| Sultanpur |
| Located at a distance of 46 km from Delhi, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is a haven to a variety of domestic and migratory birds. Winter brings in birds from as far as Siberia and even flocks of geese from Europe. All in all over 250 species of bird have been identified here, 100 of them migratory. The climate of this region is tropical with very hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit the park is in winter when chances of seeing the exclusive wildlife is higher. In old maps, this area is shown as marshy land where water accumulated during rains and dries out in summer. A number of organisms like crustaceans, fish and insects thrive during floods which attract a number of birds to this area. It's potential as a bird preserve, was first identified by an enthusiastic bird watcher, Mr. Peter Jackson. He convinced Mrs Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister, of the need for giving protection to this area. The area covering 359 acres was declared a Bird Sanctuary in 1971 and was upgraded to the status of National Park in 1991 by the Haryana Government. Fauna at Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary The Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is home to a large range of birds, both resident and migratory. Migratory geese and Siberian cranes spend the winter here and there are also the demoiselle cranes, ruddy shelducks, pelicans, flamingoes, bar-headed geese, grey lags, gadwalls, mallards, pocherds, shovellers and teals. local species include plovers, red-wattled lapwings, herons, cormorants, white ibises, spoonbills and painted storks. Other wildlife in the park includes blackbuck, nilgai, hog deer, sambar, wild dog or dhole, caracal, wild cat, hedgehog, mongoose, striped hyena, Indian porcupine, honey badger, leopard, wild pig and four-horned antelope. Entrance The entry gate is to the left off the main Gurgaon-Farrukhnagar road (around 3 km from Chandu village). Park Entry Fee : Rs 5 (Indians) and Rs 40 (foreigners) Camera : Rs. 10 (still) and Rs 500 (video) Park opening times are 6:30 am to 4:30 pm. Accommodation Inside the park, The Haryana Tourism Development Corporation runs a tourist lodge called the Rosy Pelican. The complex includes rooms, camping huts and a bar-restaurant. Hut: Rs 1000 Room: Rs 1800 - 2200 Banks and internet For internet, money exchange and other banking facilities Delhi and Gurgaon are the best places. |
| Transport Trains The nearest train station to the park is Garhi Harsaru, 10 km away. From there you can walk to the park entrance or take a rickshaw for around Rs 50. Delhi (DLI) to Garhi Hasaru (GHH) Train numbers 2414, 4321 Buses The journey by bus is a little more complicated. From Delhi you will have to get a bus to Dula Khan (1 hour, Rs 20) then change for Gurgaon, 15 km from the park (1 hour, Rs 20). From Gurgaon you can take a tempo (shared autorickshaw) to the park entrance for around Rs 30. Taxis A charter taxi from Delhi centre will cost Rs 1000. |