Located on the banks of River Gomti, the sacred place of Naimisharanya is linked to Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva. The word 'nemi' refers to the outer surface of the Sudarshana chakra (Lord Vishnu's weapon), and it is said that the place where it fell came to be known as Naimisharanya, the boundary of which includes the surrounding forest area. The spot where the chakra struck the earth, a water spring came out. Major attractions in Naimisharanya include Chakratirth, which marks the spot where Brahma’s chakra fell; Dashashwamedha Ghat, where Lord Rama performed the tenth Ashwamedha Yagna; Hanuman Garhi, where Lord Hanuman is said to have emerged after his victory over Ahiravana in Patal Lok; Lalita Devi Temple, dedicated to the presiding deity of Naimisharanya; Nardanand Saraswati Ashram, a centre for spiritual education; Pandal Kila, the fort of king Virat from the epic Mahabharata; Sita Kund, where Goddess Sita is said to have bathed before going into exile, and many other significant spots. 

It is believed to be the first and the most sacred of all the pilgrim centres for Hindus, and devotees visit this place to take a dip in the holy water. It has been said that Rama Charitha Manas was written here by poet Tulsidas. Another belief associated with Naimisharanya says that if you perform penance here for 12 years, you will be granted entrance to Brahmaloka (heaven).

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is one of the most protected sanctuaries in India, comprising two distinct zones – Bhabar, characterised by hills and rocky terrain, and Terai, distinguished by thick grasslands and clay-rich swamps. The latter is home to a large population of mammals and birds, and is thus listed among globally important eco-regions. This large ecosystem stretches from River Yamuna in the west to Valmiki Tiger Reserve (Bihar) in the east. The park spreads across five states along the Shivalik range of hills, and the Gangetic plains.

At present, certain endangered species like the Bengal florican and Hispid hare are protected at Dudhwa. Other than the tiger, 13 species of mammals, nine species of birds, and 11 species of reptiles and amphibians that are considered endangered are also found here. Other animals you are likely to spot at Dudhwa include birds like the painted stork, black and white necked stork, crane, heron, drongo, owl, egret, duck, goose, hornbill, woodpecker, barbet, kingfisher, minivet, bee-eater etc.; and reptiles like python, monitor lizard and gharial. 

The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is known to host hundreds of species of birds. Siberian cranes are among the category of migratory bird species that rest here. The other species that call Nawabganj home include shoveller, painted stork, woodpecker, common teal, peacock, white ibis, open-billed stork, vulture, tern vulture, Indian roller, lapwing, pheasant, parakeet, coot, purple moorhen, jacana and whistling teal. 

The sanctuary also has a huge lake where several species of fish, such as the kavai, saul, sindhi, katla, and mangur are found. The lake is surrounded by an expanse of green and houses a lovely, lush deer park, which is the habitat of a rare type of deer, locally known as hangul. Reptiles like Indian cobra, rat snake, water snake, and viper have been documented at Nawabganj as well.