Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - Fact File
Location : Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
Area : 232 sq. kms
Major Attractions : Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Boar, Migratory Birds.
Climate : Warm climate, Summer temp : 45°C- 38°C, Winter temp : 27°C-10°C .
Ideal Time to Visit : October to February.
Park Visiting Timings : 6.00 a.m to 6.00 p.m.
Entry Fees : Rs 25 for Indians, Rs. 200 for foreigners. Extra charges for cameras and vehicles.



About Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary also called the Keoladeo Ghana National Park is situated at a distance of 55 kms from Agra and 180 kms from Delhi. Keoladeo Ghana National Park derives its name from the Keoladeo Shiva temple located in the heart of the sanctuary, while 'Ghana' means dense, referring to the thick forest, which cover the area. Sprawling over an area of 232 sq. kms, Bharatpur is a kingdom of bird and truly a fantasy of feathers where time takes wing. Of the total area 11 sq. kms are marshes and rest is scrubland and grassland.

Bharatpur was converted into a world famous wildlife reserve by Prince Bhimji of Morvi state in Gujarat. The rulers of Bharatpur organized duck shoots in honour of Viceroy Lord Curzon and his party on 1st December, 1902. Large number of birds were killed by Lord Linlithgow, Viceroy & Governor General of India and his party on 12th November, 1938. After independence of India, the former rulers of Bharatpur continued to enjoy their shooting rights. Dr. Salim Ali, the bird man of India took initiative to stop the hunting birds in 1964. The shooting of birds was banned by the government in 1965. Bharatpur was notified as a National Park in 1981 but made effective in 1982.

The sanctuary is a reserve of birds, every year (from October to February) large number of birds migrate from Europe and Siberia to Bharatpur. Siberian crane covers a distance of 6,500 kms to migrate to Bharatpur. Other migratory birds include Spanish Sparrow, Coot Snipes, Rosy Pelican and Flamingo. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary has become an important destination for Ornithologists all over the world.

Inhabitants of the Park
Animal Species : Bharatpur is known mainly for its bird population but the park also houses a number of animal species that include - Nilgai, Sambar, Chital, Wild Boar, Jungle Cat, Black Bucks, Pythons , Mongoose, Spotted Deer, Blue Bull, Jackals, Otters, Fishing Cats and Monitor Lizards.

Avian Species : The park houses a population of around 375 species of birds which include water birds, waterside birds, migratory water birds, land migratory birds and domestic land species. Major attraction of this park are the migratory birds, who come from all over the world with the onset of winter. The migratory birds spend their winters here and return to their breeding grounds after the end of winter. Migratory birds at Bharatpur bird sanctuary include several species of Cranes, Coot Snipes, Spanish Sparrow, Red Crested Porhard, Rosy Pelican, Flamingo, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits.

Nearby attractions
Government Museum : One of the major attraction after the Bharatpur Sanctuary, the government museum provides a glimpse of the royal splendour of Bharatpur.

Bharatpur Palace : Bharatpur Palace is located close to the government museum. The palace is a superb blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.

Lohagarh Fort : The invincible Lohagarh Fort suffered several attacks by the British but it remained unconquered.

Deeg Palace : Deeg Palace is just 32 kms away from Bharatpur. The strong and massive fortress was the summer resort of the rulers. It houses numerous beautiful palaces and gardens.

Things To Do
Safari : Elephant Safari and Jeep Safari are two options of safari at Bharatpur National Park. Tourists can take an early dawn elephant back safari with an authorized mahout guide. Jeep Safari can be arranged at the Tourist Centre.

Cycle and Rickshaw Ride : To explore the interiors of the sanctuary there are well-defined forest trails, which can be easily covered on a cycle or a rickshaw. Rickshaw pullers have been trained by the forest department in bird watching and are knowledgeable.

Boating : Boating is another adventure option which is best to check out the hidden surprises of Bharatpur. Boats are available on hire. An early morning boat trip or a late evening trip in the lake is a fascinating experience.

Accommodation
Bharatpur offers a wide range of accommodation options to tourists. The town is dotted with rest houses, lodges, dormitories and hotels which provide cheap and comfortable stay. Inside the park Rajasthan Tourism department provides good accommodation facility at its hotel 'Saras'. Other accommodation choices are the Bharatpur Forest Lodge maintained by the ITDC, Shanti Kuteer, Circuit House, Dak Bungalow, Park Palace, Govind Niwas and the Tourist complex.

How to reach Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
By Air : Kheria airport at Agra (55 kms) is the nearest airport from Bharatpur. Flights are available for Delhi and other cities of India from Agra. From Agra one has to take the road to reach Bharatpur.

By Rail : Bharatpur has its own railway station which is located at a distance of 6 kms from the park. Bharatpur is well connected by several trains with Delhi, Mumbai and many other cities of India.

By Road : Bharatpur is located on the Agra- Jaipur highway and is not very far from the three Golden Triangles - Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Regular bus services are available from any of these three tourist destinations. Buses of state transport and private operators ply to Bharatpur from many places of Rajasthan and nearby states.