BHARATPUR BIRD SANCTUARY
 Situated in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, India, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary easily features among the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. Also known as 'Keoladeo Ghana National Park', the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is renowned the world over as an 'Ornithologist's Paradise'. It has the distinction of being the only sanctuary to be included in the “manmade wildlife sanctuary” category in India; it was brought up by an erstwhile Maharaja of Bharatpur. With an approximately area of 29 sq km and one-third being fresh water marshes, shallow lakes and bogs, it attracts a large number of birds from across the globe for its favourable environmental conditions combined and enough nutritious food.
Thousands of indigenous as well as migratory birds come here almost every year to make it their habitat. The world-renowned Siberian Cranes easily catch the attentions of bird lovers from across the globe. Birds, almost covers one-third of total population, from as far as Siberia and Central Asia come here during the winters. It was endowed with the status of the National Park on 10th March 1982 and declared a World Heritage Site in December 1985.
Best Time to Visit
Visiting Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary all round the year would be a good experience; From August to November would be a good opportunity to see the resident breeding birds; from October to February would be an ideal time to see migratory birds.
Bird Paradise
The park attracts a great number of bird-lovers from all parts of the globe for its over 400 species of unique, exotic and rare birds. Native as well as migratory water birds, together with the world-famous Siberian Cranes, throng the park during the winter season. Being the home to some of the rarest and endangered species of birds, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary has always been the favourite spot for ornithologists and nature lovers.
The world-renowned Siberian Cranes, who spend their winters in Bharatpur as their only second habitat in the world, are the most prized possession of the sanctuary. Bird-lovers also get an opportunity to see other bird species like Pelicans, Cranes, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Pipits, Warblers, Wheatears, Wagtails, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks, Shanks, Painted storks, Pipits, White Ibis, Cormorants, Pale, Marsh Harriers and Stints to name a few with.
Other attractions at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Besides seeing 64 families, 181 genera and 227 subspecies of fauna, tourists here can spot a wide variety of wild animals alongside seeing three types of wildcat- the Jungle cat, Leopard cat and Fishing cat. Other animals here are Sambar, Chital, Chinkara, Blackbuck, Nilgai and wild boar. A wide range of reptiles together with the Rock Pythons, Frogs, Toads, Water Snakes, Snails, Leeches, Turtles, Tortoises, Water Hyacinth, Planktons etc reside here. A variety of fish population could also be seen here.
Boat Safari
An exhilarating boat safari here will help you to explore the natural beauty of the park and see a variety of multi-coloured and exotic birds. A boat ride in the artificial lake of the sanctuary would truly be an enriching experience in your bird spotting adventure.
Besides them, tourist will have many other attractions in and around Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary to enjoy their visit. The Bharatpur Government Museum, located inside the park, gives a chance to experience the past royal splendour of Bharatpur. The Bharatpur Palace and the Lohagarh Fort are other attractions for the tourists visiting Bharatpur National Park.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport from Bharatpur National Park is Agra (55 km).
By Rail
The Bharatpur railway station is only at 6 Km from the park and is well connected by rail services to major cities of India.
By Road
Bharatpur is well connected by roads to all the major cities of the Rajasthan and its neighbouring states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana
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