Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Fact File
» Location from nearby major cities : Agra (56 kms), Delhi (176 kms), Jaipur (176 kms)

» Known for : Migratory birds

» Climate & the best time to visit : Very hot climatic conditions prevail here. Summer temperatures may go up to a high of 45 degrees or even more. Winter months are also very cold with temperatures falling to around 5 degrees. The area is mainly dry and rainfall is scarce. The sanctuary depends a lot on monsoons for its water needs. Though the sanctuary remains open throughout the year, there are different times in the year for proper viewing of local and migratory birds. August-November is the best time for viewing resident breeding birds while October-February is most ideal for spotting migratory ones.


The Park
The Bharatpur bird sanctuary, officially known as the Keoladeo Ghana National Park is one of the finest places in the world for bird watching. The sanctuary is located at a mere distance of 2 kms from Bhartapur town in eastern Rajasthan. The name Keoladeo is derived from the ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which stands right in the middle of the park. The sanctuary is also called 'Ghana', an obvious reference to the extremely thick forest cover of the sanctuary. With some degree of confidence, Bharatpur may be regarded as a man-made sanctuary also. To protect Bharatpur town from perennial floods, an earthen dam was constructed in the year 1760. The depression caused due to digging of soil was later filled with water. This water body is today known as the Bharatpur lake which is the main source of water for the sanctuary and also its lifeline without which Bharatpur wildlife would cease to exist.

Attractions in the Park
» Flora : The vegetation found here is mainly dry deciduous with patches of semi-evergreen forests. In some areas of the park, the forest cover is very dense. Many valuable trees grow in these forests. The floral cover is considered ideal for its faunal and avian fauna species.

» Fauna : Basically a bird sanctuary, Bharatpur is also inhabited by many animal species. Prominent among its animals are Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.

» Avifauna : Over 450 species of birds have so far been recorded from Bharatpur bird sanctuary. To watch local and migratory species of birds is equally attractive here. The common species whose antics draw people from various parts of the world include Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits.


Other Places to Visit
» Bharatpur Govenment Museum : The Government Museum of Bharatpur is also a good place to visit. The museum stores many of the valuable collections of the royals of Bharatpur. The collections throw a lot of light on the lavish lives of the royals.

» Bharatpur Palace : The Bharatpur Palace located near the sanctuary is another attraction of the place. The erstwhile residence of the royals who ruled Bharatpur, the Palace architecture is a unique blend of Mughal and Rajput styles. The walls and floors have been richly decorated.

» Deeg Palace : Deeg Palace, the summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur is another place worth a visit. Located at a distance of 32 kms from Bharatpur, the palace is a strong and massive fortress with palaces and well-laid gardens inside.


How To Reach
» By Air : The nearest airport is located at Agra at a short distance of 56 kms. Jaipur airport is 176 kms away. Both are busy commercial airports with good connectivity.

» By Rail : The Bharatpur railway station is a busy one with trains from major destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Agra. The luxury train Palace on Wheels also connects Bharatpur.

» By Road : Bharatpur has very good road access. The park can be accessed by National Highway 8 connecting Delhi and Jaipur.