The Enchanting Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

The Keoladeo National Park (also known as Kaladeo Ghana National Park or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is one of the finest bird parks in the world. It offers protection to several fauna species. The park draws its name from an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is right in the centre of the park. Ghana’ means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to cover the area. Apart from a large number of indigenous and non-indigenous (migratory) water birds once can also spot sambar, chital, nilgai and boar here.

In early 18th century, the town of Bharatpur used to get flooded regularly during the monsoon. In order to protect the town from floods, an earthen dam (the Ajan Dam) was constructed in 1760. The depression created by extraction of soil for the dam was cleared and this became the Bharatpur Lake.

In the course of time, the lake and the area around it became the hunting preserve of the Bharatpur royalty. It was one of the best duck-shooting wetlands in the world. In 1960, hunting was prohibited. On March 10, 1982, it was declared a national park and became a World Heritage Site in December 1985.

Flora

‘Ghana’ means dense and it is a reference to the dense and thick forest which used to cover the area. Dry deciduous trees are found in abundance. These are accompanied by dry grassland in areas where forest has reduced. A large part of the area is composed of marshes and medium-sized trees and shrubs.

Avian Fauna

Numerous migratory birds which come from lands as far off as Siberia are the major attractions of tourists reaching the park. These birds stay in the park during the winters and then return to their breeding grounds. Migratory birds at Bharatpur bird sanctuary include, several species of Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits, etc.

Reaching Bharatpur

Bharat is easily accessible by bus or train. Private cabs can also be hired from Delhi. The park is not very far away from the city railway station and the bus stand.

 

By Air: Delhi and Jaipur are the nearest airports for Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

 

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Bharatpur Junction which is at a distance of 5 km.

By Road: Bharatpur is very well-connected to different parts of the country by road. Many people drive directly in their private vehicles. Regular buses are available from Delhi, Mathura, Jaipur, Alwar and neighboring.

Travel Tips: Visitors are advised to reach the gate half an hour in advance to complete the formalities for entry into the park.

Best Time to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

 

Even though the sanctuary is open for visitors all throughout the year, the best time to visit is between August and November for resident birds and October to February for migratory birds.