Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Rajasthan)

Those who are on the lookout for a colourful and exotic birding paradise in India need to plan a trip straight to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, one of its kind for being developed by a maharaja rather than being a hunting preserve of a royal Indian family. Comprising marshes, scrubland and grassland, the sanctuary has been a regular haunt of travellers, researchers, naturalists and ornithologists, not only from India but from all over the world. The sanctuary, also known as the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, acquired the status of a national park on March 10, 1982.

Bharatpur Sanctuary Fast Facts
State : Rajasthan
Area : 29 sq km
Famous Wildlife Species : Migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia
Best Time to Visit : August to November/ October to February
Entry Fee : Rs 25 (Indians)/ Rs 200 (Foreigners)

Wildlife Attractions in Bharatpur Sanctuary
The area of 29 sq km is never to be underestimated when it comes to visiting the bird sanctuary of Bharatpur. There are more than 300 avian species that call the park home. Also popular as the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the sanctuary presents two different pictures to bird fanciers. One, when it is filled with the twitters and chirrups of a variety of domestic birds between August and November. The other being the grand display of migratory birds during winters. It's the time when avian species travel to the sanctuary from as far as Siberia and countries of Central Asia. Species that tourists can spot here include cranes, pelicans, geese, ducks, eagles, hawks, shanks, stints, wagtails, warblers, wheatears, pipits, flycatchers, buntings, larks etc. A number of others bird species is there to be found, photographed and remembered. And that is not all, as there are a few animal species to be spotted in the sanctuary as well. These include chital, wild boar, nilgai, sambar, deer etc.

Other Attractions in Bharatpur

Bharatpur Govt. Museum
Visitors can head straight to this government museum after they have enjoyed the wild sights and sounds inside the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. The museum gives a significant insight into the royal opulence of the city.

Bharatpur Palace
Very close to the museum lies the Bharatpur Palace, another interesting sight to behold. The palatial building showcases a wonderful blend of the Rajput and Mughal architectural styles.

Lohargarh Fort
The rugged structure of this medieval fort is a must-see for travellers. It is interesting to note that the fort maintained its status of being unconquered even after several attacks by the British.

Bharatpur Sanctuary Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
The Kheria Airport of Agra, 56 km away, serves as the nearest airport from Bharatpur. Reaching Bharatpur by rail is also quite a convenient option, as the Bharatpur Railway Station is just 6 km from the sanctuary. There are frequent trains connecting Bharatpur with important destinations including Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Agra. By road too, Bharatpur is easily accessible from places like Delhi (176 km/5 hours), Agra (56 km/5 hours) and Jaipur (176 km/6 hours ).

Jungle Resorts/ Lodges in Bharatpur
During your tour to bird sanctuary of Bharatpur, you can find a number of wildlife lodges where you can have a wonderful time staying. Some popular lodges at the sanctuary are as follows.

Bharatpur Forest Lodge
Laxmi Vilas Palace
Chandra Mahal Haveli
Birder’s Inn