Bird watching at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Attractions in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Type : Sanctuary
Sanctuary : Bird Sanctuary
Area : 2,873 hectare, 29 km2
Year Of Establishment : March 10, 1982
Birds In Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary : -
Pelicans, Cranes, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Pipits, Warblers, Wheatears, Wagtails, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks, Shanks, Painted storks, Pipits, White Ibis, Cormorants, Pale
About Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary : -
The Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan, India is a famous avifauna sanctuary that sees (or saw) thousands of rare and highly endangered birds such as the Siberian Crane come here during the winter season. Over 230 species of birds are known to have made the National Park their home. It is also a major tourist centre with scores of ornithologists arriving here in the hibernal season. It was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971. It is also a declared World Heritage Site.
The sanctuary was created 250 years ago and is named after a Keoladeo (Shiva) temple within its boundaries. Initially, it was a natural depression; and was flooded after the Ajan Bund was constructed by Maharaja Suraj Mal, the then ruler of the princely state of Bharatpur, between 1726 to 1763. The bund was created at the confluence of two rivers, the Gambhir and Banganga. The park was a hunting ground for the maharajas of Bharatpur, a tradition dating back to 1850, and duck shoots were organised yearly in honor of the British viceroys. In one shoot alone in 1938, over 4,273 birds such as mallards and teals were killed by Lord Linlithgow, the then Governor-General of India. After India's independence, the rulers of the princely states were allowed shooting rights until 1972. In 1982, grazing was banned in the park, leading to violent clashes between the local farmer and Gujjar communities and the government.
Temperatures : -low as 05º C   high as 47º C
Nearest Town : - Delhi Agra & Jaipur
Time to Visit : - October, February
Birds in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary Bharatpur National Park is exceptionally rich in its avifauna. According to various estimations, there are over 400 birds species in Bharatpur National Park that comprises of domestic as well as migratory birds including the rare and world-famous Siberian Cranes. Also known as the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the Park is spread over an area of 29 sq km, 10 sq km of which comprises of fresh water marshes and bogs. The favorable environmental conditions combined with adequate availability of foods at Bharatpur National Park attracts and supports thousands of birds. The variety and the number of birds, the Bharatpur National Park offers, never fail to impress its visitors. Also famous as the 'Ornithologist's Paradise' among bird lovers all over the world, Bharatpur National Park shelters over 400 species of colorful, exotic and rare birds. The birds found in Bharatpur National Park constitute of both resident and migratory birds. They can further be divided in the category of Water birds and Waterside-birds, birds of prey, night birds, woodland birds, air birds and the Grassland and open ground birds The most famous and commonly seen birds in Bharatpur National Park include Pelicans, Cranes, Ibis, Spoonbills, Egrets, Darters, Cormorants, Grey Herons, Stork, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Peacocks, Pipits, Warblers, Wheatears, Wagtails, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks, Shanks, and Stints to name a few. The migratory Siberian Cranes can be spotted during winters. Eagle Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary is the permanent home of four species of eagles: the Pallas fishing eagle, the short-toed eagle, the tawny eagle and the lesser spotted eagle. It is also the winter home of five other eagle species, including the crested serpent eagle, a local migrant that comes to feast on the countless snakes that breed in the wetland. Other winter visitors include the Bonelli's hawk eagle, the imperial eagle and the greater spotted eagle. Even the white-tailed sea eagle has occasionally visited Bharatpur. "Dusk in Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary is owl time." The most spectacular of Bharatpur eight species is the Indian eagle owl or great horned owl, but dusky horned owls, mottled wood owls, spotted owlets and collared scope owls are found in the woodlands near water's edge. Darter The Darter, also known as the Snake-bird because of its long slender snake-like neck crowned with a velvety brown head is another bird commonly found on the water bodies throughout the Indian sub-continent. Sarus Crane This is a large grey bird with long bare red legs, and naked red head and upper neck. It is an impressively large bird that stands as tall as a man. Painted Stork Standing from a distance, heronries of painted storks look like cluttered dirty blobs of white on the tree tops. One really has to strain his eyes to make out what exactly the entire scene represents White Ibis White Ibis is a large marsh bird with naked black head and neck, and long, stout, black, down curved curlew like bill. The bird is found throughout Indian Subcontinent and Myanmar. Spoonbill Stork Spoonbill stork is a beautiful bird, perhaps the most easy to identify because of it ‘spoon-shaped’ bill. Rosy Pelican This bird is found in great congregations on jheels and lagoons, it is white or rose tinged with a tuft of yellow feathers on the breast, has a slight crest and the feathers of the forehead end in a point above the bill. Siberian Cranes Four species of crane visit Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, including the famous Siberian crane, but the Sarus crane is resident. A large grey bird with a red head and nearly as tall as a man, the Sarus crane is much venerated as a symbol of marital bliss in India. Sarus cranes pair for life, and locals believe that if one dies, the other will die of a broken heart. The Sarus courtship display is one of the most magnificent bird spectacles in the world. The couple bow, circle round each other with outspread wings, throw back their long necks, take great leaps into the air, all the while uttering their far reaching, trumpeting call. Hotels & Resorts In Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary Bharatpur Forest Lodge The government run Bharatpur Forest Lodge is located within the vicinity of Keoladeo National Park that lies 190-kms from Delhi and 55-kms from Agra in Rajasthan. The Bharatpur Forest Lodge located within the world famous Bharatpur Bird sanctuary is a favorite place of residence for the avid bird-watcher as it is for the ordinary tourist. This wonderful Forest Lodge is run and operated by the government run Ashok group of hotels Laxmi Vilas Palace Laxmi Vilas Palace is located in Kakaji ki koti, Old Agra Road. It is 56 km far from Agra Airport and it is 5 km far from Bharatpur Junction. The hotel provides sightseeing packages to the tourists. We believe in preserving the royal legacy, traditions and customs of India and presenting it eloquently to the guests. Simultaneously, offering world class amenities and services and making it a unique holiday destination for guests from all parts of the world. Here at Laxmi vilas Palace you would relive the history of Bharatpur, feel the warm hospitality extended to you by our present generation living in palace. Chandra Mahal Haveli Constructed by a rich Muslim nobleman in the year of 1850, the Chandra Mahal Haveli has architecture in the lines of the Mughal period. Its prominent dome and the carvings make it stand apart from all other typical Rajasthani Havelis. It is an impressive sight to behold the gorgeous havelis standing in all its glory, sprawled in the midst of green vegetation. This 19th century structure is located a little distance off the famous Bharatpur Bird sanctuary and is one of the most impressive heritage hotels in Bharatpur. The Bagh Resort The Bagh is a heritage hotel set in 12 acres two hundred year-old garden in Bharatpur Rajasthan, it is located just four hours away from major destinations such as Delhi, Jaipur and Gwalior The Bagh offers visitors an opportunity to experience quiet luxury near Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in the world. The hotel's twenty three rooms are located in three different residential complexes. A restaurant, banquet hall, coffee shop, library and a gym, all situated in a verdant orchard, allow guests to enjoy solitude and companionship in restful indoor and outdoor spaces Udai Vilas Palace Situated just 1 km away from the famous Keoladeo National Park, it is conveniently located on the main Bharatpur-Fatehpur Sikri Road. Hotel Udai Vilas Palace is ensconced in 2 acres of lush greenery and is counted among the most luxurious hotels of India. Its natural beauty and proximity to a wildlife sanctuary of national importance are the reasons that attract thousands of tourists and adventure seekers from all over the world every year. Hotel Pratap Palace Hotel Pratap Palace is ideally located at 2 minutes walking distance from entrance to the Keoladeo National Park. A beautiful Pink Sand stone building beside the NH-11 built in 1994 now a leading hotel in very short time. Keeping the Indian tradition alive with sheer comfort at most affordable tariff. Birders Inn Jungle Lodge Located a mere stone's throw from the entrance of the park, The Birder's Inn is a quiet, peaceful haven for the keen birdwatcher. The home run lodge has 20 spacious well-furnished rooms that overlook a garden populated with fruit trees that attract various garden birds. You have all the necessary modern comforts like air-conditioning, hot and cold running water, sit-out and a multi-cuisine restaurant & grill that serves a delectable variety of dishes. The thatch acts as a watering hole for local birders, naturalists and photographers and is an excellent place to share information, updates and anecdotes. Information Birds Resorts Travel Info  Travel Information In Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary   General Information Always carry binoculars for bird watching. All the tourists visiting the Keoladeo Ghana Park, Bharatpur must have an entry permit available at the the entrance to the park. The foreign tourists have to pay an entry fee of Rs 200 whereas the Indian tourists have to pay Rs 25. The extra charges have to be paid for cameras and other electronic equipments.   Location : Bharatpur, Rajasthan   Best Time to Visit   Winter (November to February)    Best time for sighting migratory birds   Summer (April to June)    Excellent for watching resident birds. You can have the Park to yourself, as    there is hardly anybody around. Quite hot though!    Monsoon (July to September)     Breeding time for resident birds. Park open the year round.    How to Reach Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary    By Air The nearest airport Agra is 56-kms from Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. The place is also well connected with Delhi Airport, which can be reached from Agra.    By Rail The Bharatpur railway station is 6-kms from the national park. The regular trains connect Bharatpur with all the major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Agra.    By Road An excellent road network connects Bharatpur to all the major towns of the Rajasthan like Agra, Jaipur, Delhi and its neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.