The Keoladeo National Park, earlier known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is located in the Bharatpur region of Rajasthan, India. This avifauna sanctuary is famous for being home to thousands of birds (over 230 species), especially during summer.
This park is also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, and attracts ornithologists during the hibernal season. Considered as a major tourist destination, this place is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. The park was declared in 1971 as a protected sanctuary. It is a wetland made and managed to protect the Bharatpur region from frequent floods. Formerly used as a place for waterfowl hunting, this park now serves as grazing ground for village cattle. Locally known as Ghana, this park of about 29 km consists of wetlands, dry grass woods, woodlands and woodland swamps. The diverse fauna of this park includes over 230 species of birds, 50 species of fish, 7 species of amphibians, 13 species of snakes, 7 species of turtles, 5 species of lizards and other invertebrates. Also, 379 floral species are found in the Keoladeo National Park. During winters thousands of waterfowls migrate here for breeding and short-term stay.
History
The Keoladeo National Park came into existence 250 years ago and was named after the Keoladeo Temple located in its enclosure. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. From 1726 to 1763, Maharaja Suraj Mal was the ruler of Bharatpur. He built the Ajan Bund at the confluence of Banganga and Gambhir, the two rivers of that area. Due to this, the area remained flooded as it was a natural depression. Traditionally, since 1850, the maharajas of Bharatpur used this park as a hunting ground and annual duck-shoots were conducted in the honour of British viceroys. It remained a private duck-shooting preserve of the maharajas of Bharatpur. On 13 March 1976, the area was demarked as a bird sanctuary. On 10 March 1982 the place was set up as a national park. The Keoladeo National Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985 under the World Heritage Convention. The reserve forest is now the property of Rajasthan state and falls under the Rajasthan Forest Act 1953. Grazing of village cattle was banned in this area in 1982, which led to clashes between government and local farmers.
Location
The Keoladeo National Park is in east Rajasthan, about 2 km south east of Bharatpur. It falls on the western side of Agra at a distance of about 50 km.
Best Time to Visit
The Keoladeo National Park is open throughout the year. From August to November one can see resident breeding birds, while from October to February migratory birds populate the place. Rest of the months are relatively dry and bird-free.
Opening Timings
The Keoladeo National Park remains open round the year from sunrise to sunset.
Entrance Fees
The entrance fee for Indian citizens is Rs. 25 and that for foreign nationals is Rs. 200. Vehicles are allowed till Shanti Kutir, that is 1.7 km inside the park. Charges levied per vehicle are Rs. 50. Video camera is charged at Rs. 200.
Where to Stay
The Bharatpur Forest Lodge, also called the Shanti Kutir, is the sole accommodation available inside the precincts of the reserve forest. It is a government property operated by the ITDC. The lodge in the vicinity of wilderness offers sixteen rooms for the visitors. The nearby dak bungalow and circuit house are also good options for accommodation. Bharatpur also provides accommodations in havelis, palaces and several other heritage properties that are converted into hotels, Three-star hotels are also available.
How to Reach
Jaipur and Delhi are the two nearest airports that are well connected with other parts of the country. The Bharatpur Junction, about 5 km away from the Keoladeo National Park, is the nearest railhead. Palace on Wheels, the luxury train, covers Keoladeo National Park in its tour itinerary. Bharatpur is very well connected with different cities by road. Regular buses are available from Jaipur, Mathura, Delhi, Alwar and other adjoining areas. Private taxis or hired cars are available from Agra, Jaipur and Delhi.
Location of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - Entry Fee, Timing, Address, Official Website | |
|---|---|
| Address | Keoladeo Ghana National Park ,Bharatpur, Rajasthan - 302001 |
| Entry Fee : | Entry Fee for Indians : 50 Rs. Entry Fee for Foreigners : 400 Rs. |
| Timings : | Visiting Hours - 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Days When Closed | Closed in May and June |
| Phone No (Official) | +91-5644-222542 |
| Official Website | www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/ |
| Photography allowed or not | Allowed |
| Nearest railway station | Bharatpur Jn Train Station |
Last Updated on : May 16, 2015
