KEOLADEO GHANA NATIONAL PARK

Keoladeo Ghana National Park

The quaint little town of Bharatpur in Rajasthan is known for providing a safe heaven to a thriving avian population in one of the most prominent bird sanctuaries in India, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Interspersed with marshy meadows and wooded scrublands, the park is named so after the ancient temple of Lord Shiva situated in the heart of the park. A wintering ground for a myriad species of resident and migratory birds from as far as Arctic, the place has been declared a world heritage site by the UNESCO. It is also the only known habitat in India for the nearly extinct Siberian Crane.

The bloody history of the place is clearly etched on a pillar near the Keoladeo temple, according to which the park was a former hunting reserve for the British and witnessed thousands of birds being massacred over the years until the bird population landed on the brink of extinction and a need was felt to convert the area into a bird sanctuary.......the result is an ornithologists dream come true, which at present houses over 400 species of avian beauties.

Wild Attractions in Keoladeo

The park is a favourite wintering ground for exotic migratory birds like Siberian cranes, prey-leg geese and bar headed geese which travel here all the way from Afghanistan, Central Asia and China. Hunting and loss of habitat and wetland have led to the fast dwindling numbers of the Siberian cranes with the last one being spotted way back in 2002, but efforts have been in full swing since, to correct things and bring back the red billed creatures.

To complete the food chain, the avian kingdom also houses mammals including nilgai, spotted deer, sambhar, chital, black bucks, jungle cat and the wild boar. The over 44000 trees such as babul, kadam, ecasia etc. provide an ideal habitat for the birds to build their nests upon.

Other Attractions

Lohagarh Fort
The invincible Lohagarh Fort, lending meaning to its name, stands majestically in the heart of Bharatpur. Commissioned by Maharajah Suraj Mal, the Jat ruler and founder of Bharatpur, the fort houses some beautiful palaces in its premises including Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas.

Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj
Maharajah Suraj Mal built eight towering structures to commemorate his victories over the British in the many battles fought over the years. Two of these structures, the Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj can still be seen within the celebrated ramparts of the fort.

Bharatpur Museum
The Bharatpur palace is an incredible architectural marvel that fantabulously combines the Mughal and Rajput styles of construction. A museum inside the temple is a rich depository of ancient exhibits dating back to the 15th century.

Safaris

Walking and cycling are the two best ways of exploring the myriad variety of avian metropolis found inside the park. An Elephant safari into the thick jungles with a trained mahout cum guide to aid you can also turn out to be a rewarding and fruitful experience. Rickshaws can also be hired, pulled by rickshaw pullers who also double up as guides.