Bharatpur bird sanctuary in Rajasthan is bird lovers delight as it houses hundreds of rare and highly endangered birds from far across the world who migrate here during different climates like Siberian crane pays annual visits in winters. Also called as Keoladeo national park or Ghana national park, this bird sanctuary provides homes to over 230 species of birds and hence was declared world heritage site in 1985. Spread over an area of 29 sq km of which 11 sq km are marshes and the rest scrubland and grassland.
It was created 250 years ago and was named Keoladeo (Shiva) as Keoladeo temple was within its boundaries and ghana meaning dense for the thick forests surrounding it.Initially it was a natural depression which was flooded after constructing a bandh and was later developed into Bharatpur Lake and divided into several portions. A system of small dams, dykes etc were created to control water in different sections.
It later became best duck shooting wetlands in country.Then this park was used as a hunting ground by the maharajas of Bharatpur, as a traditional practice dating back to 1850 and ducks used to be shot down. While many of parks in India have been developed from the preserves of hunting when poaching was a British pass time, this is only park where habitat has been created by a maharaja.
It is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world where other fauna also coexist like Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar. Nesting indigenous water birds as well as migratory birds of various exotic types live here.
Several species of Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits, etc are the numerous migratory birds who come from as far away as Siberia and Central Asia and spend their winters in Bharatpur before returning to their breeding grounds.
Bharatpur bird sanctuary has well defined forest trails which can easily be covered on foot or cycle or at the best on foot. Boats add extra fun to the trip which is available on hire. Early mornings or the late evenings offer the best timings to catch them on sight. Ornithologists frequently come and study the birds behavior for their research.
In the premises of the park, a traveler can enjoy other attractions put on solely for tourists. Bharatpur Government museum provides a glimpse of the past royal splendor of Bharatpur whereas Bharatpur palace is a marvelous structure built with exquisite Mughal and Rajput architecture. Lohagarh fort and Deeg palace are other historical structures which remained unconquered despite several attacks by the British regime. A strong and massive fortress Deeg palace was the summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur and houses numerous palaces and gardens. Although this national park is open throughout the year, the ideal visiting months are from August- November for resident breeding birds and October February for migrants birds.
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