State : Rajasthan Area details
Total Area : 232sq.km/2,873 hectares

The Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary lies between two of India's most historic cities, Agra and Jaipur. This north Indian sanctuary is situated in the country's northwestern state of Rajasthan, about 190 km from the national capital of Delhi. The name Keoladeo is derived from the name of an ancient Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva in the sanctuary. s central zone while the Hindi term 'Ghana' implies dense, thick areas of forest cover.

The park set up in1981 in Bharatpur district, 2 km away from Bharatpur town, covers an area of 29 km. The nearest rail head is Bharatpur at a distance of 8 km. The nearest airport is Agra 55km from the park

It is famous for its exotic bird species, close to 400. Besides, during winters it is visited by migratory birds such as the Siberian crane. Although the park has a good deer and antelope population, there are few other animals. However, forest officials claim to have spotted a wandering tiger in the more dense parts of; the forest a few years ago. Bharatpur is an ideal getaway. Foreign tourists visiting the Taj Mahal at Agra, two hour’s drive away, also drop in at Bharatpur. The relatively small size makes it an easy park to cover.At present this park supports a population of more than 375 species of birds and acts as a reserve of numerous mammals as well as reptiles.

Strict protection and excellent management have made Keoladeo a haven for birds. Like several protected areas in India today, it was once the hunting preserve of the local royal family and is probably the only instance of a suitable habitat being 'created' by a maharaja. In the late 19th century, the arid scrublands were dramatically altered. What used to be a seasonal, rain-filled depression became a wetland ecosystem, the water supply augmented by diverting a nearby irrigation canal and by conserving the existing water sources. Of course, the maharaja's intention was to create the finest waterfowl hunting preserve in north India. A plaque near the Keoladeo Temple within the park records the daily tally over the years. The highest figure is of 4,273 birds in November 1938, bagged by the then viceroy, Lord Linlithgow's party.

History (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary)
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.
Conservation efforts originally started by Dr. Salim Ali received a further impetus when the area was deemed a national park in March 1982. In 1985, Bharatpur was accepted as a World Heritage Site.

Wildlife in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
The park often referred to as paradise for birds is famous of the variety of indigenous and migratory birds, both aquatic and non aquatic. The fauna of the park are Siberian crane cormorant, stork, spoonbill, quail, coot, heron, teal, tern, sambar, cheetah, black buck, wild boar, civet etc. The Siberian crane which breed in Siberia usually visit this park during November- December after covering a distance of 4,000km and go back in March. This species is critically endangered. The number of those cranes visiting the park has dwindled sharply from 100 in 1976 to just 5 in 1993


Climate (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary)
During summers (April. June), the temperature of the national park varies from 38°C to 45°C. In The Month of monsoon the temperature to about 27°C. In Winter season the temperature of the park falls below 10°C.

Best Season: The best months for visiting the park are from September to April. The park has rest houses. All areas for watching wild life are within walking distance.


How to Reach
Air : Air-Agra (50 km),Air-jaipur(176 kms), Air-Delhi (176 kms)

Train : Bharatpur is on the main Delhi - Bombay line with regular connections to Mathura, Sawai Madhopur and Kota on the same route. It is also connected with Agra

Road : Bharatpur is well connected by road with Agra, Mathura, Delhi and Jaipur. Regular bus services operate for all major cities.