The Ornithologist's Paradise
The Keoladeo Ghana National Park, also known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. Its name 'Keoladeo' comes from a local temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and 'Ghana' means dense vegetation. Home to around 230 bird species, it is an ornithologist’s paradise. Declared a protected sanctuary in 1971, it is the largest bird reserve in India.
Constructed about 250 years ago by Maharaja Suraj Mall of Bharatpur, the park features the Ajan Bund Dam at the confluence of the Banganga and Gambhir rivers. Initially a natural depression filled by rainwater, it attracted wildfowl over time. The first official duck shooting occurred on 1st December 1902 by Lord Curzon. Bird hunting became illegal after the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Renowned ornithologist Salim Ali played a significant role in the sanctuary's development.
Tourist Attractions at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary:
Flora: The sanctuary features dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and marshes. Common trees include Kadam, Babul, Jamun, and Ber, while Kair and Ber dominate the shrublands. Aquatic vegetation includes lotus, water lilies, water ferns, and duckweeds.
Fauna: Over 230 bird species inhabit the sanctuary, including migratory species like ducks, geese, stints, flycatchers, pipits, wheatears, and eagles. Aquatic habitats host molluscs, insects, and worms. Land birds include bulbul, quails, warblers, hornbills, and chats. The sanctuary also supports 27 mammal species, such as spotted deer, sambar, feral cattle, porcupines, and wild cats like fishing cat and jungle cat. There are 43 fish species which serve as food for the birds.
Excursions from Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Several nearby destinations offer additional adventure and sightseeing opportunities:
Chambal Sanctuary: Situated at the tri-junction of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, this sanctuary preserves endangered gharials, river dolphins, and roof turtles. Visitors can enjoy the flora and fauna via motorboat rides.
Deeg: About 32 km from Bharatpur, Deeg is known for its historic forts and palaces. The Sawan Bhadon Palace and beautifully manicured Mughal gardens are key attractions.
Ranthambore National Park: One of northern India's largest national parks, it is famous for Bengal tigers and also hosts hyena, sambar, leopard, wild boar, and Nilgai.
When to Reach:
The ideal time to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is October to February, coinciding with the migratory bird season.
How to Reach:
By Air: Nearest airports are Jaipur and Delhi.
By Rail: Bharatpur Junction is about 5 km from the sanctuary.
By Road: Regular buses are available from Deeg, Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Delhi, Mathura, Alwar, and Sariska.
