About Sultanpur National Park
Sultanpur
National Park located at a short distance from the national capital Delhi,
is a bird watchers paradise. Declared a water-bird reserve in 1972 and
upgraded to the status of national park in the year 1991, a visit to the
place during winter can be a rewarding experience, although migratory birds
begin to arrive as early as late July or the early days of August. Large
flock of birds in V shaped formations are a common sight as winter starts to
set in.
The area used to be a marshy land where water accumulated in monsoons and
dried out in summers. In time the marshy land coupled with other facts such
as thriving population of fish and other insects started to attract numerous
species of beautiful avians that also included a number of migratory birds
that came here from all around the world.
The department of wildlife preservation has done appreciable work by
constructing mounds, widening of pathways and construction of tube wells.
Efforts are also in full swing to plant more trees in the area to provide a
permanent habitat to the numerous birds. Excellent facilities provided at
the park include an education and interpretation centre, library an well as
film and slide shows.
Wildlife Attractions in Sultanpur National Park
A number of trees have been planted all over the park to provide a
permanent habitat for the avian residents of the place. Some of the commonly
found trees include Acacia Nilotica, Acacia Tortilis, Beris and Neem.
The park is known as a paradise for bird lovers among the wildlife circuit.
There are an estimated number of 450 species of birds found in Haryana, of
which 250 have been recorded at Sultanpur, which also include foreign
residents coming from far away lands like Siberia, Europe and Afghanistan.
Some of the mainly found resident birds at the park include Common Hoopoe,
Paddyfield Pipit, Purple Sunbird, Little Cormorant, Eurasian Thick-knee,
Gray Francolin, Black Francolin, Indian Roller, White-throated Kingfisher,
Spot billed Duck, Painted Stork, White Ibis, Black headed Ibis, Little
Egret, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, India Crested Lark, Red vented Bulbul,
Rose ringed Parakeet, Red wattled Lapwing, Shikra, Eurasian collared Dove,
Red collared Dove, Laughing Dove, Spotted Owlet, Rock Pigeon, Magpie Robin,
Greater Coucal, Weaver Bird, Bank Mynah, Common Mynah and Green Bee Eater.
Every year over 100 species of migratory birds also arrive here and remain
here during the winter months. Some of the prominent visitors include
Siberian Cranes, Greater Flamingo, Ruff, Black winged Stilt, Common Teal,
Common Greenshank, Northern Pintail, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Northern
Shoveler, Rosy Pelican, Gadwall, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Eurasian
Wigeon, Black tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Starling, Bluethroat, Asian
Koel, Black crowned Night Heron, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Comb duck, Blue
cheeked Bee Eater, Blue-tailed Bee-Eater and Cuckoos.
Safaris
Taking
a stroll around the park is the best way to observe the numerous variety of
bird species. Other than birds some animals including Neelgai, blackbuck,
sambar, wild dog and wild cat can also be seen.
Other Attractions in Sultanpur National Park
Interpretation Centre
An educational interpretation centre provided inside the park has over 70
color photographs of different species of birds along with a brief
description about each of them providing useful information for bird lovers.
A special room dedicated to Dr. Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist,
contains his write ups, photographs and other belongings.
Museum and Library
Library is well stocked with a rare collection of books on birds while the
museum has on display, pictures of birds along with information on the
routes of migratory birds.
How to Get There
By Air : Indira Gandhi Airport at Delhi is the nearest
and the most convenient airport which is connected to a number of Indian and
international cities. Delhi is connected by daily Indian Airlines flights
from Mumbai (7:00, 9:00, 10:00, 12:30, 13:00 & 18:00) from Kolkata
(7:00, 17:00 & 20:00) from Bangalore (9:30, 16:30 & 22:20) &
from Chennai (6:40, 10:10, 17:55 & 20:00)
By Rail : Gurgaon is the nearest railhead. Delhi is
connected via the Jammu JP Exp. (4:40, daily), Mandor Exp. (20:50) &
Ashram Exp. (15:05). A convenient way would be to travel to Delhi and take a
connecting train from there or hire a private taxi. The cost of a private
taxi would be around Rs. 300 (approx)
By Road : The park is located close to Delhi, past the
lush expanses along the Gurgaon-Farrukhnagar road. To reach by road from
Delhi, take the NH8 to Rajiv Chowk, Gurgaon. From here, turn right and bear
left towards Gurgaon. After you see a green mosque on the right, take the
next turn to left. Go straight until you come across signboards displaying
Farrukhnagar/Sultanpur.
Distances from Major Cities
Delhi : 45 km (SW)
Gurgaon : 15 km (W)
Mumbai : 1174 km
Bangalore : 1753 km
Travel Tips/Important Information
- The entry gate is to the left off the main Gurgaon-Farrukhnagar road
(around 3 km from Chandu village). The parking is located near the entry
gate.
- Park charges Entry Fee : Rs. 5 (Indians) & Rs. 40 (foreigners),
Vehicle Parking : Rs. 10, Camera : Rs. 10 (still) & Rs. 500 (video)
- Park timings are 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Being quite and bird watching sitting at a place in the park can be
a rewarding experience.
- Do not play loud music or talk loudly that is in any way a
disturbance to the birds.
- Avoid picnics or parties inside the park and never try to chase
birds on the lake bed.
Jungle
Resorts in Sultanpur
| Banjara
Camp |
Rosy
Pelican |
The
Banjara camp located at the Sultanpur National Park stays open during
the months from November to March.
|
The
Haryana Tourism Development Corporation run Rosy Pelican is situated at
the Sultanpur National Park.
|
"Watching
the multi colored avian metropolis roam the skies of Sultanpur, you
realise how beautiful life can be and how dull it would seem if we do
not react fast to protect this natural treasure. "
