Keolado Ghana National Park
Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Bharatpur Bird Sanctury lies between two of India’s historic cities, Agra and Jaipur. This North Indian Sanctuary is situated in the country’s northwest state of Rajasthan, about 190 Km away from the national capital of New Delhi. The name Keoladeo is driven from the name of an ancient Hindu Temple devoted to Lord Siva in the Sanctury. While Ghana implies to dense, means thick areas of forest cover.
This is the largest Bird sanctuary of the world. During the winters, various migratory birds come here all the way from Siberia Russia including the rare Siberian crane, herons, ibis, pelicans, egrets, brahminy ducks and geese. The sanctuary is a quiet and serene place to watch rare Indian and foreign birds. This Bird sanctuary was established in 1956. The area was declared as a National Park in 10 th March 1982. This sanctuary is only 175 kms from New Delhi; Bharatpur is on the Agra - Jaipur road and a pleasant 3 hours drive from the capital. Keoladeo is both a Ramsar and World Heritage site.
Every year this sanctuary is visited by over 400 species of water birds including the exotic migratory bird from Afganistan, Central Asia, Tibet and the rare Siberian crane from Siberia.
Visitors require to get an entry permit from the warden at the entrance of the park. Separate payments have to be made for carrying cameras and other photographic equipments.
Flora - The 29 sq km of the park is majorly covered with kadam forests, grasslands and shallow lakes.
Birds - Birds are the prime attraction for the visitors in this park. It is one of the best places in the world to see birds. Around 350 species of birds, both resident and migratory, can be seen in this park. The most popular and awaited guest of the park is the highly endangered Siberian Cranes. The bird is known to fly to just two destinations in winters, viz., Iran and Bharatpur. The birds arrive in December and stay comfortably till the early days of March. Other birds that form a major attraction in the park include Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Ibises, Egrets, Eagles, Hawks, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails and Pipits.
Animals - Though the birds at the Bharatpur National Park hog much of the limelight, yet the animals to have their fair share of spectators and lovers. The most prominent animals that can be seen in the park are Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Nilgai, Sambar, Blackbuck and Wild Boar.
Reptiles - A wide variety of reptiles can also be found in the Bharatpur National Park. Visitors can get to see the large Python lazing in the warmth of the sun rays.
Things to Do
Enjoy Cycling - Cycling around the park, visitors can themselves unravel a great deal of attractions in the park. Also, when the weather is good, cycling in the park is an enjoyable experience in itself. Cycles area available on hired at the entrance of the park. Enjoy Boating - Boating in the Bharatpur Lake early in the morning or in the evening is one beautiful and fulfilling experience not to be missed at any cost. Boats are given on hire by the forest department.
Enjoy Walking Trips - With well defined routes, walking trips in the Bharatpur National Park is an amazing experience. It gives an opportunity to discover the area and its inhabitants at a leisurely pace. Maps of walking trails in the park are available with the reception staff at the entrance.
Enjoy Rickshaw Ride - Rickshaw ride are yet another way to explore the park at a comfortable pace without disturbing the inmates. The rickshaw pullers are all trained by the forest officials and hence know the area pretty well. Guided by them, it is easier to spot more number of birds.
Area Coverage - about 232 sq. kms / 2873 hectares
Best Time to visit
Though the sanctuary is open throughout the year for tourists, yet the best time to visit it is between the period of October to February. This is the winter season when the climate is at its best. Also, the fact that the migratory birds flock to the park during this season makes this period even more attractive. For those desirous of seeing the resident birds, August to November is the best time.
How to Get there
Air : Bharatpur does not have an airport of its own. Rather, the nearest international air link from the place is provided by New Delhi, which is approximately 184 km away. The airport has regular services to almost all the major domestic as well as international destinations. Apart from Delhi, the other airports that fall near Bharatpur are those of Jaipur (175 km) and Agra (55 km).
Rail : The nearest rail junction is Bharatpur Bird Park, which is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and many other parts of India.
Road :Bharatpur Bird Park is on the Agra - Jaipur highway, just a two-hour journey by bus from Agra (55 kms) and an hour from Fatehpur Sikri. Private and state transport buses link Bharatpur Bird Park with other parts of Rajasthan.
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+91-11-47674000 
