Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park

Bharatpur National Park, also known as the “Keoladeo Ghana National Park”, is a renowned bird sanctuary that plays host to thousands of birds every year. Located in the state of Rajasthan, Bharatpur National Park is a man-made and one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. The park was created 250 years ago by Maharaja Suraj Mal and today it is home to more than 350 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Every year, between October and February, thousands of migratory waterfowl flock to the park to escape the harsh winters of their native countries. The best time to visit the park is during winter, as this is when more than half of the bird species are in their colorful plumage.

Bharatpur National Park is home to the largest population of blackbucks and chinkaras in India. The main attractions of the park are its large number of resident and migratory birds. Some of the notable bird species that can be found here are the Siberian crane, greater flamedo, lesser flamedo, bar-headed goose, kingfisher, cormorant and many more.

The best way to explore the park is by hiring a guide and bird watching vehicle. The guides know the names of all birds and can easily spot them. The best time to go is early in the morning or late in the evening, when most of migratory birds are active.

Bharatpur National Park has been listed as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because it supports large numbers of water birds during the peak migration period. In fact, Bharatpur National Park is among the top 10 places in the world to see migratory birds!

The park covers an area of 29 sq km and is home to more than 350 species of birds. It is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the world and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

What to see at Bharatpur National Park?

The park’s most famous attraction is the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. The ‘ghana’ in the name refers to the dense grove of trees that provide habitat to the colourful migratory birds. It is believed that the name ‘Bharatpur’ is derived from the word ‘Bhara’ or ‘Bhar’, which means ‘salt’ as the area was a salt marsh. The park also has a trail that passes through dense forests and marshlands. Around the lake, you can see an abundance of avian species. The most common ones include the painted stork, spoonbill, ibis, heron, cormorant, and terns. Raptors such as the shikra, Asian honey buzzard, and the Brahminy kite can be seen soaring in the skies. Some of the aquatic birds that can be spotted in the lake include the lesser whistling duck, cotton teal, Northern shoveller, gadwall, Siberian crane, and bar-headed goose. The park also has a zoo and an aquarium.

Things to do in Bharatpur National Park

There are many things to do and see at Bharatpur National Park. Some of them are – – Bird Watching – The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is one of the best places in the world to watch birds. It is a great place to witness the annual migration of waterfowl and other birds. – Boating in the Lakes – The park has two large lakes that are ideal for boating. You can also hire rowboats during the non-migratory season. – The Zoo – The Bharatpur Zoo has a variety of animals, including lions, leopards, sloth bears, barking and palm squirrels, wild pigs, and many species of birds. – The Aquarium – The aquarium in Bharatpur National Park has a large collection of freshwater and marine fish.

Tips for visiting Bharatpur National Park

– Wear comfortable shoes and carry binoculars. – Avoid visiting the park during the monsoon months as the park gets flooded. – Stay hydrated and eat light when you are visiting the park to avoid getting sick. – Avoid touching or disturbing the birds. – Be aware of the migratory schedule and plan your visit accordingly. – Carry a bag to keep your belongings safe. – Do not buy anything from the vendors or guides inside the park. – Avoid carrying food items or wearing perfumes inside the park. – Stay at the park till sunset to enjoy the best view.

How to get to Bharatpur National Park?

By Air: The nearest airports to this bird sanctuary is Agra, which is 54 kilometres distant from Bharatpur, and New Delhi, which is 184 kilometres away. There are daily flights to Agra from major cities including as Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Varanasi, and Lucknow.

By Train: The nearest train station is Bharatpur Junction, which is 5 kilometres from the national park. There are several trains that travel between New Delhi and Mumbai to Bharatpur. Because this route is on the main line, regular rail service is available from Mathura, Sawai Madhopur, and Kota.

By Road: Bharatpur is easily accessible by road from Agra, Mathura, Delhi, and Jaipur. Keoladeo Ghana National Park may be reached by bus from all major cities in India. The following are the road distances from significant locations to Bharatpur:

Mathur to Bharatpur-39 Km

Agra to Bharatpur-54 Km

Jaipur to Bharatpur-176km

Delhi to Bharatpur-184 Km

Conclusion

Bharatpur National Park is a great place to visit to indulge in wildlife watching. The park is home to thousands of birds that flock here every year to escape the harsh winters of their native countries. The best time to visit the park is during winter, as this is when more than half of the bird species are in their colourful plumage. You can enjoy nature at its best at Bharatpur National Park. So, visit the park to enjoy a relaxing and therapeutic experience. The park is a great place to unwind and enjoy the lush greenery and vibrant wildlife.