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Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana Natiuonal Park) is one of the
finest bird sanctuaries in the world. The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary situated
at Rajasthan is a reserve that offers protection to birds as well as
animals. Keoladeo Ghana National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird
sabctuary is spread over an area of 232 sq km. Keoladeo derives its name
from the Shiva Temple set in the heart of the sanctuary.
The Bird's kingdom, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary was brought to public notice
by ornithologist Salim Ali. Nesting indigenous water- birds as well as
migratory water birds and waterside birds, the sanctuary is also inhabited
by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.
Largest number of birds were killed every year in the bird shoot. The
former rulers of Bharatpur continued to enjoy their shooting rights over the
area till 1972. After independence, this reserve was notified as a bird
sanctuary. The area was declared National Park in Novemeber 1982 and was
accepted as a World Heritage Site in December 1985.
Main Attraction of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary supports a population of 375 species of birds.
The winter season invites migratory birds from all over world to the
sanctuary. The arrival of the migratory bisrd are between August and
February. The migratory birds include - Coot Snipes, Spanish Sparrow, Red
Crested Porhard, Rosy Pelican and Flamingo. The special attraction, however,
remains the arrival of the rare Siberian Crane. Though the park is famous
for birds, it is also rich in Pythons, Spotted Deer, Sambhars, Blue Bull,
Black Buck, Jackals, Otters, Fishing Cats, Monitor Lizards and numerous
mammals and reptiles.
Other Attractions of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Nearby places of interest gives a glimpse of past splendour. One can see
the excellent blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture in the palaces in &
around the sanctuary.
Bharatpur Govenment Museum : One of the major attraction
in the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is Government Museum of Bharatpur. This
Museum provides a glimpse of the past royal grandeur of Bharatpur.
Bharatpur Palace : Bharatpur Palace is magnificent
monument with a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.
Lohagarh Fort : The Lohagarh Fort in the sanctuary is an
unconquered fort, despite several attacks by the British regime.
Deeg Palace : A massive fortress, Deeg Palace is situated
just 32-kms away from Bharatpur. Deeg Palace features numerous beautiful
palaces and gardens.
How to Reach there
The best way to reach Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is by bus, which is readily
available from any of the three major tourist destination - Delhi, Agra,
Jaipur. Regular bus services to Bharatpur is available both of the state
transport and private operators. The nearest airport is that of Agra.
Bharatpur has its own railway stations with many major trains halting here.
