The Sultanpur National Park Bird Sanctuary is an oasis for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts located in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. Its history as a protected area began in 1971, when the famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, during a visit to the area, suggested to the Haryana government that this wetland was of great importance for resident and migratory birds. Taking note of this, the government declared Sultanpur Jheel (lake) as a bird sanctuary in 1972.
This declaration was the stepping stone for the ecological tourism at Sultanpur. What bolstered its position on the tourism map was when the sanctuary was upgraded to a National Park status in 1989. Since then, thousands of tourists, ornithologists, and nature lovers flock to the sanctuary every year, especially during the winter months when migratory birds from across the world visit the park.
To make the Sultanpur National Park Bird Sanctuary more tourist-friendly, the government along with the Forest Department invested in the development of better infrastructure. Watch towers, paths, bird hides, and educational signs were set up to facilitate and inform visitors. Moreover, a well-equipped education and interpretation center provides insights into the lives of birds that visit the sanctuary.
With improved roads and the introduction of guided tours, the sanctuary has become readily accessible to tourists. The park has modest accommodation facilities where tourists can stay overnight, and an in-house restaurant caters to the visitor’s dining needs.
Eco-tourism and sustainability are the latest trends in the tourism sector, and they are being actively promoted at Sultanpur National Park. Increasingly, visitors are seeking experiences that are environmentally friendly and entail bird watching without causing disturbance to the ecosystem.
Digital birding through photography and the use of apps for bird identification has also taken center stage among the newer generations of birdwatchers. Meanwhile, the Haryana government's initiatives, such as the yearly Sultanpur Bird Festival, have helped in increasing awareness and promoting the significance of bird conservation to a broader audience.
Recognizing the ecological importance of Sultanpur National Park, conservation efforts have been intensified. The park is part of the Central Asian Flyway and plays a significant role in the conservation of avian species. Regular habitat improvement activities, like de-silting of the lake and planting of trees that are native to the region, ensure that Sultanpur remains a favored destination for birds and thus for bird-lovers.
Sultanpur National Park Bird Sanctuary stands as a testament to the successful venture of combining conservation with tourism. It showcases how a small step towards protecting a natural habitat can transform into a globally recognized bird sanctuary. By offering a host of ecological riches, Sultanpur will continue to attract and educate tourists on the importance of biodiversity and the beauty of avian wonders.
