Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, India

Jungle Highlights :White Breasted Kingfisher, Migratory Birds, Sambar, Chital

With more than 377 bird species, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, more popularly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is the real kingdom of Avian fauna in India. This wildlife sanctuary has received its national park status on 10th March 1982. It's became a World Heritage Site in December 1985.An ornithologist's stop, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary's 29 sq km of woodlands, wetlands and grasslands attract indigenous water- birds as well as migratory water birds and waterside birds. If you are lucky enough you can spot 50 to 100 species of Bird in a day.
Major wildlife attractions in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
In this 29 sq km of shallow lakes and woodland, over 350 species of birds find a refuge. You will find a very colorful population of birds here. For birding this place is no les than a paradise. One third of the members of this avian world are migrants, who spend their winter months here in Bharatpur and during summers they fly back to their home. You will find here many rare species of migratory birds which include cranes, pelicans, geese, ducks, eagles, hawks, shanks, stints, wagtails, warblers, wheatears, flycatchers, buntings, larks and pipits, etc. Here you can spot big birds as Dalmatian pelican (slightly less than two meters) and small bird as Siberian disky leaf warbler (size of a finger) can be seen here at the same time.



Things to do in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Being one of the most scenic national parks, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary offers manifold recreational facility to the visitors. An early dawn jungle safari with an authorized guide can be arranged at the Tourist Centre.

Cycle Safari
Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the riches of this bird sanctuary. The best time to start safari is around 6 AM. Hire a rickshaw, which are available. On 3 hours your expert guide will show the marvels of this resort. Rickshaw pullers are trained by the park management in bird watching. They can be the perfect guide for your safari.

Boat Safari
To observe the flora of the park from close quarters, take a boat trip. Boats ride in the lake where most animals and birds come to quench their thirst, will take you close to the animal kingdom. In exploring the hidden surprises of Bharatpur, an early morning boat trip or a late evening one is quite a rewarding.

Nature Trails
There are well-defined forest trails, which can easily be covered on foot. Although by foot you can penetrate deeper into the forest, but you should take an authorized guide with you. You really cannot get nearly as close to the wild animals. Remember to carry your binoculars along.

Jungle Resorts in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
There are a few quality accommodation options available in and around the park. These lodges will let you experience the beauty of the wildlife by making you a part of it. Catch every action while staying in the government run Bharatpur Forest Lodge, which is located within the boundaries of the park. This luxury lodge offers 17 quality rooms packaged with all the modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

Other accommodation options are include

• Hotel Laxmi Vilas Palace
• Chandra Mahal Haveli
• Hotel The Park

Important information
The best time to visit - October to February
Entry fee for foreign tourists are Rs. 200
Rs. 25 has been fixed for Indian tourist
A cycle can be hired for Rs 25 per day
Ccycle rickshaw is available for Rs. 50 per hour

Distances from Major cities
Agra - 53 km
Delhi - 168 km
Jaipur - 171 km
Mumbai - 1024 km
Bangalore - 1585 km

How to reach Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
The nearest airport for Bharatpur bird sanctuary is Agra. Tongas and Cycle-rickshaws are the best way to commute within the city. Regular rail services connect Bharatpur with several cities. A network of bus services links Bharatpur with several cities within and outside the State.

Some important train connections are :

• Golden Temple Mail (Mumbai-Bharatpur-Jammu Tawi)
• Intercity Express (Hazrat Nizamuddin-Bharatpur)
• Paschim Express (New Delhi-Bharatpur-Mumbai)