Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh – Home of Tigers, Leopards & Birds
Located near Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur offers thrilling jeep safaris through leopard country — where grasslands, rivers, and forests meet untouched beauty.
Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary – A Hidden Tiger Paradise in Uttar Pradesh
Tucked away in the Terai landscape of Lakhimpur Kheri district, the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most picturesque and biologically rich corners of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
While the main Dudhwa zone draws large crowds, Kishanpur remains quieter — a paradise for true wildlife lovers, nature photographers, and birdwatchers who prefer the calm of untouched wilderness.
With shimmering water bodies, endless grasslands, and dense sal forests, Kishanpur captures the real spirit of the Terai ecosystem — vibrant, green, and teeming with life.
About the Kishanpur Sanctuary
Established in 1972 and covering roughly 203–227 sq. km, Kishanpur is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh. It forms a vital component of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, along with Dudhwa National Park and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary.
Located about 30 kilometers from Dudhwa, the sanctuary’s landscape is shaped by rivers, wetlands, and grassy meadows — locally known as tals. These natural wetlands, such as the famous Jhadi Tal, attract an incredible range of wildlife and migratory birds throughout the year.
The vegetation here represents the true moist deciduous Terai forests, dominated by sal, teak, jamun, and khair trees. The sanctuary’s mixture of open grasslands and dense forest patches creates ideal habitats for herbivores and carnivores alike, sustaining a delicate ecological balance that has remained largely intact over the decades.
Wildlife & Birding Highlights
Kishanpur’s greatest treasure is its wildlife diversity. From the soft rustle of the reeds to the distant call of a bar-headed goose, every sound here tells the story of life thriving in harmony.
One of the biggest attractions is the Barasingha (swamp deer) — the pride of the Terai. The sanctuary’s vast meadows, especially around Jhadi Tal, hold one of the largest surviving populations of this endangered species in India. Watching herds of Barasingha grazing peacefully in the golden light of dawn is an unforgettable sight.
Tigers and leopards also roam the dense forest tracks of Kishanpur, often leaving behind fresh pugmarks near water edges. Elephants, wild boar, sambar, hog deer, and sloth bears complete the mammal list, giving visitors a fair chance of spotting big game during jeep safaris.
Birdwatchers find Kishanpur to be a true paradise, with over 450 recorded bird species, including ducks, herons, spoonbills, cormorants, and storks. In winter, the sanctuary becomes a vibrant stopover for migratory birds traveling from as far as Siberia and Central Asia.
In May 2025, Kishanpur made headlines when researchers recorded the presence of a rare long-snouted vine snake (Ahaetulla longirostris), marking an important discovery for the region’s herpetofauna.
Best Time to Visit Kishanpur
Like the rest of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Kishanpur remains open from 15 November to 15 June and closed during the monsoon (mid-June to mid-November) to protect the fragile ecosystem.
November to February offers pleasant weather and superb visibility — ideal for birdwatching and peaceful safari drives.
March to April is great for wildlife photography, as animals gather near waterholes.
May to June brings intense heat but excellent chances to spot tigers and barasingha up close.
Every season adds its own beauty to Kishanpur — from misty winter mornings to golden summer sunsets filtering through sal trees.
How to Reach Kishanpur
Kishanpur is easily accessible from all major points of the Terai region.
By Road: The sanctuary lies about 30 km from Dudhwa and around 220 km from Lucknow. The nearest town, Mailani, connects via Lakhimpur Kheri with regular bus and taxi services.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Mailani Junction, roughly 10 km away from the main entrance.
By Air: The closest airport is Lucknow (Amausi Airport), from where travelers can hire cabs or tourist vehicles to reach Kishanpur in about 4–5 hours.
The sanctuary’s entrance is marked by simple forest outposts and check-gates — and once inside, visitors are greeted by miles of lush greenery, fresh air, and the unmistakable calm of the forest.
Kishanpur Jeep Safari & Permits
Exploring Kishanpur by Jeep Safari is the best way to experience its wild charm. Safaris are conducted with authorized vehicles, trained drivers, and certified naturalist guides under the supervision of the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.
Permits must be booked in advance (20–30 days), especially during weekends or holidays. Each jeep can carry a maximum of 6 adults and 2 children (below 5 years), along with a guide and driver.
Unlike the busier Dudhwa core zone, safaris in Kishanpur are calmer, allowing longer halts for observation and photography. The forest department’s strict control on visitor numbers ensures minimal disturbance to wildlife and provides a more personal, immersive jungle experience.
Jungle Safari Experience
The best way to explore Kishanpur is by open-jeep safari led by certified naturalists from the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.
| Shift | Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Safari | 6 : 30 AM – 10 : 30 AM | Cool light, tiger & bird activity |
| Evening Safari | 2 : 30 PM – 5 : 30 PM | Golden hour for photography |
Bookings can be made online through dudhwanationalpark.net or at local forest offices near Mailani Gate.
Always carry a valid photo ID, and reach the entry gate 15 minutes before departure.
Stay Options in Kishanpur
For a true forest experience, stay in eco-lodges or small resorts around Mailani, Bhira, and Palia Kalan.
Most properties are 10–20 km from the sanctuary gates and offer guided transfers for early safaris.
If you prefer more amenities, choose a Dudhwa Tiger Reserve resort about 30 km away — you’ll still wake to the sound of peafowls and cicadas.
Serai The Baagh – Luxury in the Lap of the Terai
When the forest goes silent after sunset, few places let you stay this close to the wild with such calm and class as Serai The Baagh.
Tucked on the green edge of Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, this eco-retreat blends rustic charm with modern comfort — perfect for travelers who want to wake up to birdsong instead of alarm clocks.
Set amid mango orchards and sal groves, Serai The Baagh offers spacious cottages, warm hospitality, and guided nature walks that begin right from your doorstep.
Evening bonfires, home-style cuisine, and stories from naturalists make every night feel personal and peaceful.
From here, it’s an easy early-morning drive to Jhadi Tal or the Mailani Gate for your Kishanpur Jeep Safari — no long transfers, no rush, just seamless wilderness living.
Why stay here: authentic forest vibe · organic meals · professional safari coordination · bird-watching deck overlooking farmlands
If you prefer a simpler base, nearby villages like Bhira and Mailani have smaller guesthouses and homestays, while full-service resorts around Dudhwa Tiger Reserve lie about 30 km away.
But for most visitors, Serai The Baagh stands out as the best stay in Kishanpur — where comfort quietly respects the wild.
Visitor Tips & Responsible Travel
Before you set off on your safari, remember a few essentials that help protect both you and the park’s ecosystem:
Arrive at the gate at least 30 minutes before your scheduled safari time for ID verification.
Carry the same Government ID used during booking; mismatched IDs may invalidate your permit.
Wear earth-toned clothes — khaki, green, or brown — to blend with the forest environment.
Avoid plastics, loud noises, or feeding animals. These small actions ensure that the forest remains undisturbed.
Always follow your guide’s instructions; off-track driving is strictly prohibited.
Carry binoculars and cameras — Kishanpur’s birdlife and light conditions are a photographer’s dream.
During peak months (December–April), booking 45 days in advance is advised. The sanctuary’s peace and natural rhythm reward those who explore respectfully and patiently.
Why Kishanpur Deserves a Place in Your Dudhwa Itinerary
Many travelers visit Dudhwa for the tiger, but they return remembering Kishanpur.
It’s quieter, greener, and somehow more personal — where you can sit by a lake, hear nothing but wind in the reeds, and watch a herd of barasingha step gracefully out of the mist.
For those who love intimate wildlife experiences, Kishanpur offers what few parks in India can —
a blend of accessibility, scenic tranquility, and genuine biodiversity.
Whether you’re a wildlife photographer chasing perfect light, a family seeking adventure, or a birdwatcher logging new species, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary promises an unforgettable window into the wild heart of the Terai.
FAQs for Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, about 30 kilometers from Dudhwa National Park, forming part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. It lies close to the Mailani–Palia–Lakhimpur route in the Terai region near the Indo-Nepal border.
Kishanpur is known for its Barasingha (Swamp Deer) population, Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian Rhinos, and over 450 species of birds.
It’s one of the few sanctuaries in North India where wetlands, grasslands, and sal forests coexist in perfect balance.
The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 203 square kilometers, forming an essential corridor between Dudhwa National Park and Pilibhit Tiger Reserve under the Terai Arc Landscape Conservation Programme.
Kishanpur is easily accessible by road from Lucknow (220 km) and Delhi (430 km).
The nearest railway station is Mailani Junction (10 km), while the closest airport is Lucknow Airport (Amausi).
Taxis and private vehicles are available from Lakhimpur Kheri and Palia Kalan.
The sanctuary is open from November to June and closed during the monsoon.
Nov–Feb: Best for birdwatching and photography
Mar–Apr: Great for wildlife activity
May–Jun: High chances of tiger sightings due to low water availability
Visitors can spot Bengal Tigers, Barasingha, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, Wild Boars, Hog Deer, and Sambar, along with numerous bird species like the Bengal Florican, Great Slaty Woodpecker, and Bar-headed Goose.
Yes, Jeep Safaris are organized by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and registered operators under the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve management.
Each jeep accommodates 6 adults + 2 children, with mandatory guide and permit verification.
You can book your safari through authorized websites like DudhwaNationalPark.net.
Bookings should be made at least 15–30 days in advance, especially during weekends and holidays, as seats are limited in each zone.
Safari timings follow the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve schedule:
Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Evening Safari: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Timings may vary slightly with sunrise and sunset seasons.
Absolutely! Kishanpur is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting 450+ resident and migratory birds.
During winter, you can spot storks, herons, pintails, spoonbills, and northern shovelers, along with rare species like the Bengal Florican — a globally threatened grassland bird.
Safari and entry fees are the same as Dudhwa Tiger Reserve’s permit structure.
Charges vary for Indian and foreign tourists, and include guide fees, jeep entry, and departmental taxes. Updated prices can be checked on dudhwanationalpark.net/dudhwa-safari-booking/
Kishanpur offers a peaceful, less crowded alternative to Dudhwa’s main zone.
It’s ideal for photographers and nature lovers who want to experience the raw Terai wilderness, encounter barasingha herds, and witness tigers and birds in a pristine ecosystem — all within a protected landscape.