sanctuary in Chitrakoot district, UP, which occupies about 230 square kilometres of land with rocky terrain and scenic valleys. The leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, etc., and varieties of bird species are also found inside this sanctuary. Though rather small, it plays the role of the most sensitive zone in the regional areas for conservation. It maintains many species in its habitat, thus being essential for it. Its rugged landscapes and low number of visitors make it quite an attractive option for one seeking a quiet natural retreat, with opportunities for trekking and nature walks.
Distance From Lucknow: 350 km
Ideal Duration: 1 day
Entry Fees: ₹30 for Indians and ₹350 for foreigners
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
7. National Chambal Sanctuary
Photo: Clpramod / Wikimedia Commons
National Chambal Sanctuary, stretching along the Chambal River in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, is famous for its efforts to protect endangered gharials and the rare Gangetic dolphin. Covering around 5,400 square kilometres, the sanctuary supports rich biodiversity, including over 300 bird species, mugger crocodiles, and smooth-coated otters. Its riverine habitat offers unique landscapes, attracting wildlife enthusiasts, especially for boating and bird-watching along the scenic Chambal River. Conservation initiatives here emphasise protecting vulnerable aquatic species, making it a vital sanctuary for ecological preservation and education.
Distance From Lucknow: 267 km
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 days
Entry Fees: ₹100 for Indians and ₹600 for foreigners
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
8. Katarniya Ghat Wildlife Division
Photo: Jaiantha Bhattacharjee / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Katarniya Ghat Wildlife Division of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, spreads over forests, wetlands, and grasslands to create a wide range of habitats for Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, and several endangered species. It is especially famous for gharials, Gangetic dolphins, and migratory birds along the Girwa River. Here, the main thrust of conservation efforts is towards vulnerable species and biodiversity. This division boasts numerous initiatives in the areas of eco-tourism, among other natural attractions, that bring it to the list as a hot destination for wildlife tourism. Nature enthusiasts visit this place to enjoy thrilling explorations.
Distance From Lucknow: 200 km
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 days
Entry Fees: ₹50 for Indians and ₹350 for foreigners
Timings: 6 AM – 9 AM, 3 PM – 6 PM
For those seeking an escape into the wilderness, the national parks near Lucknow provide diverse natural experiences, from wildlife spotting to serene nature walks. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, these parks cater to adventurers and nature lovers alike. Plan a trip with TripXL to these incredible national parks for an unforgettable journey into nature.
Cover Photo: Leo Wieling / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
