Keoladeo National Park — Attraction in Rajasthan

I had earlier visited Bharatpur 17-18 years back and was eagerly awaiting the revisit. The excitement of this revisit during Feb'19 was worth it every minute.

We, the group of five friends visited there on three consecutive days. One of us was a bird expert and that multiplied the fun. Going with a good DSLR camera, powerful telescopic lens and tripod was another fun multiplier. Good binocular is also highly recommended.

We used to be at the entry gate at 6.30 a.m. itself, which is the gate opening time and used to go back by 5 p.m. Its a vast area filled with variety of birds.We were greeted by vultures more than 10-15 of them sitting on a tree. Immediately thereafter we saw owls looking out from tree-hole. There are trees with flowers, where we witnessed beautiful purple /dark blue glossy sun-birds busy extracting the honey from the flowers. Just after that there was a tree on which green pigeons were enjoying life.

As we move ahead one gets a marshy land and large water-body. This is a the paradise for water birds. We enjoyed the sight of birds such as pelicans, painted storks, ibis of different variety (grey, glossy and white with black head), different variety of herons (grey, pond heron, night heron etc.), cormorants, darters, purple moor hens, bar headed goose, northern shouvler, spot bill duck, brahmny rudy duck, indian tree pai, mainas, munias and many many such birds. The most beautiful are the saras cranes. The process of painted storks feeding their babies is amazing and is a must watch. Relaxing turtles look wonderful too. We could also spot multiple varieties of eagles.

Every day we could see some different variety of birds as well as birds with different poses. It's a treat for wild life photographers and for the nature lovers. However you need to have with you a person having knowledge of birds. Or else, hiring a guide from there is recommended. Only vehicles allowed inside the park are bicycles or man driven cycle-rickshaws (one can also walk as long as one has energy and enthusiasm to walk for hours and believe me, its a great fun). The people driving the man-driven rickshaws also have good knowledge of birds and can guide you well.

In the afternoon, you will also get to see pythons from very close proximity at a place inside known as python spot. Pythons come out during sun to have a sun-bath! We also saw other animals such as dears, sambars, antelopes etc. No damgerous animals.

About 5-6 KMs inside is the main temple named Keoladeo Temple. It's a good place for relaxation. One will get clean toilets there and also a small canteen serving tea/ coffee/ cold-drinks etc. If you are going to be in the park for longer time like us, then ordering lunch from outside (may be from the hotel where you stay) is recommended. While you are busy watching the birds, the rickshaw you hired can get the packed lunch from that hotel so that you don't have to carry it since morning. Near the temple there are three viewing towers. Having lunch on the top of those towers is a very good experience.

Overall the park is an excellent place for nature lovers, bird lovers and photography lovers.. Visiting it for 3-4 days is recommended. We also met people who visit the park for 10 days or even more! The delight...

Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts. I recently had the opportunity to explore this magnificent sanctuary, and I must say, it left me in awe of the incredible biodiversity and avian beauty it has to offer.

Also known as Keoladeo National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a sprawling landscape of wetlands, marshes, and woodlands, making it a haven for migratory and resident bird species. As I ventured through the sanctuary, I was greeted by a symphony of chirping, whistling, and the rustling of wings, creating an immersive experience in nature.

The highlight of the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is undoubtedly its diverse avian population. The sanctuary serves as a temporary home to over 350 species of birds, including rare and endangered species. From graceful Siberian cranes and vibrant painted storks to majestic eagles and colorful kingfishers, every corner of the sanctuary reveals a new avian wonder.

What impressed me the most was the accessibility and proximity to the birds. The well-maintained trails and observation points allowed me to observe the birds up close in their natural habitats without causing any disturbance. It was truly a captivating experience to witness the birds in their various activities, be it foraging for food, nesting, or soaring through the sky.

Apart from the avian spectacle, the sanctuary also supports a diverse range of flora and fauna. The lush greenery, tranquil water bodies, and vibrant flowers create a serene and picturesque environment. Exploring the park on foot, bicycle, or via a rickshaw ride was a delightful way to soak in the natural beauty and encounter the abundant wildlife, including deer, jackals, and reptiles.

The management and conservation efforts at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary deserve commendation. The sanctuary's staff and guides are knowledgeable and passionate about preserving the ecosystem and educating visitors about the importance of conservation. They provide valuable insights into the behavior and habitat of the bird species, adding depth to the overall experience.

In terms of facilities, the sanctuary offers well-maintained pathways, seating areas, and restroom facilities throughout the park. There are also designated bird hides and observation towers strategically placed to provide optimal viewing opportunities.

In conclusion, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird lovers alike. Its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and the chance to witness countless species of birds in their natural habitat make it a truly remarkable destination. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, a visit to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is an experience that will leave you with...

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, officially Keoladeo Ghana National Park, in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, began as a hunting reserve in the 1850s under Maharaja Suraj Mal, who built the Ajan Bund to manage floods, creating a wetland. It hosted royal duck shoots until the 1960s. Ornithologist Salim Ali’s advocacy led to its designation as a bird sanctuary in 1956, a national park in 1982, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, reflecting its shift from a hunting ground to a conservation haven.

What Can You See There Spanning 29 square kilometers, the park features wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands, hosting over 370 bird species. Winter brings migratory birds like Black Necked Storks, Greylag Goose, Comb Ducks, bar-headed geese, Northern Pintails, Northern shovelers etc. Resident species include sarus cranes, painted storks, Egyptian vultures, and kingfishers. Beyond birds, spot sambar, nilgai, jackals, and pythons, plus rich flora like babul and kadam trees, amid a scenic mosaic of marshes and dykes.

Facilities Available Managed by the Rajasthan Forest Department, it offers cycle rickshaws (₹150/hour), bicycles (₹50/hour), and guided tours (₹250–500). Basic amenities include parking (₹50), restrooms, and a visitor center with exhibits. Boats run October–February (₹100–200). Accessibility is limited—paths are uneven, with few ramps.

There is a snacks stall inside where there are benches to sit. Light snacks and cold drinks are available there. You can rest for sometime there. You can also take the photos of birds like mynas which come to eat morsels tourists throw at them.

It is still advisable to keep some substantial eatables with yourself that you can probably get packed from the hotel you are staying in.

Timings Open daily: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (summer), 6:30 AM–5:00 PM (winter). Closed briefly during extreme weather or maintenance.

Best Season to Visit October to March (15–25°C) is prime for migratory birds and mild weather. Summers (April–June) hit 45°C, and monsoons (July–September) flood trails, hindering access.

Ticket Prices ₹100 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners); kids under 5 free. Camera: ₹50 (still), ₹200 (video). Rickshaw and boat fees extra.

Bicycles are available for a fees for the whole day. If you are fit enough or on a budget, you can opt for the bicycles. For people lugging heavy photography equipment, rickshaws will be a better (although pricier) option.

Online booking via Rajasthan...