Also known by the name, Sur Sarovar, the Keetham Lake is located on National Highway No.2, close to Agra. This lake is the best place for bird lovers, as there is a huge variety of water birds chirping continuously here. This lake also has a good collection of fish, which adds to its appeal.

The Agra Canal that starts from the Okhla Barrage found on Delhi’s Yamuna River supplies raw water to the Keetham Lake. Just about 2km from Keetham, water from the Agra Canal is diverted to Jodhpur in the area in the vicinity of Anand Engineering College. Mathura Refinery Water Treatment Plant uses waters from the Keetham Lake, as it is located close to the Lake.

Location

Keetham Lake is nicely nestled within the premises of Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary and is situated at a distance of about 20km from Agra and about 12km from Sikandra. The Forest Department of Uttar Pradesh declared Keetham Lake as a National Bird Sanctuary on 27th March 1991. Keetham Railway Junction connects this lake well by trains. The Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is surrounded by river belt of Yamuna River on all the sides.

Climate

Just like the other parts of Uttar Pradesh, Keetham Lake too experiences very hot summers and extremely cold winters. During summers, the temperature goes up to 49 degrees Celsius and during winters, temperature dips to 1.5 degrees as well. The period between July and September is the time when the place receives heavy rainfall.

Geography

Keetham Lake is in the shape of a pentagon. This lake is set up on a catchment area of 713sq.km. Lots of migratory birds come here during particular seasons and take shelter in the artificial islands created here for breeding purposes. It is strategically located in the stretch between Delhi and Agra, which is one of the most visited tourist spots in the country.

Attractions

The Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is the abode of close to 106 species of birds  - both natives of Keetham and migratory birds. During the summer season, the areas around the sanctuary and the lake are replete with abundant growth of water hyacinth, known botanically as Eichornia and Potamogeton. During winters, lots of species of avifauna are found as the quality of water in the Keetham Lake supports the same. Some important aquatic birds that keep coming to this lake are:

• Little Gerbs
• Cormorants
• Darter,
• Grey Heron
• Purple Heron
• Paddy Bird
• Cattle Egrets
• Large Egrets
• Smaller Egrets
• Little Egrets
• Night Heron
• Indian Reef Heron
• Black necked Stork
• white Ibis
• Spon Bill
• Greying Goose
• Bar headed Goose
• Lesser Whistling Teal
• Ruddy Shelduck
• Pintail
• Common Teal
• Spot Billed Duck
• Gadwall, Wigeon
• Shoveler
• Comb Duck

How to Reach

Taxi

The road network in Agra is quite good as it is well connected by taxis from nearby cities. There are also lots of local taxis in Agra that ply to Keetham Lake at reasonable rates.

Bus

The Agra Municipal Corporation operates some buses within Agra for the benefit of tourists. Buses operated by the State Road Transport Corporation of Uttar Pradesh are comfortable and easy to get on to.  These AC and non AC buses run on different routes, including MG Road, within Agra.

Train

There are many railway stations in Agra. Agra is a major railway junction. Agra Cantonment Railway station is the most important of them all. Many trains from nearby states and cities (big and small) are available to Agra Cantonment, for reaching Keetham Lake. From all the railway stations, there are taxis, hired cabs, auto-rickshaws, tempos and prepaid autos to get to the lake.

Air

Kheria Airport is located at just about 8km from the main city of Agra. Taxis are available from here into the main city for a reasonable rate of 150INR. Three main cities of Varanasi, Delhi and Khajuraho are well connected by flights from here.  Tourists coming from other places can take a flight to Delhi and then take a taxi ride to Agra. Lots of tongas too are available from the Kheria Airport into the city.