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 Inspired
by a visit to England, where he was invited for duck
shooting, a Bharatpur Maharaja decided to create his
own private hunting reserve to play a better host. He
chose an area of natural depression and converted it
into a 29 sq. km lake and wetland with a marginal forest
cover. As time passes the place attracted many waterfowls
and the Maharajas had great time shooting them. The
population of birds grew at an alarming rate despite
their killing, and today the Keoladeo
Ghana National Park is counted amongst the foremost
water-bird sanctuaries in the world.
Popularly known as Bharatpur
Bird Sanctuary, this famous park stands between
two great historical cities - Agra and Jaipur. Just
2 km away from Bharatpur Township, this fabulous stretch
of wetland dotted with raised pathways, half-submerged
babul trees and water plants offer the ultimate setting
for discerning bird watchers. A quiet ride by boat across
a soggy green paradise at early hours of daybreak is
probably the best way to explore the thrilling world
of avian species at Keoladeo
Ghana National Park.
Every season scores of migratory birds undertakes hours of perilous journey flying across distant mountains and valleys in search of a favorable home and get stuck to the alluring ecosystem of Keoladeo Ghana. The park becomes livelier with hundreds of feathered visitors busy courting, mating and nesting during winter. Of all the migrants the gorgeous Siberian cranes, known to travel up to a distance of 6500-km, rules the heart of many bird watchers.
Over 350 species of birds team up amidst a bewildering ecosystem where plants like babul, ber and khajur form the main vegetation. Some of the common inhabitants nesting on this vibrant wetland include cormorants, darters, spoonbills, ibises, flamingos, geese, ducks, larks, chats, kites, buntings, eagles, harriers, owls, vultures, kingfisher and many other water birds. Beside the high density of birds the area is also home to some animals like the jackal, mongoose, sambar, wild boar and reptiles like turtles, pythons and monitor lizards. Infact if you are lucky, you can view the magnificient python up close,basking in the sun.
The park is open to visitors throughout the year, but the period between October to March is the time when the park is in full bloom and is also the best time to savor the overwhelming feathered species there. The place provides an excellent stay with a number of hotels within its vicinity including the Luxury Forest Lodge . Agra is the nearest airport 55km away; Delhi 200 km and Jaipur 150km.
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