About the Sanctuary

Bharatpur bird sanctuary also called as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, is one of the best bird sanctuaries in India. Also considered as one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world, Bharatpur bird sanctuary has been listed as the World Heritage site. The sanctuary is home to more than 415 bird species, out of which around 117 bird species migrated from far away places like Siberia and China. Besides birds the sanctuary also provide protection to faunal species like sambar, chital, nilgai and boar. The park spreads over an area of 29 sq.km out of which 11 sq.km are marshes and rest is scrubland and grassland. The park was created by Bharatpur Maharaja (king) for hunting, and once it was one of the best duck-shooting wetlands in the world. Hunting was prohibited in Bharatpur during 60s, on 10th March 1982 it became a national and later it was declared a World Heritage site in 1985.

Fauna in Bharatpur

A Migrant Bird At Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary The park houses more than 300 species of indigenous birds. In winters hundred of migratory birds coming this park from far away places like Siberia and Central Asia. The migratory birds pass their winters here, before returning to their respective regions. Some of the famous migratory birds visiting the park include Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings and Larks etc.

Flora in Bharatpur

The bird sanctuary is covered by dense forests and it houses huge variety of flora . The flora provide natural habitat to migratory as well as indigenous birds.

Entry

Rs 25 for Indians, Rs. 200 for foreigners. Additional charges for cameras and other electronic equipments.

Major Wildlife Attractions

Siberian Crane : The Siberian Crane or the great white crane is most popular among the migratory birds. The birds migrate during winters, and reach Bharatpur by covering a distance of around 6,400 kms. They stay here from December to March and return to their breeding grounds.

The Siberian cranes are quite different from the Indian cranes in their eating habits. They are totally vegetarian and feed on aquatic roots and tubers.

Heronry : The heronry of Bharatpur is considered one of the best all over the world. This is a breeding ground for 17 species of bird like night heron, purple heron, grey heron, little egret, median egret, large egret, cattle egret, Indian shag, large cormorant, little cormorant, darter, painted stork, open-billed stork, black-necked stork, white-necked stork, white ibis and spoonbill.

Other Attractions

Bharatpur Government Museum : The government museum is one of the major attraction after the bird sanctuary. The museum has a good collection of items, which speak of the royal grandeur of Bharatpur.

Bharatpur Palace Bharatpur Palace : Situated close to the museum, the Bharatpur Palace is a beautiful blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles.

Lohagarh Fort : The fort suffered several attacks by the British soldiers. Despite the fort, remained unconquered.

How to reach there

By Air : Nearest airport is at Agra, which is 56 kms from Bharatpur. Agra airport is connected to Delhi.

By Rail : Bharatpur railway station, situated 6 Kms away from the park is major railhead. Trains are available to Bharatpur from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Agra.

By Road : Good network of road connects Bharatpur with major cities of Rajasthan and nearby states. Buses run from Jaipur, Agra to Bharatpur.

Where to Stay

The bird sanctuary is dotted with several accommodation options like rest houses, lodges, dormitories and hotels. Rajasthan Tourism department has its hotel 'Saras' inside the park, other accommodation options are the Bharatpur Forest Lodge, Shanti Kuteer, Circuit House and Dak Bungalow.