Bharatpur Rajasthan - Where Birds never stop Chirping

Bharatpur Bird Sanctury - Also Known As Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a popular countryside for international tourists, which is one reason to place this picturesque composition of flora and fauna in the world tourist map. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park lies 5kms to the south of the city center of Bharatpur in Rajasthan., which is located 50 km to the west of Agra. The name Keoladeo, is derived from the name of an ancient Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva in the sanctuary's central zone while the Hindi term 'Ghana' implies dense, thick areas of forest cover. This enchanting Park came into being in the 18th century, when Maharajah Suraj Mahl of Bhartpur converted a low lying swamp formed by the confluence of Ghambhir and Banganga river into a reservoir named as "Ajun Bund". After which a fine system of small dams, dykes and sluice gates was made so as to control the water level in the different sections of Bharatpur. Within a few years, migratory birds began to settle in vast numbers. Naturally, his primary concern was not the environment but, rather, his desire to take guests on shooting sprees.

Getting There !!!
Airways : The nearest airport, Agra is 54 kms. However, convenient airports from Bombay are Jaipur (174 km) and Delhi (182 km) since there are no direct flights to Agra from Mumbai.

Railways: Bharatpur Railway Station is nearly 6 km far from the Keoladeo Ghana National Park and regular rail services connect Bharatpur with all the major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Agra. Some of the important rail connections are Golden Temple Mail, Intercity Express & Paschim Express that connects Bharatpur with the other major cities. A good service from Delhi to Bharatpur is the Firozpur Janta Express.

Roadways : A fine network of RSTC buses connects Bharatpur with the major cities like Delhi, Utter Pradesh, Haryana. This beautiful Bharatpur bird sanctuary Park is on the Agra-Jaipur highway, it takes just two hours by bus from Agra and an hour from Fatehpur Sikri. Buses from Jaipur takes around four an half hours. Agra (54 km), Delhi (182 km), Fatehpur Sikri (20 km), Jaipur (174 km), Mathura (36 km) and Sariska (130 km).

The Wildlife Attractions !!!
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is now declared a "World Heritage" by UNESCO. The entire park is situated over an area of approximately 29 sq. km., with a water body covering an area of approximately 11 sq. km. The uninitiated visitor gets an impression of an untamed forest right in the midst of a bustling town "Bharatpur". Yet, that is not so, nature lovers soon realize that, despite being located so near to a town, the natural habitat required for wildlife should be well preserved. Therefore, due to efforts of the localities, a large variety of local as well as migratory birds are found in the park. Depending on the various surroundings of the forest. This former duck-hunting reserve of the Maharajah is now, one of the major wintering areas for large numbers of aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia. Some 364 species of birds, including the rare Siberian Crane, have been recorded in the park. One of the rare birds sighted in the park is the Siberian Crane. As the name suggests, they come from Siberia and travel to the south vegetation to avoid the severe winters. Traditionally, Bharatpur has been one of their winter homes.

Home to Populous Feather Spices !!!
Siberian Cranes stand four feet tall and are a pristine white, with brilliant black feathers underneath which are visible only when the birds are in flight. The Indian Crane (Saras) is also to be found in Bharatpur and is beautiful to watch. Among other birds that enhance the colourful environment, are the painted storks, the black-necked storks, various types of kingfishers, pelicans, Grey and black partridges, common and jungle bush quails, red and yellow wattled lapwings, Grey and purple herons, black bitterns (rare birds), crow pheasants, lesser spotted eagles, and Grey leg geese. Here one can also chase chital deer, sambar, nilgai, feral cattle, wild cats, hyenas, whilst near Python Point, there are usually some very large rock pythons. While strolling through the park one can spot tourists armed with cameras waiting patiently to get the right shot. For those interested in nature, especially birds, the Bharatpur bird sanctuary is indeed a pleasure, haven of delight. It is one that ornithologists ardently swear by and return time and again.

The Virgin Secrets of Deeg
Nestling at around 37 km from the green quarters of Bharatpur, Deeg is a charming little Rajasthani town with a massive fort and a magnificent old palace. The ruined ramparts still sing the glory of Raja Suraj Mal who defeated a combined Mughal and Maratha army of some 80,000 men to save Deeg, his second capital. The massive 92-feet high walls of the fort with its 12 bastions, are fun to explore. Some of the bastions still have their cannons in place. Suraj Mal's palace is equally fascinating. Appreciate the intricate marble work and don't forget to check out the impressive stuffed tiger shot by the Maharaja. Ask the caretaker and he will guide you to the old Hanuman Mandir with a secret passage to the king's bedroom, that was built, so that the kingcould visit the temple before he got dressed in his daily regalia. If you happen to be there during the local festivals, you can experience a tide of myriad colours flowing in to the intricate and ancient water fountain, still working without a flaw.

Best Time To Visit !!!
Vehicles are not allowed inside the park to contain vehicular pollution. Cycle rickshaws are available and offer a convenient mode of transport. In fact, the rickshaw pullers act as guides, and diligently stop whenever there is a good sighting of birds. There are number of seasons, that make this wildlife sanctuary none other than a true heaven on earth. The best time to visit Keoladeo National Park is between March to June, it makes the best time to see the nesting and breeding of local birds. Whereas the migratory birds can be easily viewed in between July to September. However, if one is interested in spotting rare migratory birds, then do plan your visit in between October and February, it is the most favorable time to see nomadic birds. The park Sanctuary is open to tourist from 6 am to 6 pm, after late evening no entry is allowed.

Wildlife Tips !!!
Bharatpur Wildlife has its own charm, as one start exploring the various corners of the park. But in the recent times, we have seen that most of the travellers act in a manner harmful for our animal friends. To reduce such incidents please follow the wildlife tips, that will greatly help in preservation of wildlife.

• Do make your visit to the wildlife sanctuary in the early hours of mornings, as its the main time for one to spot large number of migratory birds around various shores.
• Never touch an infant. Because the parents of infant might attack you by thinking that you are causing a harm to its offspring.
• Do not through papers and plastic item inside the cages, it is a danger to the health of the animal inside the cage.
• A tourist should not indulge into activities like shouting, screaming or making loud sounds as it might effect the Eco-friendly environment
• Avoid wandering into the wildlife around late evenings .
• Do not try to climb the tree inside the wildlife sanctuary, since they provide homes to wide range of wildlife.
• Do not steal infant birds or animals from the sanctuary. Its an illegal act and you can be punished under various IPC sections.