Lal Suhanra National Park

Lal Suhanra Nartional park was declared a national park on 26 October 1972, following recommendations made by the Wildlife Enquiry Committee in 1971. Originally, the park comprised an area of 31,355ha, of which 20,932ha were desert, 8,488ha irrigated forest plantation and 1,934ha reservoir.This park is ideal for recreation, education or research but shooting is forbidden. The park, 36 km to the east of Bahawalpur, is a combination of natural lake and forest on 77480 acres of land and spreads over on both sides of the Bahawalpur canal. It is crossed by the dried-up bed of the Hakra River and features an important wetland, Patisar Lake. Blackbuck became virtually extinct in the Cholistan Desert but the species has been re-introduced in Lal Suhanra within large enclosures, together with Chinkara gazelle, Nilgai antelope, Hog deer and Indian rhinoceros. There is big lake in the center of the park called Patisar Lake, which is ideal for bird watching. Patisar Lake regularly holds between 10,000 and 30,000 ducks and common coot in mid-winter. Over 13,00 waterfowl were present in January 1987. The park also supports a large population of birds of prey.


From October to March one may have a pleasent visit to this national park. It has a watchtower, catching ground, tourist huts, rest houses, camping grounds, TDCP Resort with 6 Air conditioned Bed Rooms and treks for the visitors and nature lovers. The Hog deer, ravine deer, black buck and nilgai are quite common in these parts. Fox, jackals, hares, porcupines, mongoose, larks, owls and hawks are also found in Lal Suhanra National Park. One should be careful of the Wild Boars which are found in large number in the nearby forest areas. Lal Suhanra National Park which is actually a wildlife sanctuary is worth a visit.

Wildlife:

Mammals in the park include Nilgai antelope, Black buck, Chinkara gazelle, Hog deer, Indian fox, Jackal, Desert Hare, Porcupine, Caracal cat, Moongoose, Jungle cat, Indian Wolf (rare),Wild boar, and Indian rhino (introduced).

While Birds may include Houbara bustard, Griffon vulture, Honey buzzard, Marsh harrier, Hen harrier, Laggar falcon, Peregrine falcon, Kestrel, Indian sparrow hawk, Egyptian vulture, Larks, Shrikes, Wheatears and Barn Owl. Some Reptiles located in the park are Monitor lizard, Russells viper, Indian cobra, Saw scaled viper and Spiny tailed lizard. For tourists who love to be in the wilderness, Lal-Suhanra Park is the best place to be!