Also known as the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is rated amongst the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. A former duck-hunting reserve of the maharajas and the British, Bharatpur is truly an "ornithologist's paradise," attracting bird lovers from all over the world. It's also the only manmade wildlife sanctuary in India, developed by an erstwhile maharaja of Bharatpur. Covering an area of just 29 sq km, 10 sq km of which comprises of fresh water marshes, shallow lakes and bogs, Bharatpur attracts thousands of indigenous as well as migratory birds including the famous Siberian Cranes. Bharatpur was declared a bird reserve in 1956 and attained the status of the National Park on 10th March 1982. It was included in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in December 1985.
Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary shelters over 400 species of exotic birds including some of the rare and endangered species. The sanctuary attracts birds from as far as places like Siberia, China and Tibet during winters, making it a perfect destination for ornithologists, bird watchers and nature lovers alike. Among most commonly seen birds in Bharatpur include cormorants, darters, purple and gray herons, various species of egrets and storks, white ibis, spoonbills, Saras cranes, pelicans, eagles, bulbuls, babblers, quails, partridges, sunbirds, parakeets, hawks, pipits, warblers, wagtails, flycatchers, Marsh harriers, moorhens and jacanas to name a few. Among ducks pintails, common teals, ruddy shelducks, mallard, widgeons, shovelers, red crested pochards and gadwalls are most popular. But, the greatest attractions for bird lovers are the migratory Siberian cranes, which spend their winters in Bharatpur, their only second habitat in the world.
Apart from birds, Bharatpur also has a sizable population of wild animals including three types of wildcat: the jungle cat, leopard cat and fishing cat, sambar (the largest Indian antelope), chital, chinkara, blackbuck, nilgai and wild boar to name a few. Among reptiles rock pythons, frogs, toads, water snakes, snails, turtles, tortoises are commonly seen. The rock pythons can be spotted at the python point beyond the Keoladeo Temple. In addition, the sanctuary's fresh water marshes, lagoons and bogs support a wide variety of fish population. The best way to explore the sanctuary is on foot or bicycles, which are available on hire. Visitors can also enjoy an exciting early morning boat safari in the artificial lake of the sanctuary to explore the varied avian population of Bharatpur. Cycle rickshaws can also be hired. The Bharatpur Palace and the Lohagarh Fort are other must visit attractions near Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary.
General Information
Best Time to Visit: August to February. Siberian Cranes can be seen between October and February.
Nearest Town: Agra (55 km)
Note: Never forget to carry your binoculars on Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary Tour.
How to Reach
By Air: Agra (55 km) is the nearest airport from Bharatpur.
By Rail: Bharatpur railway station (6 km) is the nearest railhead from the sanctuary, and is well-linked trains to major cities of India like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and Agra.
By Road: Bharatpur is well linked by roads to major cities and towns of Rajasthan and neighboring Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
|
