About Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
The Birder's paradise!
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary or Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan is counted among the famous and beautiful bird sanctuaries in the world. It is home for a number of migratory birds in the world. Around 350 species of birds are found here, which consist of birds migrated from Siberia, Europe and Central Asia. This sanctuary is mainly famous worldwide for different species of water birds and migratory birds. Keoladeo is situated just two km away from Bharatpur town and draws nature lovers from all over the world.
In an area of 30 Sq. Km. here, migratory birds spend winters before returning to their original breeding grounds. Siberian Cranes migrate here when the rivers in Siberia are frozen in winters. Other than birds one can also find a wide range of animals and reptiles, which include blue bulls, black bucks, deers, jackals, fishing cats and otters. Being marshy land, it has hot temperature in summers and very cool winters.
» Origin of the Sanctuary : This beautiful bird sanctuary derives its name from an ancient Hindu temple, devoted to Keoladeo (Lord Shiva), located at the centre of the park. Maharaha Suraj Mal, the then ruler of Bharatpur created this sanctuary around 250 years ago and was used as hunting ground. It is the only man made sanctuary in India.
It is also known by the name of Ghana bird sanctuary because of the dense forests covering the area, as 'Ghana' means dense. Untill 1972 the rulers here enjoyed shooting rights before a ban was imposed on it. After some years in 1982, grazing of cattle was also banned by the government to protect the extincting bird species from hunting by the localites in the name of grazing. In 1985 the sanctuary was bestowed with the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
» Major Bird Species : Various species of birds like Cranes, Geese, Hawks, Ducks, Wagtails, Wheatears, Eagles, Larks, Pelicans and Warblers are found in Bharatpur sanctuary. The main attraction here is that one can see even 10 species of birds nesting in one tree. The migratory season for the birds to flock this natural habitat is from October to February.
» Safari in Bharatpur : The park can be explored by the tourists on foot or by hiring cycles, rickshaws or taxis, which are readily available here. Mini buses and boats are also operated by the forest department inside the sanctuary.
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 for 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
The best time to visit Bharatpur is from mid October to mid February as this is a season for most of the migratory birds to flock here. Though Bharatpur bird sanctuary remains open throughout the year for visitors, it is advisable to avoid summers because of the mercury soaring high.
