Bharatpur bird sanctuary is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world and also known as Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan India.The sanctuary is the only manmade wildlife sanctuary in India, developed by Maharaja of Bharatpur. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 29 sq km, 10 sq km of which comprises of fresh water marshes, shallow lakes and bogs. The favorable environmental conditions combined with enough nutritious food for the birds at Bharatpur Bird sanctuary attracts thousands of indigenous as well as migratory birds every year including the world-renowned Siberian Cranes. About one third of the total birds here are migrants many of whom come in winter before returning to their breeding grounds as far away as Siberia and Central Asia. The Sanctuary was given the status of the National Park on 10th March 1982, and was declared a World Heritage Site in December 1985.
But, the greatest attraction for the bird lovers visiting Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary are undoubtedly, the world-renowned Siberian Cranes, who spend their winters in Bharatpur, the only second habitat for them in the world. Other important and most commonly spotted birds at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary are Pelicans, Cranes, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Pipits, Warblers, Wheatears, Wagtails, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks, Shanks, Painted storks, Pipits, White Ibis, Cormorants, Pale, Marsh Harriers and Stints to name a few with. Thousands of Moorhens and Jacanas can also be spotted in the floating vegetation on the water surface of the park.
Flora at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary representing 64 families, 181 genera and 227 subspecies. Besides, you can spot a wide variety of wild animals including three types of wildcat- the Jungle cat, Leopard cat and Fishing cat, Sambar, Chital, Chinkara, Blackbuck, Nilgai and wild boar among many others. The Sanctuary is also home to a variety of reptiles including the Rock Pythons, Frogs, Toads, Water Snakes, Snails, Leeches, Turtles, Tortoises, Water Hyacinth, Planktons and more. The Rock Pythons can be spotted at the python point beyond the Keoladeo Temple. You can also experience an early morning or a late evening boat ride in the artificial lake of the sanctuary which can be an enchanting and rewarding experience for bird watchers.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is all round the year, but still the best time to visit the sanctuary is from August-November for resident breeding birds and October- February for migratory birds including the world-renowned Siberian Cranes.
How to Reach
By Air : The nearest airport from Bharatpur National Park is Agra (55 km).
By Rail : The Bharatpur railway station is only at 6 Km from the park and is well connected by rail services to major cities of India including Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and Agra.
By Road : Bharatpur is well connected by roads to all the major cities of the Rajasthan and its neighboring states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
