Where is pollution? My surprise reaction when I walked through nature trails inhaling the aromatic air. My complete immersion in an expanse of sacred river Ganga, countless birds and bountiful greenery. This was my pleasant walk of over 16 km at an immaculately planned Haiderpur Wetland.
On 2nd Feb, World Wetland Day, I had decided to begin my 2023 Ganga walks with Haiderpur Wetland, a Ramsar Site on Ganga floodplain in Uttar Pradesh, India. Ramsar Site is designated to a wetland of international importance. Wetlands help in ground water recharge. Wetlands moderate floods, control erosion and reduce water pollution as well.
Haiderpur Wetland is a part of Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area of 2073 km on Gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh. Haiderpur Wetland was formed after the construction of Madhya Ganga barrage at Muzaffarnagar and Bijnor border. It covers an area of 6,908 hectares which provides habitat for numerous animal and plant species. More than 300 species of birds find home in Haiderpur Wetland. It lies in the strategic central Asian flyway and serves as a stop over site for the migratory birds in winter. Sometimes the number of birds goes into the thousands. I spotted countless flocks of birds while walking.
Haiderpur Wetland has plenty of seating to rest. There are watch huts on tracks for viewing and a watch tower to feel the depth of the wetland. Nature trails give a raw feel of wetland and forest. There are few well marked nature trails but I walked through mud, dense forest as well to explore the wetland thoroughly. Walked until the trail ended.
My wetland walk included some stretch of a village as well. I interacted with villagers in fields.
I entered wetland at sunrise with stunning views to capture. Spent more than 8 hours in the wetland. Savored each moment there. There is an entry fee of Rs.50 for the whole day from sunrise to sunset. Toilet block is at the entrance. No eatables available inside. Walkers can carry their own water and snacks.
Along with Haiderpur Wetland I walked on Ganga banks outside wetland boundary in hope of spotting a dolphin though couldn’t get the elusive mammal even after several miles of walking.
Being close to Bijnor I decided to walk to mythological Vidur Kuti as well where lord Krishan had visited saint Vidur.
Exploring on foot lends enriching Ganga experience.
This is beautiful! I’ve been to India but never been to a wetland, this is beautiful.
I am lucky to have a lot of nature walks around me, where I can walk too and not get the car out and love my walks around the area
Wow, this surely makes you appreciate nature. Reminds me a lot of when I lived in Europe. There is much more “green” there also then I’ve ever seen here in California. Thanks for sharing this journey with us.
Thank you.
Exploring on foot is the best. You can notice a lot of good small things that you can’t do when riding. Great experience here.
Great experience indeed.
Looks like a lovely spiritual wetland walk. Being out in nature and experiencing everything that it has to offer x
Absolutely so.
I have been to Haridwar and Rishikesh and visited the Ganges. This walking tour to explore the unspoilt Haiderpur Wetland and Ganges sounds amazing.
Truly so.
Wetlands are the best to explore. There is always so much happening and such amazing birdlife.
Indeed so.
I had no idea of the importance of wetland areas even though we have several near where I live.
Wetlands do the balancing act.
I absolutely loved reading about your wetland walk experience! Your vivid descriptions and stunning photos made me feel like I was right there with you, exploring the unique beauty of the wetlands.
Thank you Moni.
How wonderful to enter at sunrise. Sunrise photos are always the best.
Truly so.
I love being in nature and this looks like my idea of heaven. Amazing that you could experience the wetland at sunrise.
That was amazing indeed.