Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan - केवलादेव राष्ट्रीय उद्यान

The park set up in1981 in Bharatpur district, 2 km away from Bharatpur town, covers an area of 29 km. The nearest rail head is Bharatpur at a distance of 8 km. The nearest airport is Agra 55km from the park.

The park has tropical dry deciduous forest type. Some 282 species of trees, shrubs, climbers, grasses and herbs are found here. Out of these ninety one species of plants are acquatic.

The park often referred to as paradise for birds is famous of the variety of indigenous and migraSpoon Billtory birds, both aquatic and non aquatic. The fauna of the park are Siberian crane cormorant, stork, spoonbill, quail, coot, heron, teal, tern, sambar, cheetah, black buck, wild boar, civet etc. The Siberian crane which breed in Siberia usually visit this park during November- December after covering a distance of 4,000km and go back in March. This species is critically endangered. The number of those cranes visiting the park has dwindled sharply from 100 in 1976 to just 5 in 1993.

The best months for visiting the park are from September to April. The park has rest houses. All areas for watching wild life are within walking distance.

Keoladeo National Park, situated in the state of Rajasthan in India is a former duck-hunting reserve of the Maharajas. Hunting was prohibited by mid-60s. Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the park was declared a national park on 10 March 1982, and accepted as a World Heritage Site in December 1985. Keoladeo is one of the major winter vacationing areas for large numbers of aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia. About 364 species of birds, including the rare Siberian crane, have been recorded in the park.

About Keoladeo National Park

The Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary lies between two of India's most historic cities, Agra and Jaipur. This north Indian sanctuary is situated in the country's northwestern state of Rajasthan, about 190 km from the national capital of Delhi. The name Keoladeois 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.

History (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary)

Prince Bhamji of Morvi state in Gujarat converted this area into a world famous wildlife reserve. Duck shoots were organised in the area every year by the rulers of Bharatpur, in honour of Viceroy Lord Curzon and his party on 1st December, 1902. The exploits of all visiting dignitaries since 1902 have been engraved on stone plaques standing near the Keoladeo temple.

Largest number of birds (4273) were killed on 12th November, 1938, by Lord Linlithgow, Viceroy & Governor General of India and his party. After independence, this reserve was notified as a bird sanctuary but the former rulers of Bharatpur continued to enjoy their shooting rights over the area till 1972. The area was notified as a National Park in 1981 but made effective only in Novemeber,1982. Conservation efforts originally started by Dr. Salim Ali received a further impetus when the area was deemed a national park in March 1982. In 1985, Bharatpur was accepted as a World Heritage Site.

Best Season (Keoladeo National Park)

The park is open throughout the year. Best months are August-November for resident breeding birds and November-March for migrant birds.

Climate (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary)

During summers (April. June), the temperature of the national park varies from 38 degC to 45 degC. In The Month of monsoon the temperature to about 27 degC. In Winter season the temperature of the park falls below 10 degC.

Venture Into The Keoladeo

There are well defined forest paths in the Keoladeo. Get close to the bird life of Keoladeo by either walking or cycling along the raised embankments. You can also hire a cycle rickshaw to explore the sanctuary. While you proceed through the dense forest cover, which shelters a diverse flora you will come across varied and colourful birds flying from one-side to the other side with high pitch melodious notes. The entire ambience seems to be heavenly, as you move further inside the park. The vast flora provides a natural habitat to these migratory birds. You must not have such number of birds at one place before.

The Avifauna

More than 375 species of birds are found in this small wildlife park of 29 sq-km out of which 11 sq-km are marshes and the rest is scrubland and grassland. The beauty of this park is praiseworthy. When you are surrounded by the exhilarating chirps of the beautiful birds, the entire ambience becomes heavenly, as you are amidst your favourites like Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits, etc.

This is not all, the park also houses, some rare species of fauna like - Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.

Additional Punch

Bharatpur falls in the Golden Triangle route of India. So, you can extend your trip to the Golden Triangle Route which include - Delhi, Agra & Jaipur. The park is situated in the most enthralling state of India - Rajasthan. When you are so close to this royal land of India, how can you miss your trip to this place. But, the closest of the attractions are - Bharatpur Govenment Museum, Bharatpur Palace, Lohagarh Fort, Deeg Palace (32 km). The entire state will leave some mind-boggling experience in your life. But, if not possible, you can make you tour more flavoursome by visiting Jaipur (176 km), the capital city of Rajasthan. Extend the Trip to Agra from Keoladeo National Park

Extend the Trip

Bhartapur is close to Agra (56 km). Agra - the home of the Taj Mahal is the place where everyone wants to be. And, when it is so close to your destination then how can you forget to include it in your tour itinerary. Delhi, the National City (India) is just 176 km from Bharatpur. If you keep keen interest in history of India, then this is the right place for you.

Few Difficulties

The summers are harsh here, so, it would be better if you can avoid Bharatpur during the summer months.

Few Suggestions

Contact a good travel agent, who has enough knowledge about the place and can understand the local culture and language. Try to visit the Park during the winters, as during this period you will be able to meet larger number of birds. Taste the unique Rajasthani cuisine, and know more about the Rajasthani culture.

Wildlife in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Bharatpur bird sanctuary hosts a variety of bird species(Siberian crane etc) from across the globe. Close to 380 species of birds are found in this 29 sq km stretch, approximately 10 sq km of which comprises of marshes and bogs. Rest of the area comprises of scrublands, grasslands and more than 44,000 trees that are used for nesting by birds each year. This rather intriguing blend of marshes, woodland and flora found here represents and, at the same time, substantiates the density and diversity of the region. s forest cover.

How to Reach

Bharatpur is on the Agra. Jaipur highway, just a two-hour journey by bus from Agra (55 km) and an hour from Fatehpur Sikri. The nearest rail junction is Bharatpur, which is well connected to Delhi, Bombay, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and many other parts of India. You can reach the park by any means of transport - air, rail or road. But to venture into the park you need to hire a bicycle or cycle rickshaw. Or else you can also walk through the well defined paths of the park. International Airport : At Delhi about 176 km from Bharatpur.

Air

Nearest airport at Agra, (56 km) from Bharatpur.

Rail

The Bharatpur railway station is 6 km from the park.

Road

An excellent network of roadway services links Bharatpur to all the major cities of the Rajasthan and its neighbouring states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana. Rest House Near Keoladeo National Park

Accommodation

The Accommodation is not at el a problem here. You will find all types of accommodation near Bharatpur, as per you taste. The categories range from Luxurious to budget quality.
Nearby Wildlife Lodges

Wildlife Resorts in Bharatpur National Park

Bharatpur Forest Lodge
Laxmi Vilas Palace
Chandra Mahal Haveli
The Bagh Resort
Udai Vilas Palace
Hotel Pratap Palace
Birders Inn Jungle Lodge

General Information

Best Time to Visit : Between the months of August-November for resident breeding birds and October- February for migrant birds.
Climate : Bharatpur is located on the fringes of the Thar desert. This marshy land has very warm climate. Summers are invariably hot and winters are not very cold. Carry light cottons during summers and woolens during winters. Rainfall is less but sufficient
Travel Tips : Be well informed about the place when you start planning for the trip. Consult a doctor before the trip. Carry light weight clothes to the park. Carry your touring documents with yourself.
Tips to The Visitor: Light cotton clothing for summers and woolens for the winters would be suitable. Vehicles are prohibited within park confines.

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