Birding at Surwal Lake
Surwal is a shallow lake in the farmland outside Ranthambore that fills after the monsoon and slowly shrinks through the winter. As the water drops, its margins draw waders, ducks, geese, storks and, in some years, cranes. Farmers work the fields around it, and the light at dawn is soft and low.
We go out early with a birding guide and a telescope, and walk or drive slowly around the margins. Commonly seen birds include painted storks, spoonbills, bar-headed geese and many ducks in winter, with raptors such as marsh harriers overhead. Numbers vary a great deal from year to year with the monsoon.
The lake is outside the national park, so no permit is needed. It makes a good morning for a family or a birder who wants a break from the early safari queue, and you are back at the hotel for a late breakfast. In dry years the lake may be almost empty, so check current status before you travel.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Do I need a permit to visit Surwal Lake
No. Surwal lies in farmland outside the national park and does not require a safari permit. We go with a birding guide and keep to tracks around the lake, respecting farmers' fields. It makes a good morning for a family or a birder who wants a break from the early safari queue. In dry years the lake may be almost empty, so check current status before you travel.
When is the best time for birding at Surwal Lake
November to February, after a good monsoon, when the lake is full and migratory birds arrive. Early morning gives the best light and activity. In dry years the lake shrinks quickly and numbers fall. We go out at dawn with a birding guide and a telescope, looking for painted storks, spoonbills, bar-headed geese and marsh harriers. We ask locally before planning the morning; check current status before you travel.
What birds can you see near Ranthambore
Inside the park: painted spurfowl, Indian pitta in early summer, crested serpent eagle, owls and many more. At Surwal and other lakes in winter: storks, spoonbills, geese, ducks and waders. More than 300 species have been recorded in the area.
Also in Ranthambore
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