BHARATPUR BIRD SANCTUARY
Area: 232 sq. Kms.
Specialty: Spoon Bills.
Notified In: 1981.
This is truly a fantasy of feathers. It is the bird kingdom,
where time takes wing. Welcome to the Keoladeo Ghana National Park
(popularly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) 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 National Park Population :
Bharatpur national 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. Bharatpur wildlife
sanctuary is also rich in Pythons, Spotted Deer, Sambhars, Blue Bull,
Black Buck, Jackals, Otters, Fishing Cats, Monitor Lizards.
Nearby Attractions:
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.
Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary Trips:
The Bharatpur 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.
RAJASTHAN TRAIN TRAVEL
PALACE ON WHEELS
Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about! Welcome to
Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that carries with it an ambience of the
Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey, which takes the visitor
to the imperial cities of Rajasthan every single day. The coaches also
carry out an image of the Rajput states with beautiful interiors. Last but
not the least the "Royal Treat" for the passengers on board
include saloons, bar lounges & libraries in every coach as well as
restaurant and organized shopping facilites. more...
HOW TO GET THERE
Bharatpur 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
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 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:
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.
USEFUL INFORMATION
TOURISM OFFICES
Rajasthan Tourism
Bikaner House, Near India Gate, New Delhi- 110 001
Tourist Centre
Hotel Swagatam, Office Annexe, Near Railway Station, Jaipur
Know more about this Package !!!
279/A, Masjid Moth, South Extention - II
New Delhi - 110 049 (INDIA)
Tel : +91-11-4164 3999 / 2626 2004
Fax : +91-11-2625 9695
Email : info@indiainfoweb.com
Home | Attractions | Destinations | Hotels | Tour Packages | Travel Agents | Help DeskDisclaimer | Privacy Policy | Old Site | Feedback / Contact Us
Copyright © 2007 India Infoweb. All Rights Reserved.