Explore Bhondsi Nature Park: Gurugram’s Best-Kept Nature Secret
If you are a nature lover and birdwatcher in Delhi-NCR, here’s a little-known secret about Bhondsi Nature Park, located in the scenic mountains of Gurugram. A mere 20-minute drive from Sohna Road, it’s home to over 240 bird species, with especially prolific breeding and monsoon activity. As Bhondsi is covered in shrubs and grasses, there are no tiring, strenuous walks, making it an excellent destination for casual birders with families or seniors. Bhondsi’s paths, which vary between 2-3 km, weave through dense scrub forests, dry evergreen patches, and grasslands. The best time to visit is spring and monsoon, when the beautiful migrants arrive and locals show off their best colors.
Pre-Trip Planning: The Night Before:
I was so excited about my first birding event at Bhondsi! It was an Earth Walks event hosted by the lovely Soma Ateesh Tripathi, an experienced naturalist. The trip was scheduled to start at 6: 00 AM and finish at 8:00 AM with a highly reasonable fee of ₹650. The event organizers provided a checklist: Things to Bring:
1. Running shoes and comfortable sports attire
2. Binoculars or a camera
3. Cap or hat
4. Notepad for bird notes
5. Water bottle
6. Optional: Snacks and bug spray
I was so excited about the morning’s silence, the sounds of the birds, and (hopefully) something spectacular.
Day of the Trip: My Walk Through Bhondsi Nature Park
I left Delhi at 4:30 AM and reached the park at 5:45 AM, right on time. I was quite surprised to see how calm and green the area was—such a change from the typical city! At the gate, Soma Ateesh and Mr. Pawan of Earth Walks were already there, greeting a small group of about 12 people. Mr. Pawan handed out Earth Walk caps to each of us—nice touch! The weather was a little overcast and cool, perfect for birding. And Soma? She was great. As we walked, she pointed out the bird calls, shared fun facts, and helped newbies and experts alike spot birds. I had my Nikkor 200-500mm lens, while others had binoculars. Together, we spotted: Green Bee-Eaters, Yellow-Legged Green Pigeons, Laughing Doves, Red-Wattled Lapwings …and the showstopper, the Indian Pitta—a beautiful, colorful bird I had never seen before! Soma listed 35 species of birds on the eBird app, and the walk ended on time. As a bonus, Mr. Pawan gave us bananas at the end—we were very thankful!
Meet Our Guide: Soma Ateesh Tripathi
She is an avid birder, naturalist, and citizen scientist who has been birding for over two decades in different parts of India. She has explored several sanctuaries in and around Delhi and the bird life near to Delhi-NCR. She is a regular visitor to the hotspots such as the Aravalli Biodiversity Park, Bhondsi Nature Park, and many other little-known green areas around Gurgaon and Delhi. Apart from her avocation as a birdwatcher, Soma is an active nature educator, a citizen scientist, and a long-time contributor to eBird. She is a big promoter of citizen science initiatives and a regular contributor to eBird. She is the catalyst behind several nature clubs in her neighbourhood and works to encourage children and first time birders. Soma's birds' walk is so interesting because she is a great storyteller, and with each bird call, she narrates the unique behaviour of the bird, its habitat, calls, and legends. She is great at birding and explaining to people in the group what a bird is calling. She identifies the species with a passion and also explains how it is important for the ecosystem. What she loves most about nature is the ability to be around it and enjoy it, and spread awareness about it among people. Soma writes for several local nature magazines, such as Samvaad, and is also an author of several community newsletters to raise awareness about urban ecology and urban wildlife issues. Her nature walks are open to everyone with the same welcome, whether it be a person with a smartphone or a high-end DSLR. Soma's friendly nature, vast knowledge of the bird life, and deep-rooted love for nature have made her a walking encyclopedia and each walk is an eye-opener for every participant.
How to Get to Bhondsi Nature Park
1. Best to leave Delhi by 4:30-5:00 AM
2. Route: Sohna Road – Gwal Pahari – Bhondsi Village
3. Travel time: ~1.5 hours from central Delhi
4. Address on Google Maps: Search “Bhondsi Nature Park” or “Bhondsi Forest Park”
Overall
My trip to Bhondsi was a quiet, enriching experience. There was plenty of learning, a few surprises, and a lovely sense of peace. Whether you’re a photographer, a birder, or just love nature, this is a serene respite from the city.
Can’t wait for my next Earth Walk!
References :
Delhi Earth Walks – Asian Eco Tours
https://delhiearthwalks.comeBird Hotspot – Bhondsi Nature Park
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L5116380Soma Ateesh Tripathi – Urban Biodiversity Expert (LinkedIn & Samvaad articles)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/soma-ateesh-tripathi/Event Listing – Feathered Trails: A Walk Through Bhondsi
https://delhiearthwalks.com/events/feathered-trails-bhondsi-nature-park/Hindustan Times – Bhondsi Nature Park Development
https://www.hindustantimes.com/gurugram/haryana-s-first-nature-education-park-opens-in-bhondsi/story-OUQwPZKzO0pW8Lg6V7zBKI.htmlThe Hindu – Bhondsi Bird Diversity and Conservation Challenges
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/bird-photographers-threaten-wildlife-at-haryana-nature-parks/article67331683.eceFacebook Page – Delhi Earth Walks
https://www.facebook.com/delhiearthwalks
