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India.com
20-05-2025
- India.com
Top 7 Camping Spots Near Lucknow For Nature Enthusiasts
Located in the northern part of India, the wonderful capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is famed for its historical monuments, rich cultural heritage, and delectable cuisine. But, one thing to note about the city is that apart from urban charm, it has a vault filled with natural beauty. Camping sites range from picturesque natural settings to adventure parks for those looking to take a break from the city life. In this blog, we will discuss the best camping sites near Lucknow City that are appropriate for short vacations or weekend getaways. 1. Dudhwa National Park Located Dudhwa national park is approximately 230 kilometers away from the city, Dudhwa National Park is one of the most notable sites Dudhwa is renowned for its wildlife and camping facilities. It spans over 680 square kilometers and is home to diverse flora and fauna including Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceroses, swamp deer, and over 400 species of birds. The dense canopy of trees alongside the wetlands and grasslands is an ideal camping experience. Why Choose Dudhwa? It offers guided jungle safaris where you can witness exotic wildlife up close. The park has eco-friendly campsites that come with essentials like tents, bedding, and food services. To all bird watching aficionados, have I ever got an amazing experience in store for you. Not only would you come across the birds that collar the area, but also the migrating birds that visit along with the season. Activities: – Jungle Bike safaris (both jeep and elephant) – Bird watching tours – Nature walks along forested green paths These are just some of the activities that I would recommend to everyone above the ages of 5. Personally, I find these incredibly interesting, relaxing and fresh. These save me from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Therefore, if you are looking to find something fun to do, while also taking a break, then Dudhwa's calm ambiance could be for you. 2. Samaspur Bird Sanctuary Located around 110 kilometers away from Samaspur, Lucknow is a true gem of a sanctuary. Covering an approximate area of 78 hectares, this sanctuary comes under the best haunts of photographing migratory birds throughout the winter season. The wetlands serve as breeding areas to a good variety of bird species like the Siberian crane, bar-headed geese, and painted storks. To many people's surprise, this area is not that popular amongst india natives. There is no specific reason why. I have admiration for Indian culture. It seems like they prefer to take the exotic vacations. Perhaps it is due to the pristine beaches and warm climate, or the rich culture and landmarks that India has. Why Samaspur? It is quite easy to completely forget about this beauty because not only is its best feature being that it is close to Lucknow, it being within reaching distance for day visits or stop-overs makes vacations without having to do excessive travel in one visit. A few private companies provide camping trips with the extras like bonfire, food and even tents. Remarkable what little brings such great joy. Additionally, the range of still waters and the surroundings form a very rich environment for rest. Activities: Birdwatching sessions, Fishing trips, Boating on the lake, Photography workshops focusing on capturing the vibrant bird life. I highly recommend the Samaspur bird sanctuary for novice campers who do not want to venture far away from the city but still want to experience nature. 3. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is a must visit sanctuary for both the locals and tourists of Lucknow as it is just 45 kilometers west of the city. This sanctuary is 2.25 square kilometers wide and contains several water bodies where migratory birds like pintails, teals, gadwalls, and shovellers arrive from Siberia, Europe and Central Asia during the winter months. Why Lebeim? This sanctuary is easy to access because it is close to Lucknow. Visitors can also explore the sanctuary at their own pace as there are no set walking paths. Many organized camping facilities, along with other comfortable accommodations, are provided by nearby resorts. Activities: Guided bird watching tours Lakeside picnics Visiting the interpretive center to gain insight about local biodiversity If you want a quick getaway into nature, then Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is the perfect place for you 4. Chambal River Adventure Camps: The breathtaking scenery along the pristine river is a sight to be liked by most travelers. Adding to this, the river is also home to several Indian skimmers, dolphins, and the fish eating gharial crocodiles. Located around 200 kilometers southeast of the city, the Chambal river is the ideal place for indulging in several camping and rafting activities, with a backdrop of beautiful rugged terrain. Why Choose Chambal? For anyone who enjoys adventure, the combination of camping, river rafting, and kayaking offers the ideal adrenaline pumping escape. Eco-lodges and riverside camps have great environmental views with minimal damage to nature. There are local guides who explain the history and other relevant details regarding the ecology of the region. Activities: – Wild River Rafting and Kayaking – Watching wildlife along river banks – Stargazing Chambal River Adventures Camps are for those who enjoy a bit of thrill along with the peace and tranquility of nature. 5. Sitapur Forest Reserve Sitapur Reserve is about 90 kilometers from Lucknow and is surrounded by dense forest and sal trees which makes it a great campsite for nature lovers. For those who are not familiar with Camping Sitapur, it is off the beaten path and there are many travel agencies who organize trips which makes it easy for beginners. Why Choose Sitapur? 1. Sitapur Forests are very appealing because they have little to know about commercial attractions, making the camping experience more authentic. 2. Tents are set up far from modern dwellings, providing privacy and exclusivity. 3. Bonfire nights with folk singers add a sprinkle of magic to the whole experience. Activities: – Team Building exercises – Tracking of nocturnal creatures, jackals and civets – Hiking through forest trails Sitapur Forest Reserve is ideal for people who want to head out alone or in a group but want to relax away from the hustle of the city. 6. Haiderpur Wetland Resting 150 kilometers to the southwest of Lucknow is the breathtaking Haiderpur Wetland. In 2021, the site gained recognition as a Ramsar site, that designation greatly increasing its prominence. This wetland is also a critical habitat for flora and fauna as well as for migratory birds making it the perfect spot for avid camping enthusiasts. Why Choose Haiderpur? The protected status of Haiderpur Wetland ensures excellent clean environmental conditions as well as biodiversity unmatched elsewhere. Sponsored ecotourism promotes sustainable camping The location offers panoramic views of sunsets over the water which words can't accurately describe. Activities -Using binoculars or a camera to view and capture migratory birds. -Cycling the periphery of the wetland. -Having barbecues along the shore in the evening. These hallmark activities make this spot a must visit for eco friendly travelers focused on sustainable tourism. Tips for a Memorable Camping Experience Near Lucknow Use these tips and consider them to ensure that your camping trip is as adventurous as you hoped it would be: Plan Ahead- Conduct research on the weather, campsite availability, and permits. Pack Essentials- Ensure adequate amounts of clothing, sleeping bags, insect repellents, first aid kits and reusable water bottles. Respect Nature- Abide by the Leave No Trace principles and responsibly dispose of waste while avoiding damage to plants and animals. Stay Safe: Make sure to tell someone about your travel plans and stick to trails to avoid getting lost. Engage Locally: Build the local economy by hiring their services or buying handcrafted souvenirs. Conclusion Camping near Lucknow has something for everybody; wildlife lovers, bird watchers, adventure seekers, and even those looking for some peace and tranquility. From Dudhwa National Park to Haiderpur Wetland, all places are bound to give extraordinary experiences amidst nature. These breathtaking sites can be preserved for the later generations by us all as long as we adopt sustainable ways of living and respect the local ecosystems. So, pack your bags, bring your friends, and get ready for an amazing adventure to find the best camping locations around Lucknow.
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
'Pakistan's wetlands face severe threats from climate crisis'
This handout photograph released on November 27, 2023, shows a flock of greater flamingo (phoenicopterus roseus) at the Clifton beach in Karachi. Tucked away in an unchecked urban sprawl, flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans laze in the shallow wetlands' azure waters near the Pakistani coast. Photo : AN The health of wetlands has been severely impacted by water stress, untreated industrial waste, land reclamation and agricultural runoff. These factors continue to shrink wetland areas, diminishing their ecological value. A report issued by the WWF-Pakistan on World Wetlands Day 2025 brought attention to the serious climate catastrophe that is resulting in species like the Indus River dolphin, freshwater turtles and migratory birds facing serious threats. It underscored the urgent need to protect and restore the country's wetlands, which serve as lifelines for biodiversity, local communities and sustainable development. Pakistan is home to more than 240 significant wetlands, covering an estimated 10 per cent of the country's land area. These wetlands offer livelihood support to local communities and provide essential ecosystem services, including water filtration, carbon storage, flood control and habitat for countless species, including migratory birds and commercially important fish. However, these fragile ecosystems are under severe threat due to water scarcity, pollution, encroachment, unregulated development, climate change and unsustainable resource extraction. WWF-Pakistan Research and Conservation, Senior Manager, Muhammad Jamshed Iqbal Chaudhry, remarked that wetlands are a lifeline for millions of Pakistanis, especially communities relying on fisheries, agriculture and tourism. The Ramsar-listed wetlands in Pakistan, such as Keenjhar Lake, Haleji Lake, Chashma Barrage, and Jiwani Coastal Wetlands, are critical breeding and feeding grounds for migratory birds, including white-headed ducks, flamingos, cranes, and the critically endangered Siberian crane. Wetlands also serve as nature's buffer against climate change, absorbing excess floodwaters and reducing the impact of extreme weather events. "Conserving wetlands is, therefore, not just an environmental imperative but a social and economic necessity", he urged. WWF-Pakistan is actively working to conserve and restore wetlands through various initiatives, including the implementation of community-based conservation projects in the Indus Delta, Punjab's wetlands and Balochistan's coastal ecosystems. The initiatives, including the Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) and Recharge Pakistan (RP), demonstrate the use of nature-based solutions (NbS) to address the challenges to wetlands. WWF-Pakistan has improved engagement with policymakers to strengthen wetland protection laws and promote sustainable water management practices. Various initiatives are underway to train local communities in sustainable fishing, eco-tourism, and alternative livelihoods to reduce pressure on wetland resources. These efforts integrate biodiversity conservation with community resilience, aligning with the global vision of sustaining ecosystems for the future.
