Each winter, thousands of birds descend on a quiet patch of wetlands in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda district — some flying in from as far as Siberia and Europe. Welcome to the Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary, a Ramsar-recognised haven for over 150 bird species, tucked away just 40 km from Gonda town and 25 km from Ayodhya.

Officially declared a sanctuary in 1990, this 1,084-hectare site remains relatively unknown, making it a peaceful retreat for birdwatchers and offbeat travellers alike.

A sanctuary built around lakes

This Ramsar site is well-recognised for its importance on the international wetlands map. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands — an international treaty initiated in 1971 — endeavours to safeguard these critical ecosystems through both conservation efforts and the promotion of sustainable use.

The sanctuary is named after its iconic oxbow lakes, Parvati Tal and Arga Tal, which are shaped like graceful crescents. These lakes are remnants of a meandering river course, offering a permanent freshwater habitat that supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Explore Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary in Gonda, UP! Covering 1084.47 hectares, it's home to both resident and migratory birds.

From winter visitors like the Greylag Goose and Eurasian Coot to........

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