About Sandi Bird Sanctuary
Sandi Bird Sanctuary is a freshwater wetland and protected bird sanctuary located in Sandi town, Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh. Established in 1990 and designated a Ramsar site in 2019, it covers about 3.09 square kilometres and includes the Dahar Jheel wetland and surrounding areas. The sanctuary is notable for hosting resident and migratory waterbirds, especially in winter, and serves as an important birdwatching and nature tourism site in central Uttar Pradesh.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a shallow freshwater wetland with open water, marshes and surrounding agricultural fields. The sanctuary offers birdwatching from earthen bunds and watchtowers, with large congregations of migratory ducks, geese and waders in winter. The landscape is flat and tranquil, with walking trails along the wetland edge. Facilities are basic and focused on nature observation and photography, with no boating inside the core wetland area.
Key highlights
- 01
Ramsar Wetland of International Importance designated on 26 September 2019 (Site No. 2409)
- 02
Freshwater wetland ecosystem centred on Dahar Jheel, an oxbow lake of the Garra River
- 03
Seasonal congregation of migratory waterbirds including Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Red-crested Pochard and Greylag Goose
- 04
Recorded winter counts exceeding 10,000 waterbirds in peak season
- 05
Watchtowers and earthen bunds for birdwatching and photography
History of Sandi Bird Sanctuary
Established in 1990 by the Government of Uttar Pradesh to protect the Dahar Jheel wetland. Designated as a Ramsar Site of International Importance on 26 September 2019 (Ramsar Site No. 2409), covering 3.09 sq km, recognizing its importance for waterbird conservation.
Culture & Context
Locally known as Dahar Jheel, the wetland supports surrounding agricultural communities and traditional fishing, and is valued locally for nature education and seasonal birdwatching.
Route
| By air |
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