About Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Take a Tour to 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.