Lalitpur,
Mahaveer Swami Wildlife Sanctuary
The venue for this year's festival; the Mahaveer Swami Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a living testament to the harmony between spiritual heritage and natural splendour. This landscape is a gateway to the past, surrounded by the architectural marvels of the Gupta-era Dashavtar Temple, the sacred Neelkanth Temple, and ancient Buddha Caves.As a cornerstone of the Bundelkhand region, the sanctuary’s rugged teak forests echo with ancient Jain traditions. Amidst this historical grandeur, a vibrant ecosystem flourishes, sheltering leopards, nilgai, and majestic avian life. Here, the preservation of biodiversity meets the sanctity of history, offering a timeless journey where every trail reveals a story of ecological resilience and profound cultural value.
The Uttar Pradesh Nature & Bird Festival, a unique three-day event on February 02, 2026, will celebrate the state’s rich heritage and vibrant birdlife while promoting awareness and support for wetland and wildlife conservation.
As a pioneering initiative in India, the festival serves as a platform to engage local, national, and international communities in conservation efforts. It brings together leading ornithologists, researchers, and birding enthusiasts to discuss bird conservation, environmental protection, and habitat management.
This year’s festival promises an exciting line-up of talks, presentations, interactive workshops, field visits, and birdwatching in a region renowned for its biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Uttar Pradesh, India's largest state, boasts rich natural resources that support a diverse range of resident and migratory birds, along with various plant and animal species. With major rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, Rapti, and Gandak flowing through it, the state features an extensive network of wetlands, oxbow lakes, and meandering rivers, creating ideal habitats for birdlife.
The state's commitment to conservation allows diverse species to coexist with humans. From October to February, migratory birds from Europe, Tibet, Siberia, and China travel over 5,000 km, settling in these wetlands. Uttar Pradesh hosts over 500 of India's 1,300 bird species, including 13 globally threatened and near-threatened species like the Slender-Billed Vulture, Bengal Florican, Black-Bellied Tern, Sarus Crane, and Indian Skimmer. The state stands out as a vital refuge for birdlife, making it one of India's most significant regions for avian diversity.
We are busy planning a long list of events and seminars for you to enjoy at the Uttar Pradesh Nature & Bird Festival 2026. There will be talks by prominent ornithologists. Workshops by professional photographers, art shows by renowned artists, and a bird ringing station are planned as some of the key attractions in the festival. Field trips accompanied by trained naturalists conversant in the local biodiversity are another highlight of the festival. Heritage tours, boat safari in the unique wetland areas of the region, nature walks...
There is something for everyone to get excited.