The state of Haryana is located in the northern part of India. This state is regarded as one of the most economically developed regions in South Asia. It"s geographical terrain is characterized by the Shivalik Hills, Aravali Range, Yamuna- Ghagger plain, semi desert sandy plain and rivers. The geographical features of this state along with wildlife sanctuaries, forests and flora and fauna are capable of attracting tourists here. Haryana also has national parks, namely Sultanpur National Park and Kalesar National Park. These national parks are described below.
Sultanpur National Park
Sultanpur National Park is located at Sultanpur, about 15 kilometers from Gurgaon. This national park is spread over an area of about 142.52 hectares. It is managed by the Haryana Forest Department. This national park is adorned with trees, shrubs and clusters of bougainvillea.
This park also functions as a Bird Sanctuary and is a popular picnic spot. This park is therefore visited by bird lovers and residents of New Delhi and the NCR (National Capital Region), especially during the winters. Enhancing the tourism aspect of the national park are four watch towers (machans) located at different points, an education and interpretation center, a library, films, slides, binoculars and a room dedicated to the memory of Dr. Salim Ali, an ornithilogist. Also, there are public parking, bathrooms, drinking water facilities, a children`s park and a well-appointed guest house. Resident birds of the park are common hoopoe, paddyfield pipit, purple sunbird, little cormorant, Indian cormorant, etc. Migratory birds of the park are Siberian crane, greater flamingo, ruff, black-winged stilt, common teal, etc.
Kalesar National Park
Kalesar National Park is situated in the foot hills of the Shiwalik ranges of the Himalayas. It is spread over an area of about 13,000 acres. This national park is adorned with tall, leafy sal trees, climbers, sculptural anthills, a number of pebbled dry rivulets and medicinal tree plants. Kalesar has about 53% dense forest, 38% open forest and 9% scrub. Total forest cover is about 71%. Some of the fauna of the national park are leopard cat, rusty-spotted cat, jungle cat, Indian jackal, Asiatic elephant, chital, sambar and barking deer. A noteworthy attraction of Kalesar National Park is a 100-year-old colonial dak bungalow, which is a forest rest house surrounded with multi-layered gardens. This national park is also considered suitable for bird watching.
