Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Ghana (Bharatpur) National Park

Red Breasted Flycatcher, Bharatpur

While many of India's parks have been developed from the hunting preserves of princely India, Keoladeo Ghana was created by a maharaja. By diverting water from a nearby irrigation canal, a fabulous ecosystem which sustains a wealth of birdlife was created. Over 350 species of birds find refuge in Bharatpur's 11 square miles of shallow lakes and woodland. It is considered to be unique in the total number of bird species as well as the quantity of birdlife which it harbors. It has an impressive assortment of land and arboreal birds, but the grand spectacle is provided by the aquatic species. For example, there are four species of cormorants, eight species of egrets, three ibises, 17 species of duck and geese, and two species of crane. The Siberian Crane is one of the rarest species in the world, and Bharatpur is its only known wintering ground in India.

In order to enjoy the beauty of the park, it is best to travel on foot or on bicycle. However, you can also engage Electra van of the forest department but the vehicles are permitted only up to Shanti Kutir. You can also hire cycle-rickshaws.

Location of The Park : Lies at an elevation of 360 370m (1180-1200ft) in the Bharatpur district of RajasttJan.

keoladeo ghana National Park Climate: Summer temperatures fluctuate between 26 and 38°C (79 and. 100°F); winter months (mid. November to February) pleasant.

When to go? : Best period for sighting migratory birds is November to February, while monsoon and autumn (mid.September to mid, November) months ideal for viewing breeding birds. Drier months of March through May are best for viewing faunal life.

How to Reach: Bharatpur lies 176km (110 miles) from Delhi and is 2km (t mile) from park; it is the nearest railhead. Nearest, airport is Agra, 54km (30 miles) due east of Bharatpur. Bus services link Bharatpur with major cities of Rajasthan and outside the state.

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Bharatpur
Facilities at Park : Bharatpur has plenty of accommodation for different budget travellers: ITDC.run forest lodge; RTDC'run tourist bungalow; Laxmi Vilas Palace, 2km (1 mife) from park entrance; and Chandra Mahal Haveli 22km (14 mifes) away (latter two classified as Heritage Hotels).

Avian life of keoladeo ghana National Park : Impressive list of colourful breeding, migratory and resi. dent birds. Boats and bicycles for hire in wetlands. Rickshaws can be hired near the gate; drivers act as guides and are good in identifying birds (good for photography). Indian Rock Python can be seen at Python Point.

Booking for keoladeo ghana National Park :

Spotted Deer, Bharatpur

Accommodation can be reserved with: The Wildlife Warden, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan. The for. est rest house operates a minibus; contact the Deputy Chief Wildlife Warden, Forest Rest House, tel: (05644)22777.

Travel Angel Says: The National Park is roughly rectangular in shape. With a length of 23 kilometers (14miles) and a width of 8 kilometers (5 miles), its total area is 142 square kilometers (55 square miles). Dachigam was proclaimed a sanctuary in 1951, and it was upgraded to national park status in 1981.

The park consists of two sectors: Upper Dachigam, which lies in the higher reaches on the eastern side and makes up tow thirds of the entire area, and Lower Dachigam in the west. The beautiful Daghawna River flows across Lower Dachigam through a shrub-covered rocky ravine. Mulberry trees, willows and oaks are predominant in Dachigam's lower reaches, an area of thick undergrowth, while Blue Pine, juniper and birch and thinning undergrowth exists in the upper region. Several fire lines exist, and these are cleared every March, helping increase visibility of wildlife in the park.