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This is truly a fantasy of feathers. It is the bird
kingdom, where time takes wing. Welcome to the Keoladeo
Ghana National Park at Bharatpur in Rajasthan. Spread
over an area of little over 232 sq kms, Keoladeo derives
its name from the Shiva Temple in the heart of the
sanctuary. Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird
Sanctuary, ornithologist Salim Ali, is credited for
bringing this park to public notice.
Background
Prince Bhamji of Morvi state in Gujarat converted this
area into a world famous wildlife reserve. Duck shoots
were organized in the area every year by the rulers of
Bharatpur, in honour of Viceroy Lord Curzon and his
party on 1st December, 1902. The exploits of all
visiting dignitaries since 1902 have been engraved on
stone plaques standing near the Keoladeo temple.
Largest number of birds (4273) were killed on 12th
November, 1938, by Lord Linlithgow, Viceroy & Governor
General of India and his party. After independence, this
reserve was notified as a bird sanctuary but the former
rulers of Bharatpur continued to enjoy their shooting
rights over the area till 1972. The area was notified as
a National Park in 1981 but made effective only in
Novemeber,1982.
Nearby Attractions of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Nearby places of interest is the Government Museum,
Bharatpur, which gives a glimpse of past splendour. Not
far from the museum is the Bharatpur Palace, which is an
excellent blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. There
is the Lohagarh Fort, which remained invincible despite
several attacks by the British. Just 32 kms from
Bharatpur, is the Deeg Palace. This strong and massive
fort was the summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur
and has many palaces and gardens.
Park Trips
The Keoladeo Park is not very large being less than 30
sq km. There are well-defined treks, which can easily be
covered on foot or on a cycle (the best way) or you can
hire a rickshaw. They are available on hire. Rickshaw
pullers have been trained by the park management in bird
watching and are quite knowledgeable. Boats are also
available on hire. A boat trip early in the morning or
late evening is quite a rewarding experience. Do not
forget to carry a binoculars for watching the birds.
Park Population of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
The park supports a population of 375 species of birds,
numerous mammals and reptiles. With the onset of winter,
migratory birds from all over world come here. They
arrive by August and leave in February. Visitors include
Coot Snipes, Spanish Sparrow, Red Crested Porhard, Rosy
Pelican and Flamingo. The special attraction, however,
remains the arrival of the rare Siberian Crane. The park
is also rich in Pythons, Spotted Deer, Sambhars, Blue
Bull, Black Buck, Jackals, Otters, Fishing Cats, Monitor
Lizards.
Places to stay in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Perhaps no other wildlife sanctuary in India offers the
range of accommodation as in Bharatpur. There are rest
houses, lodges, dormitories and hotels. Rajasthan
Tourism provides good accommodation at its hotel, 'Saras'.
Inside the park, the Bharatpur Forest Lodge is
maintained by the ITDC. Shanti Kuteer, Circuit House,
Dak Bungalow are also good for a comfortable stay. Park
Palace, Govind Niwas and the Tourist complex are the
other choices. Almost all the houses around the park
lend out one or two rooms to visitors. These are cheap
and provide comfortable stay. For reservations at the
Rajasthan Tourism hotels, contact any of its tourist
offices in major cities in India.
Climate in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Bharatpur is located on the fringes of the Thar desert.
This marshy land has very warm climate. Summers are
invariably hot and winters are not very cold. Carry
light cottons during summers and woollens during
winters. Rainfall is less but sufficient.
Best Time to Visit Bharatpur Bird
Sanctuary
The Keoladeo National Park is open throughout the year.
August-October is the breeding season, so the birds are
best left alone then. The best season for visiting this
place is between October to February when the migratory
birds come to visit this park from all over the globe.
How to get there
The Park is not very far from the three Golden
Triangles: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The best way to reach
this place is by bus, which is readily available from
any of these three major tourist destination. There are
regular bus services to Bharatpur, both of the state
transport and private operators. Travel agencies also
operate conducted tours. If the group is large, ask for
conducted tours from the Rajasthan tourism office. The
nearest airport is that of Agra. Bharatpur has its own
railway stations with many major trains halting here.
General Information about Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Rajasthan Tourism
Bikaner House, Near India Gate, New Delhi- 110 001
Tourist Centre
Hotel Swagatam, Office Annexe, Near Railway Station,
Jaipur. |
