Bharatpur Birds Sanctuary
Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Location: 55 Km from Agra
Major wildlife attractions: Migratory Birds, Sambar,
Chital and Nilgai.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
A Glance at Keoladeo Ghana National Park:
One of the best examples of Man-made wildlife conservation
centres, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, popularly called as Bharatpur
Birds Sanctuary, is world famous for being a home to the Migratory
birds. Built in an area of 29 sq km, the park was developed by Maharaja
of Bharatpur in 19th century AD. The area was declared a national park
in 1982, and accepted as a World Heritage Site in 1985. The park is
built around the Bharatpur lake to support the water birds. Every year
thousands of migratory birds come to this place during the winter season
Wildlife attractions
Migratory Birds: The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is
known for the migratory birds. Migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central
Asia, Tibet, Europe, China and Siberia come to this park. The most
famous ones are the Siberian Cranes, Siberian Greyleg Geese and the
Chinese Bareheaded Geese. Other species includes Pelicans, Geese, Ducks,
Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears,
Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits. These birds usually come during
August-September to spend the winters. The Bharatpur lake is very ideal
to support these birds.
Other wildlife attractions: The forests around the
lake at Bharatpur harbor the Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Jackal, Hyena,
Blackbucks, Wild Boars, Jungle Cats, Mongoose and Porcupine. Sights of a
Fishing cat scooping its prey is also common here.
The Park Trip
There are various means to explore the park. One can go for a trekking
through the forests. There are well defined forest routes for trekking.
Else bicycle can be hired for the purpose of park watching. Man pulled
Rickshaws are also available in the park. These Rickshaw-pullers are
fairly trained by the park authorities to help the visitors in bird
watching. Boating is also an option for bird watching. Boating gives a
chance for a closer view of the migratory birds.
Best Time to Visit
The park is open throughout the year. But to see the migratory birds,
winter season, from October to February is the best time. The
temperature soars upto 45 C during summers and so it is advisable to
visit the park during winters.
How to Reach
Air: The nearest airport is the Agra Airport, 55 Km
from the park.
Rail: The Bharatpur railway station is well connected
to the major cities of India
Road: Good roadways network ensures connectivty to the
rest of India.
Where to Stay
Bharatpur has some of the best accommodation options. These include
luxury hotels and resorts to the budget hotels and guest houses. The
forest resthouse is also an option for those who want to spend time in
natures lap. There are many hotels, guest houses and cottages in and
around the park to ensure a comfortable stay.
