Introduction
An ideal refuge for countless domestic and scores of migratory birds, the
Keoladeo Ghana National Park represents a fine interlocking eco-system of
woodlands, swamps, wet prairies and dry Savannah. The sanctuary was a
brainchild of Maharaja Suraj Mal. Interestingly enough, the maharaja did not
set up the sanctuary for conservation purposes, instead it was viewed as a
source of constant supply of waterfowl for the royal dinning table. However,
the sanctuary began inviting some unexpected species of birds including
migratory ducks and geese. And, it was when Suraj Mal began envisaging the
park as a full fledged wildlife reservoir for exotic avian species. The
subsequent years saw a huge number of bird species finding a home in the
confines of the park. And before long, the sanctuary was given the
recognition of a national park in the year 1981.
Wildlife Attractions
Also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park
lures visitors and ornithologists to its protected reservoir of resident and
migratory birds. Birds migrate here from as far as Siberia and Central Asia
to spend the winter in Bharatpur. Naturalists, researchers and photographers
arrive here from far and wide. With the first shower of the rainy season,
the park seems to have come alive with abundant of avian species like
darters, egrets, herons, larks, pelicans, vultures, eagles, cormorants etc.
Visitors claim to have seen as much as 80 species of birds within half an
hour of stepping into the park. Animal species like jackal, mongoose, sambar
and wild boar have also been spotted inside the sanctuary.
The
vegetation of the park includes mixed deciduous forests with species of
babool, ber and khajur predominating the landscape of the park. The bird
species are recorded to have been nested in an estimated 50,000 trees. Four
species of crane have been sighted, of which the Siberina Crane is the
popular migratory species while Sarus Crane is a resident species. Other
migratory birds species include egrets, cormorants, ibis and spoonbills.
Four species of eagles have found a home in the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
These include Pallas fishing eagle, short-toed eagle, tawny eagle and the
lesser spotted eagle. Other commonly sighted species include pelicans,
flamingos, geese, chats, kites, buntings, harriers, great horned owl etc.
Safaris Provided
The park inmates can be explored best by a cycle rickshaw. However, you can
also move around on foot to enjoy the rich vegetation and the avian
inhabitants of the park. Boat trip are also available. You can embark on a
boat trip either in early morning or late in the evening.
The cycle rickshaw pullers are specially trained by the forest department.
They have considerable knowledge of the park and its residents. They can
serve as your best guides. They also acquaint you of where to sight the
desired bird species.
Accessibility
Kheria Airport at Agra (56 km from Bharatpur) is the closest airport. 6 km
from the park is the railway station of Bharatpur. There are regular train
services from places like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Agra. Road network of
Bharatpur is well established providing links with all the key destinations
of the state and outside including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Delhi
lies at a distance of 176 km from Bharatpur.
