About Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
The Avian's paradise!
Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur is one of the most important
breeding and feeding grounds for migratory birds in the world. More than 30
sq.km of shallow lakes and scrubby woodland harbour over 350 bird species
from as far away as Europe and Siberia.
It
is possible to see 150 species in a day and as many as 10 species nesting in
a single tree. The main migratory season is from mid October to mid
February, but many residents nest and breed in the sanctuary during the
hotter months and monsoon.
» Origin : The sanctuary owes its origins to
Maharaja Suraj Mahl of Bharatpur. He modified Lake Keoladeo using a system
of dykes and sluice gates to produce an artificial swamp during the 19th
century. The resultant habitat provided ideal feeding grounds for huge
numbers of birds, and a large bag for Suraj Mahl, who retained shooting
rights until 1972. Bharatpur was given National Park status in 1982 to
control visitors, and offer protection from illegal grazing. The sanctuary
was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985 and is widely held to be the best
birding site in India.
» The spectral bird life : Keoladeo Ghana, Bharatpur
harbours some of India's richest birdlife, including several species of
Storks, Moorhens, Herons, Flamingos and Pelicans, Geese and Ducks, Egrets
and Cormorants. One can see over 350 species of birds, both native as well
as migratory. Among the latter, the highly endangered Siberian Cranes, which
come to nest in winter, are the rarest. Bharatpur is the Siberian Crane's
only known wintering ground in India; at last count, only 2 cranes nested at
the park, definitely a cause for worry.
» The Safari : Within the park, walking or cycling
is easily the best way of seeing Keoladeo's fabulous range of avian life.
Taxis or private vehicles, however, are allowed into the park and can be
used. The forest department also operates mini buses and boats within the
park.
If
you decide to pedal through the sanctuary, cycles can be hired at the
entrance to Keoladeo; a map of the park's walking trails can be obtained
from the reception counter at the entrance.
Location, Access and Geographical Details
Keoladeo Ghana is situated just two km from the town of Bharatpur, which is
connected by train and road to Delhi (176 km away) and Agra (50 km away).
There are regular buses plying to Bharatpur from Delhi, Agra, and other
cities, and taxis can also be hired to do the trip.
» Temperature : 37.0°C - 45.0°C (Summers)
7.0°C - 31.7°C (Winters)
» Altitude : 250 mts
» Rainfall : 69 cms
Best time to visit
Keoladeo Ghana Bharatpur is open throughout the year for visitors, although
winter is definitely the best time to visit. Summers are too hot and
monsoons too wet for comfort, but the months between October and February
are very suitable for a trip. Besides the fact that the weather's good at
this time, the park's migratory birds arrive during the winter.
