Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, known as Keoladeo National Park, is considered one of the finest bird sanctuaries in India and is a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO organisation. Located in the district of Bharatpur, Rajasthan, it is a natural gift that covers an area of more than 29 square km. It is a very attractive place for migratory birds that come from different parts of the world. As a matter of fact, it is the habitat of the rarest of all the migratory birds - the Siberian crane. The sanctuary was the Maharajas of Bharatpur's hunting ground, where ducks were shot during the British era. It was then transformed into a conservation area and a bird refuge. At present, it houses over 370 species of birds and also some animals like deer, nilgai, jackals, and reptiles. The park has different habitats, i.e., grasslands, wetlands, woodlands, and scrub forests, that make it rich in ecological biodiversity. Actually, in winters, migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia, Europe, and China come to the sanctuary, and thus the sanctuary is full of such birds. Therefore, it is a visual treat for bird lovers and photographers. Keoladeo National Park is not only a nice place to see bird life, but is also an essential site for study and education. The well-maintained tracks give tourists the chance to go for a nature walk, cycling, or a rickshaw and thus have a quiet time with nature. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for seeing birds at their energetic peak. Besides, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is very important ecologically, and it also stands for great accomplishments in wetland management and conservation that have taken place in India. It is a very delicate natural world, kind of a model, and thus it asks every visitor to take delight in its beauty and delicacy. Thus, if you are a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, or a nature lover, then Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is definitely your safe bet for an incredible experience in the company of the Calls and colours of the wild.History of Bharatpur Bird SanctuaryBharatpur Bird Sanctuary or Keoladeo National Park is among the most renowned Indian wildlife havens. Additionally, it is quite popular worldwide because of its various avian species and its ecological worth of it. The refuge's very long history is tied up with royal heritage, colonial influence, and conservation success, turning it into a fascinating chapter in India's combined natural and cultural legacy. The establishment of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary can be traced back to the 18th century. Among the accomplishments of Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur was the creation of the Ajan Bund, a man-made dam he built at the point where two rivers - the Gambhir and the Banganga - met. Besides the main purposes of the bund - irrigation and water supply to the rural areas, it also resulted in the development of a large wetland area that became an attraction for birds, both migratory and resident. In time, the flooded plains turned into a natural paradise for a great number of bird species, thus setting a strong base for what later became known as one of the best bird sanctuaries in the world. During the British rule, the wetlands of Bharatpur became famous as a royal hunting ground. The Maharajas of Bharatpur and British officials were shooting ducks together at the place. The historical documents reveal that the day in 1938 when Lord Linlithgow, the Viceroy of India, and his team shot over 4,000 birds, they might have set the record for the most birds killed in a day. This, however, did not stop the rulers from taking a lot of pride in the ecological health of the area and thus making sure that the wetlands remained to prosper and attract migratory birds year after year. After India gained its independence in 1947, the hunting tradition that was associated with it slowly phased out, but the sanctuary still faced problems. The former rulers of Bharatpur were allowed to shoot until 1972, the year when the Indian government, through the Wildlife Protection Act, ended it. With the passing of the law, hunting was officially banned, and Bharatpur was declared a nature sanctuary. In 1981, it was transformed into a national park and named Keoladeo National Park after the old Keoladeo temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which was located within the park area.In 1985, the place where hundreds of species lived in harmony became known worldwide when UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. This was a big step for the park, not only because it demonstrated its incredible biodiversity, but it also brought to the fore its importance as a wetland ecosystem that is necessary for migratory birds. Hence, the area became a must-stop place in the migratory route for the birds coming from as far as Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe. The Siberian crane, among those at risk, was once the main attraction of the park. On the way, however, there were some bumps of the sanctuary’s journey. At the end of the 20th century, irrigation practices in the area were changed, and along with that, the water demand for the area by humans also increased. As a result, Bharatpur experienced severe water shortages. As a result, the wetlands started drying and thus became less attractive to both resident and migratory birds. Consequently, many activists, industry experts, and ecology practitioners have raised concerns about this issue, which led to government intervention aimed at restoring the water supply and protecting the park’s fragile ecosystem. Currently, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is not only a refuge for over 370 bird species, but also a model for wetland conservation. It also, along with different bird species, provides for the presence of mammals like the spotted deer, sambar, blue bull (nilgai), and reptiles such as pythons and monitor lizards. Apart from that, the facility is a comfortable research environment for a worldwide community of ornithologists and ecologists.Nearby Places to Visit Around Bharatpur Bird SanctuaryLohagarh Fort: In the middle of Bharatpur city, you will find the Lohagarh Fort, which is also referred to as the "Iron Fort". It is a fortress that shows the power and the ability to live through difficult times. The fort was built by Maharaja Suraj Mal back in the 18th century. The reason why the fort was called "Iron Fort" was that it was an invincible one, as it could manage to repel the British forces several times. The fort has splendid entrances, old guns, and a museum that exhibits royal artefacts, paintings, and weapons. Its walls offer a stunning cityscape of Bharatpur, and the tourists can take advantage of it.DEEG PALACE: Deeg Palace, situated at a distance of 32 km from Bharatpur, is a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles that can captivate anyone. The palace, with its sprawling area, was once the hot-weather vacation spot of the royal family of Bharatpur. A combination of park, pool, and palace is what the palace complex consists of, along with the Gopal Bhawan and Suraj Bhawan-type palaces. Heavy rains, during which the fountains start functioning, fill the palace with life, and the splendid sight that it seems to be is what takes the visitors back to the royal era of the Mughals.Government Museum, Bharatpur: The Government Museum is situated within the Fort Lohagarh complex and is a showcase of the rich cultural and historical legacy of Bharatpur. Born in 1944, it is the home of an extravagant collection of sculptures, antiquated inscriptions, local art pieces, and weaponry utilised by Jat rulers. The museum provides a deep dive into the aristocratic house of the region and the art traditions there; thus, it is regarded as mandatory for history lovers to pay a visit.Ganga Mandir: The Ganga Mandir or the Ganga Temple is a stellar architectural wonder that can be found in Bharatpur city. Initiated in the mid-19th century, it took almost 90 years to complete and is adorned by the delicate and intricate work of carvings and marble. The temple is devoted to the Ganga Goddess, and the temple's sanctum is where you can find a beautiful idol of the goddess made from the purest white marble. The architectural styles incorporated in the temple are of Rajput, Mughal, and South Indian, which together create an awe-inspiring look for the templeBanke Bihari Temple, Bharatpur: Banke Bihari Temple is one of the holy sites of Hinduism devoted to Lord Krishna. It was constructed similarly to the renowned temple in Vrindavan and is visited by spiritual seekers as well as tourists. The temple witnesses the congregation of devotees and the celebration of festivals, especially Janmashtami, which is the birth of Lord Krishna. The temple structure, as well as the calm environment, make it a lovely place solely meant for devotional seekers.Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri is situated nearly 22 km from Bharatpur. It is a heritage site listed by UNESCO and is considered to be the best depiction of Mughal architecture. The city was designed and built by Emperor Akbar during the 16th century. This old-time royal city features such grand architectural works as Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, and Jama Masjid. The reason that this historical place is in combination with local beauty is that it is a very convenient day trip from Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.Mathura and Vrindavan: The Divine Twin Cities of Mathura and Vrindavan are located at an approximate distance of 39 km from Bharatpur. These are the places that are strongly linked to the life story of Lord Krishna. Mathura is the city where he was born, and Vrindavan is the place where he grew up. Both of these cities have a large number of temples, ghats, and markets that are full of life and colour. Pilgrims and tourists come here to get the divine experience and to take part in the festivals like Holi and Janmashtami, which are very colourful and lively.Agra: Agra is situated nearly 55 km from Bharatpur and is the place where the Taj Mahal, the most beautiful monument in the world and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is found. In addition to the Taj, the city of Agra is also home to the grand Agra Fort as well as Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, which is often referred to as the “Baby Taj”. A quick visit to Agra is the right thing to do if you want to add the touch of Mughal grandeur to your Bharatpur schedule; thus, it becomes a perfect cultural and historical extension of the bird sanctuary visit.Best Time to Visit Bharatpur Bird SanctuaryWinter season (October to February): Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is definitely the best place to be in the winter time. The main point is that this natural area is the house to the largest number of migratory birds coming from across the world. The park becomes a heaven for bird lovers, and the birds that can be found are Siberian cranes, bar-headed geese, pelicans, and painted storks, besides a lot of others. The weather is lovely and the temperature varies from 10°C to 25°C, thus it would be very nice to walk, take a bicycle ride or go for a rickshaw tour. In case somebody is crazy about photography or nature walks, then definitely the combination of the morning mist and the golden sunlight will be very pleasing to him/her.Summer Season (March to June): Bharatpur summers are mostly hot and dry, and the thermometers can show more than 40°C. This period is usually called the off-season for tourists, but still, there are some people who like this time for their holidays, as they can enjoy the silence. During the summer months few of the most famous breed of birds may be observed such as egrets, herons, and kingfishers which will be seen breeding in the wetlands. Apart from this, animal lovers may get the chance to see some mammals like deer, nilgai, and maybe even some reptiles that come to the waterholes. If you can bear the heat, summer allows you to see the park without the crowd of visitors, thus giving you the chance to focus on the tranquillity of nature.Monsoon Season (July to September): The rainy season is when the green returns to the park; it is also the time when the entire region becomes green. The wetlands are now filled with rainwater and therefore become an ideal place for the birds that are always willing to mate. At this moment, the most exciting thing is to see the mating ritual and the little ones. In the absence of birds coming from other locations, one can spot such birds as purple herons, cormorants, and egrets in larger numbers. The weather is perfect for filming nature and eco-tourism as it is not really hot and only a little rain falls. Although some of the trails may have water on them so it would be more reasonable to know whether they are accessible before you make your trip.How to Reach Bharatpur Bird SanctuaryBy Airport: In case one had an idea to come to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary by air, Agra Airport is the nearest airport to Bharatpur, approximately 56 km away. Agra keeps good flight connections with several major cities of India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Varanasi. So, coming to Bharatpur from Agra is quite a piece of cake; a taxi can be hired or a bus taken for the journey, and you will arrive there in about 1.5 hours. Besides that, Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi), approximately 190 km away, can be a choice for foreign travellers. After that, train, bus, or private cab are the options available to reach Bharatpur from Delhi.By Train: The train is undoubtedly one of the most comfortable and least expensive methods to come to Bharatpur. Bharatpur Junction Railway Station (BTE) is only 5 km away from the sanctuary, thus one can conveniently hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to get there. The railway station is open to connections to large cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Agra, and Kota through daily express and superfast trains. In accordance with this, Golden Temple Mail, Kota–Dehradun Express, and Avadh Express are among the popular trains.By Road: Talking about roads, there are good ones that connect Bharatpur with different cities of Rajasthan as well as the neighbouring states. Being on the Golden Triangle route (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur), it can be reached quite easily by national highways. State transport buses, Private coaches, and taxis are available on a regular basis from Agra (55 km), Jaipur (185 km), and Delhi (190 km). Besides the destination's common sights, road travellers from any of these cities can also enjoy views of the countryside and good roads, mainly along the Yamuna Expressway and NH-21.
