The sights of exotic birds, up close and personal, trigger a feeling of awe in you, which you would have only experienced in your childhood! Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in one prominent place to relish such experience. Some 20 km from the city of Taj Mahal, Agra, Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is sprawled over a massive area of 7.29 sq km. This popular place of tourist interest in Uttar Pradesh was declared a sanctuary in the year 1991. A delight for all the bird watchers and nature buffs, the ecosystem of the sanctuary includes freshwater wetland, lush greenery and numerous exotic birds. The sanctuary that is enriched with opulent flora and fauna also boasts an impressive religion-cultural heritage.
There is also a huge lake, known as Keetham Lake, inside the sanctuary which is engirdled by the luxuriant greenery. Of the total area of the sanctuary, the lake covers itself a large area of 2.25 sq km. This pentagonal-shaped lake is one of the ideal spots in the sanctuary to catch the sights of some enthralling avifaunal species, both local as well as migratory. Along with that, a number of artificially created islands are also there that serves as the breeding and shelter grounds to the birds. In total, the sanctuary is home to over than 160 avifaunal species, that includes both residential and migratory birds. Besides the feather creatures, this renowned bird sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh also has around 300 pythons.
For the fact, the sanctuary is also known for housing the biggest rescue centre for dancing bears. Though the size of this Soor Sarovar Sanctuary is a bit small as compared to other sanctuaries, yet, it is one of the most popular destinations amongst the ornithologists.
Best Time to Visit
Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary operates from 15 November to 30 June. However, the best time to visit the sanctuary is from mid-November to March, i.e., winter season. As compared to other seasons, winter marks the most pleasant weather conditions that remain in favour of tourism.
- Summer: Summer season in Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary commences in the month of April. Throughout this season, the temperature remains as high as 45°C. As a result of such high temperature, the weather condition of the region remains hot and humid. Despite the blistering heat, a lot of bird watchers visit the place during this season. The season ends in the month of June.
- Monsoon: The month of July brings the monsoon season in Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. During this time, the sanctuary receives significant rainfall. Monsoon season is not at all an ideal time to visit the place as during these months the sanctuary remains closed until November. The season ends in the month of September.
- Winter: Commences in the month of November, winter is the best time to visit the Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. Throughout this time, the temperature of the region ranges from 5°C to 22°C and the weather condition remain cool and pleasant. Such a comfortable weather condition lures a larger chunk of tourist to the sanctuary during the winter season. The winter season in Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary ends in the month of March.
Where to Stay?
Since Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is located in one of the most popular cities of Uttar Pradesh, Agra, tourists can find a plenty of accommodation options around the sanctuary. The city is overbrimming with numerous hotels, resorts, homestays and Inns. These options are available in all the categories, whether luxury, deluxe, standard or budget. One can opt to stay around the internationally-known monument - Taj Mahal, from where Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is just 25 km away. All the accommodation options around Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary come up with some great services and impeccable facilities that are specially designed to satiate the needs and wants of the tourists and also to provide them the best comfort.
How to Reach?
The sanctuary of Soor Sarovar is easily reachable by all the means of transport, whether rail, road or air. Located in the city of Agra, it has impressive transit connectivity that allows travellers to visit the place without any hassle. Due to the vast connectivity with almost all the towns and cities of the country, railway serves as the best way to reach the sanctuary.
- By Air: Agra has its own airhead, Kheria Airport which is located at distance of 21 km from Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. Being a seasonal commercial airport, only Air India flights fly from Kheria Airport. However, the airport is connected with almost all the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. From the airport, taxi services can be availed to reach the destination. The airway is the most ideal way to reach Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary for those who are travelling from far cities and prefer time over money.
- By Rail: There are two railway stations, both in Agra, that are located in the near proximity to Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary - Agra Cantt and Agra Fort. Both the stations located at a distance of 20 km and 22 km, respectively to the sanctuary. However, Agra Cantt Railway Station is the most active railhead in the city of Agra. The station is connected with all the major cities of the country like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Amritsar. From the station, both taxi and bus services can be avail to reach the destination. The railway is the most convenient and the best way to reach Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary.
- By Road: The city of Agra can also be reached by the mean of the road from neighbouring cities like Jaipur, Delhi Lucknow, Gwalior, and Kanpur. Daily buses run on a regular interval from these destinations to Agra. There are two major interstate bus terminals in Agra - Idgah Bus Stand, which is located at distance of around 18 km from the sanctuary, and ISBT which is situated at an approx distance of 13 km from the sanctuary. Tourists can also prefer a self-drive to reach Agra from these cities via NH2, NH11 and NH 3.