One
of the finest bird parks in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo
Ghana National Park) is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species
as well. Nesting indigenous water- birds as well as migratory water
birds and waterside birds, this sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar,
Chital, Nilgai and Boar.
More than 300 species of birds are found
in this small wildlife park of 29-sq-kms of which 11-sq-kms are marshes and
the rest scrubland and grassland. Keoladeo, the name derives from an ancient
Hindu temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, which stands at the centre of the park.
'Ghana' means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to cover the
area.
| » Major
Attractions of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary |
The
major attractions of tourists visiting the park are the numerous migratory
birds, who come from as far away as Siberia and Central Asia and spend their
winters in Bharatpur, before returning to their breeding grounds.
Migratory
birds at Bharatpur bird sanctuary include, several species of Cranes,
Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers,
Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits, etc.
| » Trips within
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary |
There are well-defined forest trails, which can easily be
covered on foot or on a cycle or you can also hire a rickshaw that are
available on hire. Rickshaw pullers have been trained by the park management
in bird watching and are quite knowledgeable. Boats are also available on
hire. A early morning boat trip or a late evening one is quite a rewarding
experience to check out the hidden surprises of Bharatpur.
| » Climate of
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary |
Bharatpur is located on the fringes of the Thar desert. This
marshy land has very warm climate. Summers are invariably hot and winters
are not very cold. Carry light cottons during summers and woolens during
winters. Rainfall is less but sufficient
| » Best Season
to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary |
The park is open throughout the year. Best months are
August-November for resident breeding birds and November-March for migrant
birds.
| » Places to
Stay in Bharatpur |
There are plenty of accommodation options available from deluxe
heritage hotels to budget accommodation. There are forest rest houses and
PWD Dak bungalows also available.
Air : The nearest airport is situated at
Agra, which is 56-kms from Bharatpur.
Rail : Regular
rail services connect Bharatpur with all the major cities of India such as
Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Agra. The Bharatpur railway station is 6-kms from
the park
Road : An excellent network of
roadway services connects Bharatpur to all the major cities of the Rajasthan
and its neighbouring states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana. Bharatpur is
well connected by road from Agra (56-kms, 5 hours), Delhi (176-kms, 5 hours)
and Jaipur (176-kms, 6 hours), all of which have airport facilities too.
