Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Description
This is truly a fantasy of feathers. It is the bird kingdom, where time takes wing. Welcome to the Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur in Rajasthan. Spread over an area of little over 232 sq kms,
Keoladeo derives its name from the Shiva Temple in the heart
of the sanctuary. Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird
Sanctuary, ornithologist Salim Ali, is credited for bringing
this park to public notice.
Background
Prince Bhamji of Morvi state in Gujarat converted this area
into a world famous wildlife reserve. Duck shoots were
organised in the area every year by the rulers of Bharatpur,
in honour of Viceroy Lord Curzon and his party on 1st
December, 1902. The exploits of all visiting dignitaries since
1902 have been engraved on stone plaques standing near the
Keoladeo temple.
Largest number of birds (4273) were killed on 12th November,
1938, by Lord Linlithgow, Viceroy & Governor General of India
and his party. After independence, this reserve was notified
as a bird sanctuary but the former rulers of Bharatpur
continued to enjoy their shooting rights over the area till
1972. The area was notified as a National Park in 1981 but
made effective only in Novemeber,1982.
Nearby Attractions of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Nearby places of interest is the Government Museum, Bharatpur,
which gives a glimpse of past splendour. Not far from the
museum is the Bharatpur Palace, which is an excellent blend of
Mughal and Rajput architecture. There is the Lohagarh Fort,
which remained invincible despite several attacks by the
British. Just 32 kms from Bharatpur, is the Deeg Palace. This
strong and massive fort was the summer resort of the rulers of
Bharatpur and has many palaces and gardens.
Park Trips
The Keoladeo Park is not very large being less than 30 sq km.
There are well-defined treks, which can easily be covered on
foot or on a cycle (the best way) or you can hire a rickshaw.
They are available on hire. Rickshaw pullers have been trained
by the park management in bird watching and are quite
knowledgeable. Boats are also available on hire. A boat trip
early in the morning or late evening is quite a rewarding
experience. Do not forget to carry a binoculars for watching
the birds.
Park Population of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
The park supports a population of 375 species of birds,
numerous mammals and reptiles. With the onset of winter,
migratory birds from all over world come here. They arrive by
August and leave in February. Visitors include Coot Snipes,
Spanish Sparrow, Red Crested Porhard, Rosy Pelican and
Flamingo. The special attraction, however, remains the arrival
of the rare Siberian Crane. The park is also rich in Pythons,
Spotted Deer, Sambhars, Blue Bull, Black Buck, Jackals,
Otters, Fishing Cats, Monitor Lizards.
Rajasthan Train Travel
Palace on Wheels
Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about!
Welcome to Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that carries with
it an ambience of the Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale
journey, which takes the visitor to the imperial cities of
Rajasthan every single day. The coaches also carry out an
image of the Rajput states with beautiful interiors. Last but
not the least the "Royal Treat" for the passengers on board
include saloons, bar lounges & libraries in every coach as
well as restaurant and organized shopping facilites.
Places to stay in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Perhaps no other wildlife sanctuary in India offers the range
of accommodation as in Bharatpur. There are rest houses,
lodges, dormitories and hotels. Rajasthan Tourism provides
good accommodation at its hotel, 'Saras'. Inside the park, the
Bharatpur Forest Lodge is maintained by the ITDC. Shanti
Kuteer, Circuit House, Dak Bungalow are also good for a
comfortable stay. Park Palace, Govind Niwas and the Tourist
complex are the other choices. Almost all the houses around
the park lend out one or two rooms to visitors. These are
cheap and provide comfortable stay. For reservations at the
Rajasthan Tourism hotels, contact any of its tourist offices
in major cities in India.
Climate in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Bharatpur is located on the fringes of the Thar desert. This
marshy land has very warm climate. Summers are invariably hot
and winters are not very cold. Carry light cottons during
summers and woollens during winters. Rainfall is less but
sufficient.
Best Time to Visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
The Keoladeo National Park is open throughout the year.
August-October is the breeding season, so the birds are best
left alone then. The best season for visiting this place is
between October to February when the migratory birds come to
visit this park from all over the globe.
How to get there
The Park is not very far from the three Golden Triangles:
Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The best way to reach this place is by
bus, which is readily available from any of these three major
tourist destination. There are regular bus services to
Bharatpur, both of the state transport and private operators.
Travel agencies also operate conducted tours. If the group is
large, ask for conducted tours from the Rajasthan tourism
office. The nearest airport is that of Agra. Bharatpur has its
own railway stations with many major trains halting here.
General Information about Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Rajasthan Tourism
Bikaner House, Near India Gate, New Delhi- 110 001
Tourist Centre
Hotel Swagatam, Office Annexe, Near Railway Station, Jaipur