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 organised 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.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - 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.

Places To Stay - Bharatpur National Park
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 - 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.

General Information - Bharatpur National Park
Best Time
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.
Location
Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
Area
232 sq. Kms.
Origin
1981.
Population - 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.

Main Attraction - Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Spoon Bills.

Useful Information
Tourist Information Centres
Rajasthan Tourism
Bikaner House, Near India Gate, New Delhi- 110 001

Tourist Centre
Hotel Swagatam, Office Annexe, Near Railway Station, Jaipur