Keoladeo Ghana National Park

Covered In This Section : Introduction, Park Facts, Features, Wildlife, Activities, Transportation, Accommodation, Tour Packages.

Facts about Keoladeo National Park
District : Bharatpur
Location : East of Rajasthan
Area : 29 sq kms approximately
Park Attractions : Birdlife
Best Time To Visit : October to February
Park Fee : Indian citizens - Rs 25; Foreign Tourists - Rs 200 (extra charges for camera equipment)

Introduction
Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the best bird preserves in the world. The park was created by the erstwhile Maharaja - Suraj Mal, in the 18th century. The sanctuary was created so as to supply a regular stock of waterfowls to the royal kitchen. The park was accorded the status of a sanctuary in the year 1956 and in 1982 declared as a national park. The sanctuary supports a large number of water birds, including many rare species. Its rich avian population makes it one of the most visited sanctuaries in Indian sub continent and beyond. Every year thousands of migratory birds come fetching here. The sanctuary is one of the few World Heritage Sites in the sub continent.

Keoladeo National Park - Features
Close to the Uttar Pradesh border and in the state of Rajasthan are located many swamps and grasslands of Bharatpur National Park. The region, that forms a part of the Kadam forests is spread over a good 29 sq kms of land area and encompasses shallow lakes, marshes and grasslands. This favorite duck shooting resort was created on low lying swamps created by the Gambhir and Banganga rivers. The artificial reservoir constructed by the Maharaja maintained a regular water supply and till date have been providing best breeding place for the birds.

Attractions
Bharatpur provides a breeding place to some fascinating species of birds. Birds like painted stork with their incredible tint make up the charm of the place. Some popular species include Cranes, Egrets, Pelicans, Ibises, Ducks and Geese. The Siberian Crane is the celebrity at the park. These birds migrate in the winter months and are considered as the prized attractions at Bharatpur. The migratory birds travel a great distance to reach this place. These birds come all the way from various continents and places like Europe, Siberia and China.

Activities You Can Take Part In
The best you can do at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is but watch some exotic birds that breed here. Spotting some rare species of birds is a great means of amusement and it is worth at this sanctuary. Even if you are the first timer you sure will find yourself busy doing something in the park.

The place also provides you a quiet holiday or two. It is calm and serene, excepting for the enchanting noise of the birds.

Transportation Services for Bharatpur
Train : Train services are available as Bharatpur lies on the Delhi-Mumbai railway line. Trains regularly depart from these stations.

Bus : Both short and long distance services are available. One can reach the place by boarding in a bus at Deeg, Jaipur or Agra.

Places Where You Can Stay
Many hotels and lodges provide their services around Bharatpur National Park. Most of these facilities are available within the walking distance from the park. Some popular ones include:

Hotel Saras (RTDC), Spoonbill Hotel and Restaurant, Falcon Guest House, Evergreen Guest House, Jungle Lodge, Hotel Sangam, Hotel Sunbird, Hotel Pelican.

	Tryst With The Wild (17 Days) Features : The package gives you more than a fortnights time at some of the best wildlife sanctuaries of India. You will reach Bharatpur, the famous bird sanctuary, in Rajasthan. Other places include Sariska, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Delhi.

	Romantic Maharaja (20 Days) Features : This package gives you some romantic hot spots in the state of Rajasthan and beyond Rajasthan. The tour will take you to the popular city Bharatpur. Other places to be visited are Agra, Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, Narlai, Jodhpur, Jaiselmer, Gajner, Bikaner, Shekhavati, Delhi.

Rajasthan Heriatge Tour (17 Days) Features : Rajasthan Heritage Tour takes you to the popular destinations of the state where the erstwhile Maharajas have set their marks. The tour will also bring you to the Bharatpur - where the famous bird sanctuary is located. The places covered in the tour include Delhi / Mandawa / Bikaner / Jaisalmer / Jodhpur / Udaipur / Chittorgarh / Jaipur / Bharatpur / Agra / Delhi.

	Taj and Tiger Tour (17 Days) Features : Essentially an adventure tour package - takes you to some of the prized wildlife retreats including Bharatpur. The tour starts from and concludes at Delhi. Places to be visited include Jaipur, Ranthambore, Bharatpur, Agra, Khajuraho, Panna National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park.

	Palace On Wheels Tour (08 Days) Features : This luxury train tour will take you round many beautiful places in the exotic Rajasthan state. Bharatpur makes up one of the destinations - there are more. The places covered include Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Agra.