BHARATPUR
BIRD SANCTUARY
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary very often referred as Keoladeo Ghana National
Park, has one of the most diverse bird life in the country. Two-thirds of
the Park lies under water and the remaining one-third is covered with dry
deciduous forests and extensive grasslands.
Avian Paradise
From August through November, it is indigenous water birds. In early
October the first migrants arrive from the high plateaux of central Asia,
Mongolia and Siberia, the most eagerly awaited of the lot being the gravely
threatened Siberian crane. The month of March sees most of these migrants
leave the national park. Migratory birds at Keoladeo include, as large a
bird as Dalmatian pelican, which is slightly less than two meters, and as
small a bird as Siberian disky leaf warbler, which is the size of a finger.
Other migrants include several species of cranes, pelicans, geese, ducks,
eagles, hawks, shanks, stints, wagtails, warblers, wheatears, flycatchers,
buntings, larks and pipits, etc.
Safari
There are well-defined forest trails, the journey can be easily covered on
foot, on a bicycle or can also hire a rickshaw. Rickshaw pullers have been
trained by the efficient park management who have an expertise knowledge in
bird watching and are quite familiar with different bird species. Boats are
also available on hire. An early morning or late evening boat trip is
recommended.
The Palace
This royal edifice is a fusion of a marvelous structural blend of Mughal
and Rajput architecture with magnificent apartments and intricately designed
floor tiles having interesting patterns. One can marvel at the ancient
exhibits displayed in the museum in the central part of the palace.
When
to Visit
The park is open throughout the year, still the ideal visiting months are
from August-November for resident breeding birds and October- February for
migrant birds. Most of the visitors choose to come between October and
February, when wintering wildfowl assemble in thousands on the lakes.
How to Get There
The nearest railhead is Bharatpur (2km) and the nearest airport is at Agra
(50 km).
Where to Stay
The best place for staying is available at the Forest Lodge (ITDC), Saras
Tourist Bungalow (RTDC), Shanti Kutir, Forest Rest House and private hotels
near the park.
Contact
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan.