Known as a popular getaway from New Delhi, Gurgaon, Fairdabad and Noida, Sultanpur National Park is located 15 km from Gurgaon, Haryana. This bird sanctuary has been declared as national park by the Haryana government. The sanctuary is home to approximately 250 species of birds some of them resident, while others come from distant regions like Siberia, Europe and Afghanistan. Every year more than 100 migratory bird species arrive at Sultanpur in search of feeding grounds and to pass the winter.
Bird attractions
Some of the resident birds of the sanctuary 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, etc. While in winter the migratory birds seen at the sanctuary 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, etc. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary has birds in summer too, About 11 species of migratory birds such as Asian Koel, Black crowned Night Heron, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Comb duck, etc. It takes one and half hours to cover visiting Sulanpur Bird Sanctuary on foot.
Permits: Entrance fee is Rs 10 per head. Still cameras are allowed for Rs 50.
When to visit: The ideal period for bird watching is during winters when a large number of migratory birds come to Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. Sultanpur has the typical North Indian climate of harsh summers and cold winters. Rainy season is short, from July – August.
Accommodation: The Haryana Tourism Department runs a resort within the park area. Other nearby hotels include Ibis Gurgaon, Saab Guest House, Courtyard By Marriott Gurgaon, Royal Plaza, Hotel Crossroads.
How to reach:
Air: Sultanpur is 47 km from Delhi
Rail: It is 16 km from Gurgaon and travellers can conveniently reach by using the Delhi Metro Rail Network.
Road: Bus service from Delhi to Gurgaon are also available, however it is better, to hire a taxi from Delhi to Sultanpur or to drive down.
