The Bakhira Sanctuary is located in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh in Sant Kabir Nagar District and is considered to be the largest natural flood plain wetland. This place was established in the year 1980, and in order to see this place one has to travel forty-four kilometres towards the west side of Gorakhpur city. This water body is stretched over a large area and measures around twenty-nine square kilometres.

This place is surrounded by human habitat from all around and there are big agriculture fields. Due to this reason no large wild mammal can be seen in this area. Some of the small mammals seen here are Small Indian Mongoose, Jungle Cat, and Golden Jackal. In winter season this place is flocked by more than forty thousand birds.

Flora and Fauna

The lake here has abundance of small hydrophytes plants, algae, and small aquatic plants such as insects, snails, and numerous varieties of fish. You can get to see local species throughout the year. This place is home to various migratory birds that come from Siberia, Europe, China and Tibet, after covering a distance of more than five thousand kilometres.

This place becomes very attractive to watch during winter time as the presence of migratory birds turns this place alive. You can also see lots of local varieties here such as Indian purple Moorhen, which is also known as purple swan and is one of the most beautiful birds found in India. Local people call it with the name Kaima and are a common resident of this sanctuary.

Ideal Time to Visit

The best time to visit this place is during winter season, i.e. from November – March, as during this time lots of migratory birds come here

How to Reach

By Road

One can come to this place through Gorakhpur – Khalilabad which is 35 KM from here, and from Khalilabad – Bansi road it is 17KM.

By Rail

Nearest railhead is at Khalilabad which lies on the Lucknow – Gorakhpur NER railway line.

By Air

Nearest airport is at Gorakhpur which is around 50 KM.