About Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Keoladeo
Ghana National Park, more popular as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary has one of
the most prolific avian populations in the country. Two-thirds of the Park
remains under water and the remaining one-third is covered in dry deciduous
forests and extensive grasslands.
Bharatpur can be called the kingdom of Avian fauna in India with more than
400 bird species already spotted. If your luck permits it is not too tough
to spot 50 to 100 species in a day. Travellers during the winter season can
expect a sudden (though most unlikely as the last sighting was in the year
2002) encounter with the elusive Siberian Crane wintering here. The fact
remains that Bharatpur is one of the only two known wintering haunts of
Siberian Crane.
Wiildlife Attractions in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Over 350 species of birds find a refuge in the 29 sq-km of shallow lakes
and woodland, which make up the park. A third of them are migrants, many of
whom spend their winters in Bharatpur, before returning to their breeding
grounds, as far away as Siberia and Central Asia. 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.
Attracted by the influx of the water fowl, the predatory birds - tawny
eagles, spotted eagles short-toed eagles, imperial eagles and fishing eagle
also arrive. Common Kingfisher, Colourful Kingfishers, graceful pelicans,
rare Siberian cranes and trans-continental fliers like the migratory
water-fowl are amongst the 400 species of birds found in the Keoladeo
National Park. The most spectacular nests are those of the egrets, storks,
herons and cormorants which make over 10,000 nests every year. They all form
the apex of the biological pyramid of the sanctuary and complete the avian
food chain of the ecosystem. There are large herds of the nilgai, chital,
wild boar and fear cows in addition to a few herds of sambar. Some of the
unique attractions of the park include....
Siberian Crane
Siberian Cranes are a highly specialised member of the crane family in
terms of habitat, morphology and behaviour. Being omnivorous they eat a wide
variety of food items including cranberries, rodents, fish and insects. The
threat to the wintering habitats of these species caused due to the growing
human population has put a serious questionmark on the existense of these
rare birds in India.
Waterfowl
The story of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is incomplete without an account of
the migratory waterfowl. The most prominent water fowl coming to this park
are bareheaded and greylag geese. Ducks also create a lot of fluttering in
the lakes. The ducks usually found here are pintail, widgeon, common
shelduck, shoveler, garganey, teal, mallard pochard etc.
White Breasted Kingfisher
The beautiful amalgam of colors as if painted extremely carefully by nature
with a brilliant turquoise blue body, a chocolate brown head and neck, a
long red pecker and a white front are sure to draw curious glances from on
lookers. The main delicacies on its menu include fish, tadpoles,
grasshoppers, lizards and other small insects.
Safari
Take an early dawn elephant back safari with an authorized mahout guide.
Jeep rides can be arranged at the Tourist Centre. Although jeeps penetrate
deeper into the forest than elephants, they cannot get nearly as close to
the wild animals.
Other Attractions
Bharatpur Government Museum
Another major attraction of the area is the government museum situated at a
short distance from the park. The museum contains a rare collection of
artifacts and articles from the past that provide a unique insight into the
royal past of Bharatpur.
Bharatpur Government Museum
The majestic Bharatpur Palace is a magnificent building displaying an
amalgam of the Mughal and Rajput forms of architecture. The palace is
adorned with beautiful chandeliers and other unique furnishing.
Lohagarh Fort
The invincible Lohagarh Fort has the unique distinction of remaining
unconquered despite several attacks by the British.
Deeg Palace
The Deeg Palace, situated just 32 km north of Bharatpur was the summer
resort for the erstwhile rulers of Bharatpur. The massive fortress houses a
number of beautiful palaces and gardens. (Palace entry fee is Rs. 10)
How to Get there
Air :Agra is the nearest airport connected to Delhi
through a number of flights. However, Jaipur will be the most convenient
airport, if you are traveling from cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
The Indian Airlines has regular flights from Mumbai. Those flying in from
Kolkata (Dep.15:45) should opt to travel on Monday, Wednesday or Friday, as
flights on other days are not direct.
Rail : Bharatpur, on the Delhi-Mumbai trunk route,
served by a number of important trains. From Delhi daily trains include the
Intercity Exp. (Dep.22:15), Golden Temple Exp. (Dep.7:15), Paschim Exp.
(Dep.16:55), Mewar Exp. (Dep.19:00), Dehradun Exp. (Dep.21:45). The trains
from Mumbai are Goldentemple (Dep. 21:25), Paschim Exp. (Dep. 11:35),
Dehradun Exp. (Dep. 22:25) and FZR Janta (Dep. 7:25).
Road :A network of express bus services link Bharatpur
with several cities within and outside the State. Tongas and Cycle-rickshaws
are the best way to commute within the city. Buses for Sariska are easily
available at an interval of 30 minutes. To reach Bharatpur from Delhi, take
the NH2 to Mathura via Faridabad, Palwal, Hodal and Kosi Kalan. From
Mathura, take the state road to Bharatpur.
Distances from Major Cities
Agra : 53 km (W)/1 hr
Delhi : 168 km (SE)
Jaipur : 171 km
Mumbai : 1024 km
Bangalore : 1585 km
Travel Tips/Important Information
- Walking and cycling are the best ways to explore the park. A walk of
around 2 km from the main gate will take you to the core area where two
roads branch off in different directions - both ideal for bird watching.
- The park remains open from sunrise to sunset around the year.
- A cycle can be hired for Rs 25 per day and a cycle rickshaw is
available for Rs. 50 per hour. The rickshaw puller's displaying a yellow
plate means they double up as guides, also carrying binoculars.
- Entry fee for foreign tourists is Rs. 200 while Rs. 25 is fixed for
Indian residents. Guide fee Rs. 75/hour, Video Camera Rs. 200
- 3 hours is a standard time you would need to cover the entire
sanctuary. The best time to start the day is around 8 AM.
- Field guides and park maps are sold at the Tourist Reception Centre
(the place where you show your park entry tickets)
- Try the route to Sopan Mori and turn right from there towards the
Keoladeo Temple (turning left will take you to the sunning ground of
pythons).
- To observe the flora of the park from close quarters, take a boat
trip in the lake where most animals and birds come to quench their
thirst. (Boat ride charges : Rs. 100 per person/ hour)
Serving you will be a pleasure. We will arrange for your complete tour
including travelling, accommodation and food, so you can just relax and
feast on nature's splendor at Bharatpur.
Click
Here! To book your tour.
Jungle
Resorts in Bharatpur
| Bharatpur
Forest Lodge |
Hotel
Laxmi Vilas Palace |
The
government run Bharatpur Forest Lodge is located within the vicinity of
Keoladeo National Park.
|
Laxmi
Vilas Palace is quiet close to the Bharatpur circuit house and bird
sanctuary. The hotel boasts of partial air-conditioning.
|
