Sultanpur National Park to reopen on October 1

The Sultanpur National Park will reopen for visitors on October 1 after a gap of five months. This year, the park had been closed from June to September, unlike the previous years when the park remained shut for only three months from June to August.

This delay in reopening the park took place because the authorities were trying to provide more time for monsoon birds to breed inside the park.

“As the summer birds started breeding in the park late, we decided to open the park late this year to give them more time,” said the divisional forest officer.

The national park will remain open from 6.30am to 4.30pm with no cap on the number of early morning visitors. A large number of migratory birds are seen visiting the park this winter, which will delight birdwatchers.

“We expect the park to be thronged by a large number of visitors on October 1 and 2 as it is a weekend that includes a national holiday as well,” said an official at the park.

There are about 90 species of birds at the national park at present and migratory species have also started flying in. There are about 3,000 birds at the park with about 25 species of water birds.

“The season has begun and the park is witnessing a large influx of migratory birds. Birders are expected to be delighted to see such beautiful shades and species of birds at one place. The park has the potential to surprise visitors,” said Purbasha Banerjee, biologist, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).