Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary Gurgaon | Sultanpur National Park Photo
Whenever I am tired of the city’s noise and chaos my heart goes out to a quiet place that is full of peace, greenery and the songs of birds. That is what I find each time I visit Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary which also goes by the name of Sultanpur National Park near Gurgaon in Haryana. This place is not just a park it is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers like myself.
The first time I went I was surprised at how near this sanctuary is to the city, yet it has a very different feel. Right at 15 km from Gurgaon and 50 km from Delhi this park is a retreat into nature which revives body and soul.
My impressions of the first visit to Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary.
Upon entering the sanctuary I was greeted by a cool breeze, the soft sound of leaves, and the distant songs of birds which immediately brought me peace. The atmosphere was a world away from the traffic I had left behind. What I found was an area which had clearly been very well taken care of with walking paths, watchtowers, and benches which invited me to stop and take in the natural wonders.
The park which is 1.43 square kilometers in area but in a different scale which is how it comes off. At the core is a large lake which is the park’s main draw for the bird and the visitors. In winter the lake is a sight to see as it reflects birds which have traveled from as far as Europe, Siberia and Central Asia.
A Paradise for Bird Lovers
As a birdwatcher myself, I will note that Sultanapur is my pick in terms of best places in North India. That morning early, I was by the lake at first light and it was very still and then suddenly my eyes opened wide at the array of birds around me, I had the binoculars out almost immediately. Some were resting on branches and some took flight over the water.
I saw painted storks, white ibises, spoonbills, and kingfishers. Also I was lucky to see a Siberian crane which is very rare what a day that was. What makes Sultanpur great is that it has this tranquil air about it; we may be many in numbers but the park still keeps that peaceful feel.
The Magic of Migratory Birds
Each year in the winter time Sultanpur changes into a wonderland. There are hundreds of migratory birds which come here to get away from the cold in their home places. They bring along with them colors, sounds and energy which infuses the air with life.
During the winter months of November to February which is the best time for me to visit, at which point the park is at its most beautiful. I see the birds which have made the park their home, feeding by the lake or flying in formation across the sky which is a very moving experience. It also makes me reflect how we see the hand of nature in the connection between very far flung places birds from all over the world which have made Haryana their home.
The Beauty of Nature Around Me
In addition to birds which are in abundance, the natural setting at Sultanpur National Park is also very beautiful. The park is home to large stands of trees, open grasslands, and marshes. As I go along the trails it feels like I am a part of this natural world.
Sometimes I pull over by a tree and just take in the sounds the wind through the leaves, bird chirp, and the once in a while fish break. All that is real and pure. Also I am a fan of the sunrise at this spot. As the first light of the sun hits the water the lake comes alive a golden color and the birds begin their day. A site which I never grow tired of.
My Experience at the Watch Towers
In the park I am a big fan of the watchtower. I climb to the top which gives out a great view of the park. From up there I see groups of birds that are graceful on the water and the far off line of trees at the horizon. It’s a photographer’s paradise, and I always have my camera with me.
I have spent over an hour at the lake which is just as a spectator to the goings on. It was very peacefull, meditative and very fulfilling. At Sultanpur that magic plays out it slows time and I am able to connect with nature in the most basic of settings.
Learning and Awareness
During my visit I spent time at the info center. It is a small structure which has displays and info on various bird species, their migration patterns, and the importance of protecting wetlands.
Reading that report made me see the fragility of our ecosystem. We are the key to the survival of these birds in how we protect their homes and maintain balance. Each drop of that lake’s water, each tree in the park, plays a role in the health of this environment.
Efforts to Preserve the Sanctuary
I’ve seen that authorities and local communities are putting in effort for the preservation of Sultanpur. We have strict rules against littering and disturbance of the birds. Visitors are asked to move quietly and not feed the animals. What they are doing may be small scale but it is very effective in keeping the park healthy and natural.
I am very careful to leave the space as I find it clean, quiet, and peaceful. It is my responsibility which I take very seriously as a person that cares for this sanctuary very much.
My take on Sultanpur National Park.
Every time I go away from Sultanpur I take with me a piece of it which stays in my heart. The peace, the birds’ songs, the colors of nature what I saw there stay with me even after my return to the city. It is more than a tourist destination it is a reminder of the planet’s beauty and the importance of its protection.
If you find at some point you are in Gurgaon or Delhi and are out of that fast pace, do head over to Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. Walk slowly, hear the birds, inhale the fresh air, and feel the nature around you. To me Sultanpur is not a place but an experience of peace, beauty, and connection which I will always cherish.
