Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

Introduction

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is located at a distance of around 15 km from Gurgaon. Also known as the birdwatcher's paradise, the sanctuary covers an area of around 1.43 square km. The sanctuary attracts tourists from all over the world with its rich variety of avian fauna. Tourists can spot a large species of birds in Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. Just like any other bird sanctuary, the best time to explore Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is winter. During winters, birds from Siberia and Europe migrate to this place.

History

This bird sanctuary is a contribution of Peter Jackson, the famous ornithologist. Two years of his efforts resulted in Sultanpur Bird Reserve. In 1972, the region was crowned with the title. After 17 years, on 07-13-1989 the bird reserve was declared a National Park. With a picturesque lake and chirpy environment, the sanctuary is a perfect place to enjoy natural beauty and is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the routine life.

Flora

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is covered with Trees, Shrubs and Savannah Grasses. Jamun, Babul and  Berberis can be found very easily in Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. Other flora variety includes Banyans, Acacia Nilotica, Acacia Tortilis and Neem and plenty of Bougainvillea .

Fauna

Around 250 species of avian fauna can be spotted in the sanctuary, which include resident as well as migratory birds. Migratory birds visit this sanctuary from the far-flung areas, which include Siberia, Afghanistan and Europe.

Resident birds in the sanctuary include White-Throated Kingfisher, Black-Headed Ibis, Crested Lark, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Little Egret, Black Francolin, Indian Roller, Indian Cormorant, Common Spoonbill and Crested Lark. Apart from these, tourists can also spot Red-Collared Dove, Painted Stork, Black-Necked Stork, Paddy Field Pipit, Purple Sun Bird, Weaver Bird, Bank Mynah, Red-Vented Bulbul and Eurasian Collared Dove.

In winters, sanctuary provides shelter to around a hundred species of migratory birds. Visitors there can easily spot Siberian Crane, Greater Flamingo, Common Teal, Common Greenshank, Rosy Pelican and White Wagtail. Black-winged Stilt, Spotted Sandpiper, Comb duck, Blue-cheeked Bee-Eater can also be seen here easily.

Sanctuary also provides shelter to Black Buck, Striped Hyena, Four-horned Antelope, Wild Cat, India Porcupine, Nilgai, Sambar, Leopard and Blue Bull.

Accommodation

Tourists can stay at the lodge that is specially run for tourists visiting this green land. For other options, tourists can choose from a wide range of hotels in Gurgon and Delhi.

How to Reach

By Air: International as well as domestic tourists can land at Delhi airport. Regular services are provided by different operators.

By Rail: Delhi railhead is the closest one. A well-linked network connects it with rest of the country.

By Road: Regular bus service is available from Delhi, Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gurgaon. Tourists can also hire a private vehicle to reach bird sanctuary.