Discover a world untouched by noise, where only the wings of birds break the silence, says SAKSHI PRIYA
There’s something deeply soothing about the presence of birds. No matter where you are, the soft flutter of wings or the distant call of a bird can instantly transport you to a place of peace. Birds seem to fill the air with a quiet kind of company that makes you feel connected to the world around you. Unlike most popular nature spots, this wetland remains hidden from the typical tourist routes, untouched and unhurried, just waiting for someone to notice its magic.
I found this solace in the Dhanauri Wetlands, near Thasrana in Uttar Pradesh, a place that feels like a hidden sanctuary untouched by the noise of modern life. Unlike crowded nature reserves, it does not call out for attention. Instead, it waits patiently, its beauty unfolding only for those willing to step into its stillness. It was in this mist-laden landscape that I discovered the true magic of being among birds, where silence speaks, and nature embraces you without asking for anything in return.
A World Wrapped in Fog
Arriving early in the morning, I was greeted by a thick blanket of winter fog, softening every outline, blurring the edges of trees, water and distant shapes. It was the kind of silence that didn’t feel empty but full - full of life stirring beneath the mist, of whispered movements in the reeds and of birds calling out unseen. The cold air carried distant sounds of wings flapping, making the entire landscape feel like something out of a dream.
At first, I thought the fog would ruin my chance of getting any decent photographs. Everything seemed swallowed up by the mist, with just the faintest shapes of trees and water appearing like ghosts in the haze. But as I stood there, waiting for the fog to clear, I realised that there was a certain calm in it. The mist didn’t obscure the beauty of the place, it enhanced it. It gave everything a sense of mystery, as if nature itself was being revealed slowly, almost deliberately.
A Fragile Haven Worth Protecting
Yet, as untouched as it seems, the Dhanauri Wetlands are not invincible. Like many natural spaces, they face growing threats from habitat destruction, pollution and human encroachment. It's easy to assume that places like this will always exist, remaining undisturbed and waiting for the next visitor to discover them. However, the truth is, without conscious effort to protect them, they may not. For those who have ever found comfort in nature, who have stood still just to listen to the world breathe, places like Dhanauri are not simply landscapes. They are living sanctuaries, home to thousands of species, each playing its part in the delicate balance of life.
A Place That Demands Nothing but Presence
One of the most striking things about Dhanauri Wetlands is not just its visual beauty but its quietness. In a world constantly buzzing with movement and noise, finding a place that does not demand attention, but instead rewards those who choose to be present, is rare. There
were no distractions here, no honking cars, no flashing screens, just the simple, unbroken sounds of water lapping against the shore, wings flapping overhead and birds calling out to one another.
It is a place that does not overwhelm but instead invites you to slow down. Whether you're there to watch the birds, capture the beauty through your camera or just enjoy a moment of peace, it offers more than a pretty sight, it gives you a sense of connection to something much bigger than yourself.
A Sanctuary on the Brink
The Dhanauri Wetlands are at risk, once a sanctuary for birds like the Sarus Crane and Painted Stork, now threatened by encroachment and neglect. With land repurposed for construction, the ecosystem is shrinking and disrupting its delicate balance. Water pollution and disappearing green buffers worsen the crisis. Without urgent protection, this vital habitat, which supports biodiversity, flood control and climate regulation, may soon be lost, leaving behind only memories of its once-thriving wildlife.
Recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International and extensively studied by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Dhanauri plays a pivotal role in global bird conservation. Each year, between November and March, the wetland transforms into a sanctuary for over 50,000 migratory waterfowl, reinforcing its importance as a breeding and nesting ground
A Moment with Nature
At Dhanauri Wetlands, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the beauty of nature. Expect to spot the striking Baikal Teal, the towering Sarus Crane and the graceful White-throated Kingfisher. The Black Drongo and Citrine Wagtail add charm to the scenery, while the Painted Storks and Ibis soar across the sky, truly making you feel one with the wilderness. The Bull-headed Shrike perches quietly, surveying the land, while flocks of birds move in perfect harmony, painting the wetlands with life.
A Journey Worth Taking
If you decide to visit, go early in the morning, before the mist lifts completely. Walk quietly along the lake’s edge, listen to the calls of unseen birds and let yourself be immersed in the stillness. Watch as the fog dissolves into golden light, revealing a world teeming with life. Dhanauri Wetlands is an experience, a reminder that, in the presence of birds, you are never truly alone.
When the Sky Comes to Life
Around 11 AM, the sun began to work its magic. The first rays of sunlight began to filter through, slowly dissolving the fog. The Dhanauri Wetlands were finally revealed in all their splendour. The lake shimmered under the golden light, mirroring the movements of birds in the sky.
In every direction, life unfolded in the most mesmerising ways. Baikal teals, their green and chestnut plumage gleaming, glided effortlessly across the water. Sarus cranes,
the tallest flying birds in the world, waded gracefully through the shallows, their striking red crowns standing out against the backdrop of endless blue. White-throated kingfishers, streaks of electric blue, darted across the surface, their sharp beaks poised for the perfect catch. Black drongos, perched high on bare branches, observed their surroundings with quiet confidence.
Then, in the midst of it all, I spotted something that truly captivated me, a Painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala), standing still in the water, its pink and white plumage vibrant against the reeds. Nearby, an Ibis sat motionless, sharing the space with an egret that hovered just above. They did not interact, nor did they compete. They simply coexisted, bound by the same stillness that surrounded them. It was a reminder that nature does not rush, nor does it seek control, simply is.
217
Bird Species, Including 150+ Sarus Cranes
At a time when rapid urbanisation threatens natural ecosystems, Dhanauri Wetlands stands as a critical stronghold for avian biodiversity. Home to over 150 Sarus cranes, the state bird of Uttar Pradesh and sheltering 217 bird species, including 23 endangered and vulnerable ones, this wetland is an ecological necessity.
20,000+
Waterfowl, but the push for conservation has yet to gain the urgency it deserves. With habitat loss accelerating, the fate of Dhanauri is about the larger battle to protect our natural heritage before it is too late.
The Sarus Crane, the world’s tallest flying bird, glides through wetlands with elegance, its vivid red head and long legs creating a breathtaking sight in nature’s tranquillity
