BHARATPUR BIRD SANCTUARY

Location : Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Area : 232-sq-kms
Main Attraction : Spoon Bills & Siberian Cranes
Main Attractions : October To February

One of the finest bird parks in the world, Keoladeo National Park is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well. Though there is no doubt that this primarily a bird sanctuary. Once a shooting preserve of the royal family of Bharatpur, the marshy swamplands were created by a Maharaja who diverted water from irrigation canals to flood the low depression, creating a permanent for waterfowl.
Today, 120 species of birds nest at Keoladeo, and the heronry is believed to be the best in the world. Several more are migratory visitors, journeying to the park in the winters from distances as far as Siberia.

The Park Attractions

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.

1. Park Trips
The park encompasses an area of approximately 40-sq-kms and is refreshingly free of any motor vehicles. Walking and cycling along raised embankments offers a unique opportunity to get closer to the rich birdlife. Many people choose a cycle rickshaw which has the added advantage of providing both a guide and local bird expert. Boats and horse-drawn 'Tongas' are also available depending on the season.

How To Get There

1. Road
An excellent network of roadway services connects Bharatpur to all the major cities of the Rajasthan and its neighbouring states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana. Bharatpur is well connected by road from Agra (56-kms, 5 hours), Delhi (176-kms, 5 hours) and Jaipur (176-kms, 6 hours), all of which have airport facilities too.
2 . Rail
Regular rail services connect Bharatpur with all the major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Agra. The Bharatpur railway station is 6-kms from the park
3 . Air
The nearest airport is situated at Agra, which is 56-kms from Bharatpur.

TRAVEL TIPS

Light cotton clothing for summers and woolens for the winters would be suitable. Vehicles are prohibited within park confines. Bicycles may be hired for traveling in the park. Cycle-rickshaws that are available for commuting have no fixed fares. Hence, it is advisable to fix the fare with the rickshaw puller before using his services.
Note : Do not forget to carry a binoculars for watching the birds. Bird Watching depends greatly on season, timing, and patience, so its better to visit the sanctuary during the visiting period.