Keoledeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary (Bharatpur National Park)

Bharatpur National Park Overview

Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most renowned bird sanctuaries in the world. The park derives its name from the Keoladeo Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Ghana, meaning dense forest. Originally an arid scrubland, it was transformed into a private duck reserve in the mid-18th century by the rulers of Bharatpur. The area was later used for extravagant hunting expeditions for British viceroys and royal guests, leading to the tragic slaughter of vast numbers of birds in a single day.

Today, the park spans 29 sq km (11 sq miles) of wetlands and serves as a major habitat for a variety of migrant and water birds, including species that migrate from as far as Siberia during the winter. The park also includes mixed deciduous forests and scrub vegetation, home to wildlife such as the nilgai.

Best Time to Visit

The park is open year-round, but the best times for birdwatching are from October to late February, when migratory birds are present. The breeding season from August to October is also an interesting time to visit, although you’ll find fascinating birds to observe throughout the year.

Things to Do

• Bird Watching: The park is a haven for bird watchers. The best way to experience its diverse wildlife is by visiting at different times of the day. Early mornings are ideal for catching a glimpse of the singing birds, while daytime offers excellent sightings of water birds. In the evening, you may even spot nocturnal birds like owls.

• Nature Walks: For a deeper experience, take a guided nature walk and explore the park’s different ecosystems.

• Birdwatcher’s Guide: Make use of the park’s Birdwatcher’s Guide, such as Salim Ali’s Birds of Bharatpur – A Checklist, to enrich your bird-watching experience.

Accommodation

Most accommodations are located along Dr. Salim Ali Road, which connects Bharatpur Town to the park entrance. Options range from budget to more luxurious stays.

Accessibility

• By Air: The nearest airport is Agra (64 km, approximately 1.5 hours away).

• By Train: The closest railway station is Bharatpur Junction (4.5 km, a 20-minute drive). It’s an easy and convenient journey, especially from Delhi, with trains such as the Frontier Mail and Kota Janshatabdi offering good connections. If traveling during the monsoon, trains are a safer bet compared to driving.

• By Road: Bharatpur is about 186 km from Delhi via the Agra Highway, passing through Mathura. It’s also a great addition to a trip to Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, and there are well-maintained roads from Jaipur as well. Tour buses run to the park from these locations.

Hotels usually offer pick-up services from the station, and you can also find cycle-rickshaws nearby. Be cautious of local scooter rickshaws, as they are often uncomfortable and noisy.