Bhindawas

In the district of Jhajjar, the Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary is situated. The sanctuary is located at a distance of 15 Kms from the town of Jhajjar. From Delhi, one has to take a drive of 3.5 hours in order to reach this place. The principal attractions of the place are the lake and the wide variety of birds. 

The Sanctuary covers a sprawling land of 1074 acres. In terms of land coverage, this sanctuary is bigger than the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. The outer raised structure has been constructed by man. The function of this structure is to capture water, which escapes from the Jawaharlal Nehru canal. This water escapes via a side canal during the time of Lift Canal System’s power failure. 

As many as 250 species of birds can be seen in the Bhindawas lake, which includes migratory as well as birds, which dwell here. The ideal time for making a trip to this place is in the months of December and January. Maximum number of birds can be observed here, during this time period. For bird lovers, this place is like a paradise. 

The time to visit the sanctuary in the winter months is: 6:30 am to 5:00 pm

The time to visit the sanctuary in the summer months is 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Spectacular sights of fields covered in bright yellow mustard plants can be seen during the trip to this lake via roads. The road is very beautiful. Even prior to arrive at the sanctuary, one can see numerous birds close to the canal. The lake has a track encircling the whole of it. Every species of birds that come here in the sanctuary are mentioned in a record, which is well maintained by the knowledgeable government officers. 

On the boundary of the lake, there are two towers for watching purposes. The sight of the entire lake along with the beautiful birds can be obtained from this tower. A wide assortment of birds is also present in the neighboring regions of the sanctuary. If one has a camera, of high worth and having very strong lenses, then only it is possible to click pictures of the birds; because it is really impossible to go very near the birds. 

Huge portion of the lake are being choked by the weed, otherwise known as ‘water hyacinth’. It is creating a tough problem for the sanctuary. Numerous other varieties of birds can be drawn by this sanctuary, if they will get rid of these water hyacinths. The second major issue that the sanctuary is facing is that the lake is getting depleted of water during the phase of less rainfall and also when there is not enough water in the canals. It is highly recommended that the tourism department of Haryana should construct a resort here, in order to provide lodging facilities for the people who come here to observe birds. 

Some of the species of birds that can be observed in the sanctuary are Blue Peafowl, Gray Francolin, Black Francolin, Graylag Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed Goose, Comb Duck, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Great Cormorant, Common Teal, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Red vented Bulbul, Common Pochard, Black-rumped Flameback, Common Hoopoe, White-throated Kingfisher, Green Bee-eater, Black Drongo, Pied Cuckoo, Common Hawk Cuckoo, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Spotted Owlet, Blue Rock Pigeon, Great Egret, Purple Swamphen, Great Bittern, Eurasian Collared Dove, Mallard, Crested Lark, Jungle Babbler, Ashy Prinia and many more. Neelgai or Blue Bull, an antelope and the Jungle Cat can also be seen here, apart from all the above mentioned birds. 

By rail: The railway stations that connect the Bhindawas Lake are New Delhi, Kosli and Sudharana.

By air: The closest air terminal is the Indira Gandhi International Airport. It is situated at a distance of 60 Kms.