Bakhira Bird Sanctuary

Bakhira Bird Sanctuary, also known as Bakhira Tal, is a large natural floodplain wetland located in Bakhira village, Sant Kabir Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh. Established in 1990 and designated as a Ramsar Site in 2021, it is the largest natural floodplain wetland in eastern Uttar Pradesh, covering about 29 sq km. It is notable for supporting over 30 species of resident and migratory waterfowl, including winter migrants from Central Asia and Siberia.

Visitors can expect a vast shallow freshwater lake and marshland surrounded by agricultural fields and villages. The sanctuary offers open water, reed beds and mudflats where resident and migratory birds can be observed. Facilities include earthen bunds, a watchtower for bird observation, and seasonal boating on the lake. The environment is quiet and natural, suitable for birdwatching, photography and nature walks along the wetland periphery.

Bakhira Tal was declared a Bird Sanctuary in 1990 under the Wildlife Protection Act. It is the largest natural floodplain wetland in eastern Uttar Pradesh. In 2021, it was designated as a Ramsar Site, recognizing its international importance as a wetland ecosystem for conservation of waterfowl and wetland biodiversity.

The wetland is locally known as Bakhira Jheel and holds importance for surrounding agrarian communities for water resources and fisheries. It is a significant site for nature education and eco-tourism in Sant Kabir Nagar district.