Keoladeo Ghana National Park was declared a protected area in 1956, and in 1967, the area was designated as a reserved forest. In 1981, it was declared a national park, and four years later it became a World Heritage Site. Popularly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, it’s also recognised as a Ramsar site.
It houses the revered Keoladev temple devoted to Lord Shiva, and the park gets its name from this temple. The park is known for its incredible bird population, and is a paradise for both amateur and avid bird watchers. In the hibernal season, a number of ornithologists frequent the park, which is also one of the major tourist destinations in Rajasthan.
The vegetation is of mixed kind tropical, dry deciduous forest, dry grassland. The topography is dotted with marshes, woodlands, scrublands, grasslands and bare saline patches. Near the marshlands and shallow lakes, one can spot congregation of birds.
The place is a visual treat. It is home to more than 400 species of riotously coloured birds, including 20 species of duck, raptors, innumerable waders, water seeking birds, passerines, and more. During winter season, thousands of rare and some of the most endangered migratory birds come here.
The National park’s flora is reported to consist of 375 species of angiosperms of which 90 species are wetland species. Over 55 percent of the vegetation in the park is of herbs. Around 50 species of fish have been recorded.
Flora: Acacia nilotica, Prosopis cineraria, Salvadora oleoides, Capparis decidua and C. sepiaria, kalam or kadam, jamun, babu, neem, kandi, ber, kair, piloo, khus grass, Desmostachya bipinnata, Cynodon dactylon, distichum, scirpus tuberosus and Cyperus rotundus, Hydrilla, Vallisneria, Ceratophyllum and Potamogeton sp. are found.
Fauna: Wild boar, golden jackal, jungle cat, fishing cat, striped hyena, smooth coated otter and leopard. Other species of mammals reported here include common palm civet, small Indian civet, grey mongoose and leopard cat. Deer species that are seen here include blackbuck, spotted deer or chital, sambar, hog deer and nilgai. Species of primates seen in the park include rhesus macaque and langur.
Reptile: Indian rock python, banded krait, green rat snake, Indian softshell turtle, Indian roofed turtle, flap-shell turtle, crowned river turtle (Hardella thurjii) and monitor lizard.
Avian-Fauna: The sanctuary hosts a small wintering population of the rare Siberian Cranes. Other species include the ruddy shelducks, gulls, northern shovelers, northern pintails, coots, garganey, tufted ducks and common pochard.
Major Attractions:
Birds: The Park offers an abundance of bird life, and one can spot them while walking on the paved walkways or while roaming on a bicycle. Also, there are cycle rickshaw-puller-cum-guides who guide you through the park area, and help you spot some of the most rare and endangered species of birds.
It houses the revered Keoladev temple devoted to Lord Shiva, and the park gets its name from this temple. The park is known for its incredible bird population, and is a paradise for both amateur and avid bird watchers. In the hibernal season, a number of ornithologists frequent the park, which is also one of the major tourist destinations in Rajasthan.
The vegetation is of mixed kind tropical, dry deciduous forest, dry grassland. The topography is dotted with marshes, woodlands, scrublands, grasslands and bare saline patches. Near the marshlands and shallow lakes, one can spot congregation of birds.
The place is a visual treat. It is home to more than 400 species of riotously coloured birds, including 20 species of duck, raptors, innumerable waders, water seeking birds, passerines, and more. During winter season, thousands of rare and some of the most endangered migratory birds come here.
The National park’s flora is reported to consist of 375 species of angiosperms of which 90 species are wetland species. Over 55 percent of the vegetation in the park is of herbs. Around 50 species of fish have been recorded.
Flora: Acacia nilotica, Prosopis cineraria, Salvadora oleoides, Capparis decidua and C. sepiaria, kalam or kadam, jamun, babu, neem, kandi, ber, kair, piloo, khus grass, Desmostachya bipinnata, Cynodon dactylon, distichum, scirpus tuberosus and Cyperus rotundus, Hydrilla, Vallisneria, Ceratophyllum and Potamogeton sp. are found.
Fauna: Wild boar, golden jackal, jungle cat, fishing cat, striped hyena, smooth coated otter and leopard. Other species of mammals reported here include common palm civet, small Indian civet, grey mongoose and leopard cat. Deer species that are seen here include blackbuck, spotted deer or chital, sambar, hog deer and nilgai. Species of primates seen in the park include rhesus macaque and langur.
Reptile: Indian rock python, banded krait, green rat snake, Indian softshell turtle, Indian roofed turtle, flap-shell turtle, crowned river turtle (Hardella thurjii) and monitor lizard.
Avian-Fauna: The sanctuary hosts a small wintering population of the rare Siberian Cranes. Other species include the ruddy shelducks, gulls, northern shovelers, northern pintails, coots, garganey, tufted ducks and common pochard.
Major Attractions:
Birds: The Park offers an abundance of bird life, and one can spot them while walking on the paved walkways or while roaming on a bicycle. Also, there are cycle rickshaw-puller-cum-guides who guide you through the park area, and help you spot some of the most rare and endangered species of birds.
Location: Keoladeo National Park is located in the district of Rajasthan
Area: 28.7 sq. km
Route: Bharatpur is on the Agra-Jaipur route, south-west of New Delhi on the National Highway (NH) 7. The National Park is well connected by road to Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi. Many trains from N. Delhi and Agra halt at Bharatpur railway station. Park’s entry gate is close to the bus stand and also the railway station.
In addition to train and bus, there are number of private taxis that ply from N. Delhi and Agra to the Sanctuary.
Area: 28.7 sq. km
Route: Bharatpur is on the Agra-Jaipur route, south-west of New Delhi on the National Highway (NH) 7. The National Park is well connected by road to Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi. Many trains from N. Delhi and Agra halt at Bharatpur railway station. Park’s entry gate is close to the bus stand and also the railway station.
In addition to train and bus, there are number of private taxis that ply from N. Delhi and Agra to the Sanctuary.
Other Places to Visit:
Alwar: The major attraction of this place are Bala Quila, the City Palace Complex which is located near the Lake, mausoleum of Tarang Sultan, a government run museum and more. Alwar is located around 116 km from Bharatpur, and is called the “gateway to the royalties of Rajasthan.”
Barsana: During the festival of Holi, Barasna becomes a major tourist destination. The women folk attack men from Nandgoan village with wooden sticks while they try to put colours on them. Barsana is believed to be the birthplace of Radha.
Alwar: The major attraction of this place are Bala Quila, the City Palace Complex which is located near the Lake, mausoleum of Tarang Sultan, a government run museum and more. Alwar is located around 116 km from Bharatpur, and is called the “gateway to the royalties of Rajasthan.”
Barsana: During the festival of Holi, Barasna becomes a major tourist destination. The women folk attack men from Nandgoan village with wooden sticks while they try to put colours on them. Barsana is believed to be the birthplace of Radha.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Things to keep in mind:
• Best time to visit the Park is either early morning or in the evening
• Entry permit required from the Warden or Ranger stationed at the entrance of the park
• Binoculars are a must
Things to keep in mind:
• Best time to visit the Park is either early morning or in the evening
• Entry permit required from the Warden or Ranger stationed at the entrance of the park
• Binoculars are a must



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