INTRODUCTION

Patna

Bird

Sanctuary

is

protected sanctuary in the Jalesar

sub division of Etah district in Uttar
Pradesh. It covers an area of 108
hectares, and was founded in 1991.
It is the smallest Bird Sanctuary in
Uttar Pradesh, with a wetland area of
only 1 km.
About 200,000 birds of 300
different species of birds frequent the
sanctuary.

Pied

Mynas,

herons,

cormorants & ducks and geese of all descriptions also frequent the
Sanctuary. Patna Sanctuary is best during the winter months as
most of the birds tend to leave in March. It takes around 2 hours
from Agra by road.
The lakes are a beauty to watch when more than two lakh
birds come and sit on it. Birds of vibrant hues transform the lake
into a multi coloured spectacle. It is really an amazing sight to
watch the pack of multi coloured birds chirping relentlessly. The
lake becomes full of life and reverberates with the noise made by

thousands of birds. Those who like birds, the Patna bird Sanctuary
is the place to be.
A foot-path runs from the park stand trough a palm grove, to
the lakeside, leaving a hindu temple to the left. There are wide, low
steps by the shore; this is a best place for a general view, and if one
approaches carefully, there will be a great number of birds just in
front of you. For a bird-loving person, this would also be a great
place to have breakfast.
A scope would also be useful, to scan the great masses of
birds in the area. Apart from the before mentioned waterbirds,
kingfishers, coucals and wading birds come close here; birds of prey
are, of course, also attracted to the area.
Larger birds, such as Painted Storks, can be sometimes seen
also in the small island opposite to the steps; this is close enough,
to be shot with a long lens.
A bird-watching tower can be seen across the lake; I'd
recommend against going there, as the path to the right comes too
close to the birds, and you'd only be likely to scare them to flight in
their hundreds (or, in 1000's). The view from the tower would also
be against the sun. It is a better idea to take the path to the left;
here it winds behind the vegetation, and, with some luck, you may

come close enough to Sarus Cranes or storks, to have some decent

shots. At the end of the path, in the distance to the left, there is an
additional pond, which is often literally filled with spoonbills; do not
try to approach here, but take a look with a scope instead.
Besides the migratory birds, Patna Bird Sanctuary is a
permanent abode for local birds also, which abound all through the
year. For long it has been a favourite breeding centre for a large
number of migratory birds. An old and historic temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva attracts thousands of pilgrims for spiritual pursuits. It
is the thinkling of the temple bells mingled with the chirping of
birds that creates an atmosphere of rare tranquility here. Each
morning Patna reverberates with the songs of close to fifty
thousand Pied Mynas who have made the adjoining areas of the
lake their home glorifying the dawn of another beautiful day.

Patna Bird Sanctuary - India's Best Kept Birding Secret

2005 Harri Vainola

Patna, India, January 2005. After spending more than a week around India's
more famous wetlands, one drier than the other, I had arrived to the shore of
the little known Patna Bird Sanctuary, in Uttar Pradesh. The 2004 monsoon had
failed to bring the much needed water to many areas, and the once so rich
reservoirs were now alarmingly avoid of life; what had become of the birds ?
Well, here they were, thousands of them; ducks and geese of all descriptions,

familiar european species together with their more exotic-looking asian cousins,
accompanied by herons and cormorants. I did not make an effort to count
them, but in places I could not see the water from the birds. Having spent time
walking on dusty lakebeds, worrying about the faith of the former inhabitants of
now
dry
acacia-trees,
I
found
the
sight
almost
overpowering.
For a considerable time, I just stood there quietly, smiling, until the local
sanctuary official pointed to my lens; perhaps I would like to take some
photographs
?
I certainly had no trouble of securing the official's services, as I was the only
guest at the time. Patna Sanctuary is notoriously little known; not even the
local taxi drivers are necessarily familiar by its whereabouts. It is rather ironic,
that at the same time, that the visiting birders pay good money to see empty
riverbanks elsewhere, Patna has practically no foreign visitors, despite of being
full
of
birds.
The sanctuary is situated near the town of Agra (of Taj Mahal fame); from the
hotel district, one should head towards the River Yamuna, and take a left turn
after crossing the river. The road to Patna turns right just before a building with
a
painted
Pepsi
ad.
There are very few road signs in India, so, in practice, you'd be needing a guide
to
find
your
way;
here's
how
to
find
one:
The owners of Mughal Carpet Company (next to the Hotel Ganga Ratan,
Fatehabad Road 198) come from Patna, and know the area very well. Should
you
be
interested
in
guide
services,
you
may
contact
them:
mughal_carpet@yahoo.com,
fax
+91
562
2331932.
One should refer to the director, Mr. Adil Khan. Some touting here: They handmake carpets out of wool, also to order; should you like to have your favourite
bird-motif turned into a carpet, just send them a photograph.
Their
website
can
be
found
here.
The sanctuary is not that far away from the town, but the road is very bumpy; a
kamikaze-style indian driver (don't even think about driving yourselves) may
negotiate the road in 90 minutes; a more timid (western) person would take at
least two hours. Patna is best in the morning, so one should leave the hotel
around 7 o'clock, not much earlier, as the road is not considered to be safe at
night. In fact, an indian photographer I met in Delhi, told me that they never go
there (meaning the rural areas), as they are not safe. However, the road to
Patna seemed anything but dangerous in the morning; it was all rather idyllic,

with children going to open-air schools in their school outfits, and merchats
opening their stores.

The sanctuary has conspicuous signs by the Patna road, and there is ample
parking space inside. One is greeted by the officials, and there is a small charge
to be paid; I'd suggest a visitor should be generous, as these people are
certainly not overpaid by the goverment, and there has to be a considerable
number of guards and staff to run the place. This is certainly an important
resting area for both domestic and migratory birds, particularly in dry years, so
a little sponsoring would not be out of place here.
A foot-path runs from the park stand trough a palm grove, to the lakeside,
leaving a hindu temple to the left. There are wide, low steps by the shore; this
is a best place for a general view, and if one approaches carefully, there will be
a great number of birds just in front of you. For a bird-loving person, this would
also be a great place to have breakfast.
A scope would also be useful, to scan the great masses of birds in the area.
Apart from the before mentioned waterbirds, kingfishers, coucals and wading
birds come close here; birds of prey are, of course, also attracted to the area.
Larger birds, such as Painted Storks, can be sometimes seen also in the small
island opposite to the steps; this is close enough, to be shot with a long lens.

This is 1300 mm, full frame, by the island opposite to the steps.

A bird-watching tower can be seen across the lake; I'd recommend against
going there, as the path to the right comes too close to the birds, and you'd
only be likely to scare them to flight in their hundreds (or, in 1000's). The view
from the tower would also be against the sun. It is a better idea to take the
path to the left; here it winds behind the vegetatation, and, with some luck, you
may come close enough to Sarus Cranes or storks, to have some decent shots.
At the end of the path, in the distance to the left, there is an additional pond,
which is often literally filled with spoonbills; do not try to approach here, but
take a look with a scope instead.
Patna Sanctuary is best during the winter months; most of the birds tend to
leave in March. Should you happen to be in the area, I'd definitely recommend
it, particularly, if you have trouble finding birds elsewhere, due to the lack of
water.
There's likely to be an abundance of birds, and the people are very friendly.
And should you happen to meet the chief wildlife warden, say hi from me.

Sanctuary Park

Location

Predominant

Nearest
Railhead/Road

Patna Sanctuary

District Etah

Fishing cat, Jackal,

Mongoose, Hare,
Nilgai, Monkey, Fox,
Local/Migratory birds

Jalesar (10km)

PATNA BIRD SANCTUARY

54 km. The Patna Bird Sanctuary, located at Jalesar sub division of Etah district, is spread
over an area of 108 hactare . This resort was given recognition as a protected sanctuary in
the year 1991. Ornithologists have reported about 300 different species of exotic birds with
multicolour plumes clustering here for roosting and breeding during the peak season of
winter months. These winged visitors start migrating back when hot weather conditions set
in during the month of March. The scenic beauty of the sanctuary with intertwined date
trees provides a topographic atmosphere akin to Goa, in Uttar Pradesh. Besides the
migratory birds, Patna Bird Sanctuary is a permanent abode for local birds also, which
abound all through the year. For long it has been a favourite breeding centre for a large
number of migratory birds. An old and historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva attracts
thousands of pilgrims for spiritual pursuits. It is the thinkling of the temple bells mingled
with the chirping of birds that creates an atmosphere of rare tranquility here.

Patna Bird Sanctuary

Uttar Pradesh draws a large number of visitors from around the world. The cities of Agra and the holy cities of
Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, and Allahabad, alongside the sacred rivers the Ganga and the Yamuna are all
located in the state. The state hosts the Kumbha Mela every 12 years, where over 10 million Hindus congregate
the largest gathering of human beings in the world. The Taj Mahal one of the Seven Wonders of the World is in Agra.
The Agra fort is also a major attraction. The Patna bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh also draws large number of
tourists every year.
Patna is situated at Jalesar tehsil of Etah district in Uttar Pradesh. It was declared a full fledged sanctuary in the year
1990. The average temperature hovers around 47 degree Celsius in the summers and 40 degrees in the winters. The
climate of this place is characteristically warm throughout the year as it is situated in the tropical belt. Patna gets
abundant rainfall in the monsoons. With the rain water filling up the ponds to the brim, the best time to visit Patna is
the ensuing winter season. Close to 200 different species of birds can be sighted during this time of the year. These
birds migrate from different countries.
Area wise Patna is the smallest bird sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh. It covers just an area of one sq km. The entire stretch
is wetland. The lakes are a beauty to watch when more than two lakh birds come and sit on it. Birds of vibrant hues
transform the lake into a multi colored spectacle. It is really an amazing sight to watch the pack of multi colored birds
chirping relentlessly. The lake becomes full of life and reverberates with the noise made by thousands of birds. Those
who like birds, the Patna bird Sanctuary is the place to be.

Patna Bird Sanctuary - wildlife park/sanctuary/reserve located at Jalesar,

Etah District, Uttar Pradesh, India. Plan your adventure holiday or
vacation with the information and reviews by users and experts. Find out
about when to go, how to get there, what to do, best season to visit, its
wildlife, habitat and much more...
Wildlife and adventure opportunities:

Wild Life: Fishing cat, Jackal, Mongoose, Hare, Nilgai, Monkey and Fox
Adventure: Bird safari, Wild Animal Watching
Where is Patna Bird Sanctuary:
Region:
Location: Jalesar, Etah District, Uttar Pradesh, India
When & how to get to Patna Bird Sanctuary:
Best Time to Visit:01-Nov to 28-Feb
Getting There: It takes around 1.5 hours from Agra by road.
Nearest Town: Jalesar
Nearest Airport: Agra
Nearest Railway Station: Jalesar
Where to stay (Lodges/Guest Houses/Camps/Resorts/Hotels):

Accommodation: NA
In our Database: Hotels in and/or around Patna Bird Sanctuary
Hotels in Jalesar
Hotels in Agra
Climate & Weather conditions:

Temp: 4 c to 47 c
Rainfall: cm
Altitude:172 m
Other details about Patna Bird Sanctuary:

Established:1991
Area:1 sq km

Language: Hindi, English

Been there? Share you experiences with fellow travelers:

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sanctuary=Patna+Bird+Sanctuary&state=Uttar+Pradesh#Where_to_stay

Patna situated in the Jalesar tehsil of Etah district in U.P. was declared a full fledged
sanctuary in 1990. The average year round temperature varies from 47 o C in peak
summers to 4o C in winters. After the abundant Indian monsoons fills the lake to its
brim comes the best season to visit Patna, winter. Close to 200 different species of
birds can be sighted during this time of the year.
Though on paper it's the smallest bird sanctuary in U.P. covering a wetland area of a
mere 1 sq. km., Patna vies with the best when it comes to its avifauna over 2,00,000
birds transform the lake into a riot of colours, sounds and forms. Each morning Patna
reverberates with the songs of close to fifty thousand Pied Mynas who have made the
adjoining areas of the lake their home glorifying the dawn of another beautiful day.

My Internal Feeling About Patna Bird Sanctuary

My Internal feeling is that I have first time visit of Patna Bird Sanctuary. It is very
interested day in our life because I have seen there some beautiful species flora and
fauna like Silver Date Palm, Khangi, Painted Strock, Cormorant, Redhead Duck

etc. All fauna sit or fly in community, when they fly in a community it is a glorious
scene of wetlands because the wetlands area is only in 1.2 sq km or 108.86 hectare.
After the abundant Indian monsoons fills the lake to its brim comes the best season
to visit Patna, winter. Close to 200 different species of birds can be sighted during
this time of the year. The Best visit time of Patna Bird Sanctuary between 1 Nov to
28 Feb. because of these migratory birds come here only between 1 Nov. to Feb
months as most of the birds tend to leave in March. The sanctuary is situated from
the Department of forestry, SLS Khandari Campus, Agra is about 57 Km near the
Jalesar Station of Etah District. Here an old and historic temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva attracts thousands of pilgrims for spiritual pursuits. It is the thinkling of the
temple bells mingled with the chirping of birds that creates an atmosphere of rare
tranquility here.
The sanctuary has conspicuous signs by the Patna road, and there is ample parking
space inside. One is greeted by the officials, and there is a small charge to be paid;
I'd suggest a visitor should be generous, as these people are certainly not overpaid
by the government, and there has to be a considerable number of guards and staff
to run the place. This is certainly an important resting area for both Local and
migratory birds, particularly in dry years, so a little sponsoring would not be out of
place here.
In Patna Bird Sanctuary is only total five Watching Tower. From the
Watching water All Domestic and migratory birds can also seen easily by
Verniculum.