Keetham Lake (Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary)
Agra, Uttar Pradesh · wildlife
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry Fee₹50
Keetham Lake, officially known as Sur Sarovar, is a man-made reservoir and protected bird sanctuary located 20 kilometres south of Agra on the Agra–Gwalior highway. The sanctuary covers 4,000 acres of wetland, dry deciduous forest, and grassland and is home to over 300 resident and migratory bird species. During the winter migration season (October to February), the lake attracts large flocks of bar-headed geese, Sarus cranes (the world's tallest flying bird), painted storks, Asian openbills, cormorants, and various species of duck, wader, and raptor. The early morning hours (6:00 AM–8:00 AM) are the best time for bird watching before human activity disturbs the lakeside.
Where to Eat Nearby
The Local Flavor Pillar
Panchi Petha
Heritage InstitutionSince 1955 — Agra's most trusted petha institution
Agra's most trusted petha institution since 1955 — the definitive source for original, kesar, anguri, and pan petha varieties.
Original Plain Petha · ₹100
Avg. for two ₹300 · ★★★★★
Deviram Sweets
Casual DiningLocals' Choice — Agra's definitive bedai breakfast
Agra's definitive address for bedai and jalebi — the classic city breakfast that locals have eaten for generations before monument visits.
Bedai with Aloo Sabzi · ₹45
Avg. for two ₹150 · ★★★★
Pinch of Spice
Casual DiningTravellers' Choice — Agra's best value Mughlai veg thali
Agra's most reliable sit-down address for Mughlai vegetarian thali — paneer, dal makhani, saffron pulao, and tandoori bread in copper katoris.
Mughlai Veg Thali · ₹390
Avg. for two ₹700 · ★★★★★
- ✦Sanctuary canteen – chai, biscuits, and basic snacks available at the entrance; carry packed lunch from Agra for longer visits.
- ✦Agra city hotel restaurants (return) – most visitors prefer a proper vegetarian meal back in the city after the sanctuary visit.
- ✦Panchi Petha (packed) – buy sealed petha boxes from Sadar Bazar before departure for a lakeside snack; no open-air food stalls at the sanctuary.
About
Keetham Lake, officially known as Sur Sarovar, is a man-made reservoir and protected bird sanctuary located 20 kilometres south of Agra on the Agra–Gwalior highway.
- The sanctuary covers 4,000 acres of wetland, dry deciduous forest, and grassland and is home to over 300 resident and migratory bird species.
- During the winter migration season (October to February), the lake attracts large flocks of bar-headed geese, Sarus cranes (the world's tallest flying bird), painted storks, Asian openbills, cormorants, and various species of duck, wader, and raptor.
- The early morning hours (6:00 AM–8:00 AM) are the best time for bird watching before human activity disturbs the lakeside.
- The sanctuary is also the home of the Wildlife SOS Bear Rescue Facility, which rehabilitates Sloth Bears rescued from the illegal dancing-bear trade that was once common in North India.
- The facility houses several dozen rescued bears in large naturalistic enclosures and offers guided visits that explain the rescue and rehabilitation process — one of the most meaningful wildlife experiences available in Agra.
- The bears are not performing animals; they are convalescing residents, and the visit is conducted with appropriate distance and respect for the animals.
- For vegetarian travellers, Keetham Lake is a refreshing nature break in an otherwise monument-heavy Agra itinerary.
- Bring binoculars, wear muted colours, and arrive before 8:00 AM for the best birding.
- A small canteen at the sanctuary entrance offers chai and basic snacks.
- The sanctuary makes an excellent first stop on a Gwalior-bound trip or a dedicated half-day excursion from Agra.
- The Wildlife SOS Bear Rescue visit must be booked in advance through their website, as access to the bear enclosure area requires a separate arrangement from standard sanctuary entry.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: June 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Keetham, off the Agra–Delhi Highway (NH-19), Runkata, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 282007
How to Reach: On National Highway 44 (Agra–Gwalior road), 20 km south of Agra city. Auto-rickshaw from Agra Cantonment Station is impractical for this distance — hire a taxi (₹400–600 return with waiting, 30 minutes each way). Many hotels arrange birding-specific half-day excursions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings of Keetham Lake (Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary) and is it open daily?
It is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, all week. Arrive as early as 6:00 AM, since the 6:00-8:00 AM window has the most bird activity before the heat and human disturbance set in. Note that the Wildlife SOS Bear Rescue facility inside the complex keeps separate hours and requires advance booking.
How much is the entry fee for Keetham Lake / Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary?
Sanctuary entry is about ₹50 per person. The Wildlife SOS Bear Rescue Facility within the complex charges a separate fee and must be booked in advance through its website. Fees can change, so confirm the current rate at the entrance before your visit.
How do I reach Keetham Lake from Agra?
Keetham Lake sits about 20 km south of Agra on the Agra-Gwalior road (NH-44), roughly 30 minutes by road. Hiring a taxi is the practical option, around ₹400-600 return with waiting time; auto-rickshaws are impractical over this distance. Many Agra hotels also arrange dedicated half-day birding excursions.
What is there to see and do at Keetham Lake?
It is a 4,000-acre wetland bird sanctuary with 300+ resident and migratory bird species, including bar-headed geese, Sarus cranes, painted storks, Asian openbills and cormorants. The same complex houses the Wildlife SOS Bear Rescue Facility, where rescued Sloth Bears live in large naturalistic enclosures and guided visits explain the rescue work. Bring binoculars and wear muted colours; plan for roughly a half-day (about 2.5 hours).
What is the best time to visit Keetham Lake for bird watching?
October to February is best, when migratory birds arrive in large flocks. Within the day, the early morning (6:00-8:00 AM) offers maximum bird activity, the coolest temperatures and the least human disturbance, making it the ideal birding window.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Keetham Lake?
Food options at the sanctuary are minimal, so plan ahead. A small canteen at the entrance serves chai, biscuits and basic snacks, but there are no open-air food stalls. Carry a packed vegetarian lunch from Agra for a longer visit, or buy sealed Panchi Petha boxes from Sadar Bazar before you set off; most visitors enjoy a full vegetarian meal back at an Agra city restaurant afterwards.
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