Bring Your Cameras Along To The Picturesque Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary For A Photo Trail

A large expanse of wetlands – Sultanpur and the area surrounding it was used for salt production by the British till the early 19th century and the region was converted into a protected bird sanctuary in 1972 after famous ornithologist Peter Jackson convinced the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of the avian bounty the region had in store and it was converted into a national park in 1989. Though most of the original wetland water seeps away owing to bandhs (dams) and drainages around the 2 square km area, the lakes and water bodies are artificially revived by pumping in water from the river Yamuna. 

Getting There

Located about 15 km off the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway (NH-8) in Haryana, one takes a diversion from near Rajiv Chowk in Gurgaon onto the Gurgaon–Farrukh Nagar Road and a half an hour drive land one at the entry gates of this sanctuary. The park has four ‘Machans’ (watchtowers) located at and around the park and there is an interpretation centre near the entry, adjacent to a children's park. 

There is hardly any staff to guide you around so make sure your bird books and binoculars are handy. Monkeys can be quite a menace, especially if you're carrying snacks around in the open, so concealment is advised. 

Popular For Its Water Birds

The park is famous for the large volume of winter migratory species that it receives, most notably the Siberian Crane (which has been in the news in recent years owing to the dwindling migration numbers), Spotted Sandpiper, Eurasian Wigeon and the Northern Shoveler.

About a dozen species like the Asian Koel, Indian Golden Oriole and Blue Cheeked Bee Eater migrate to the park in the summers. The trails are a bit unpaved but clear and your best bet is either to perch on one of the watchtowers or find a quiet vantage point near the wetlands, for surprisingly, it demands immense patience to reap the rewards in such a small catchment area, which is to be mostly blamed upon the smooth highway outside that has increased traffic and pollution, making the winged visitors look for alternate havens. 

The wet mucky terrain might tempt one to forage in further just a little bit but beware of the weeds underneath. Common water birds like the Red Wattled Lapwing, Herons and Egrets can be spotted in abundance, though. Although Black Buck sightings have been reported, one has to be really fortunate to spot one.

The park is equipped with a guest house and a restaurant along with camping facilities, but make reservations beforehand; do take all the amenities and groceries with you as there is hardly anything available nearby. 

Come on by on a nice sunny afternoon and don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
P.S. Do take all the necessary precautions before heading out!

Where | Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary - Gurgaon Farukh Nagar Road, Sultanpur, Gurugram
Timing | 7 AM - 4:30 PM
For More Info On Stay Options | https://sultanpur.nic.in/