Imagine thousands of birds soaring above you. These birds are from different corners of the world. This is Sultanpur National Park.
Sultanpur National Park is a haven for bird watchers. It is located in the Gurugram district of Haryana. The park is about 50 kilometers from Delhi. It is also about 15 kilometers from Gurugram.
In 1970, Peter Michel Jackson suggested declaring Sultanpur a bird sanctuary to Indira Gandhi. In 1972, the area was declared a bird sanctuary. Later, in July 1991, it became a National Park. In 2021, Sultanpur was recognised as a Ramsar site. Sultanpur covers approximately 142.52 hectares.
Sultanpur has a typical North Indian climate. Summers are harsh and winters are cold. The rainy season lasts from July to the end of August. The best time to visit Sultanpur National Park is in winter. Migratory birds arrive then.
Sultanpur National Park has a rich history. Sultanpur is named after Raja Sultan Singh Chauhan. He established Sultanpur in 1417 or 1418 CE. Sultanpur was once the center of salt production. Salt production declined. In 1923, the British shut down the salt industry.
Approximately 250 bird species can be found at Sultanpur National Park. Some birds are resident. Others migrate from Siberia, Europe, and Afghanistan.
Resident birds include the common hoopoe and the purple sunbird. You might see the Indian roller or the white-throated kingfisher. Look for the painted stork and the black-headed ibis. You may spot the crested lark.
Every year, over 100 migratory bird species visit Sultanpur. They search for feeding grounds and to pass the winter. See if you can identify the Siberian crane or the greater flamingo. Watch for the ruff and the black-winged stilt. Common teals and northern pintails also migrate here.
Haryana government has improved the park. They constructed mounds and widened paths. They planted trees popular with birds. These include ficus, acacia, beris and neem.
To encourage bird watching, there are four watch towers. There is an Educational Interpretation Center. It offers guidance to visitors. The park also has a library and binoculars.
Animals like blue bulls and jackals live here. You might see an Indian fox. Acacia and eucalyptus trees provide shade.
So come to Sultanpur National Park. Observe the birds. Learn about the park. Enjoy the beauty of nature. Take some photos. Remember to be quiet and respectful. Leave Sultanpur as you found it.