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Now known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the Bharatpur
Bird Sanctuary, situated in the North Indian state of Rajasthan (
actually very close to Agra ) is without question the finest Bird
Sanctuary in India, and one of the finest bird watching locations in
the world. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary provides a diversity and
abundance of birdlife only equalled in Africa and keen birdwatchers
are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of birds present. Notable
species amongst the throngs of nesting Painted Storks, White Ibises,
Darters and Spoonbills are specialities such as the threatened
Black-necked Stork, Comb Duck, and the elusive Spotted Creeper.
Thousands of ducks crowd the marshes and pools and include, amongst
the more familiar species, hundreds of Ferruginous and Lesser
Whistling Ducks plus smaller numbers of Red-crested Pochards and
Spotbilled Ducks. Both White and Dalmatian Pelicans may occur and
large numbers of Common Cranes along with smaller numbers of Sarus
Cranes use the reserve in which to winter. Bharatpur bird sanctuary
in India has also been famous as the winter hideaway of the very
rare Siberian Cranes, though the sighting of these has reduced
considerably in recent years. Bharatpur India also provides
unrivalled opportunities for observing a large range of raptors,
including Spotted, Imperial, Steppe and Tawny Eagles, as well as a
host of vultures.Bharatpur is also known for sighting of rare bird
species such as Orange-headed Ground Thrush, Dusky Warbler, Marshall’s
Iora and Large-tailed Nightjar. Other wildlife inhabiting the
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary includes the rare and beautiful Blackbuck,
Indian Smooth Otter, Fishing Cat, Soft-shelled Turtle and Indian
Python. Nilgai, Sambar, Spotted Deer and Rhesus Macaques. A very
interesting feature of Bharatpur is the way game rides are done --
on cycle rickshaws. You could also take a cycling or walking tour of
this park.
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Game rides in Bharatpur
Game rides in Bharatpur are conducted on Cycle Rickshaws. It is
also possible to take Cycling and walking tours within the Bharatpur
Bird Sanctuary
Visiting Bharatpur
While the Park remains open throughout the year, the best time to
visit Bharatpur is from Mid November to mid March. It is during this
time, that a large number of migratory Birds, from cold regions of
western Europe make the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary their home.
Getting to Bharatpur
The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary / Keoladeo National Park is
convienently located , 56 kms/1 hour away from Agra and about 200
kms/4 hours away from Delhi.
