Description
: The marshes of Keoladeo, more popularly known as Bharatpur, was the
private hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Bharatpur. It was developed in
the late 19th century by creating small dams and bunds in an area of natural
depression to collect rainwater and by feeding it with an irrigation canal.
Over the years, the lakes attracted great numbers of waterfowl and the
Maharajas held grand shoots with family, friends and visiting dignitaries.
Two-thirds of the park lies under water, the extent and volume depending on
the intensity of the rains. The remaining one-third of the park is covered
in dry deciduous forests (with Acacia, Ber, Kadam and Khajur trees) and
extensive grasslands. On the raised ground outlining the wetlands grow a
profusion of Acacia trees, where the resident water birds nest, often in
large mixed colonies, a spectacular sight during the monsoon.
Keoladeo
is famous as one of Asia’s finest birding areas, with over 380 resident
and migrant species, including the Common, Demoiselle and the rare Siberian
Cranes. It is also an excellent place to watch mammals like Golden Jackal,
Striped Hyaena, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Nilgai, Sambar, Blackbuck and wild
Boar. The park derives its name from the temple of Keoladeo (Shiva) and ‘ghana’
which locally means dense, implying the nature of the vegetation. During the
cool winter months it is also possible to see large Indian Pythons sunning
themselves.
Season : The park is open throughout the year. Best
months are August-November for resident breeding birds and November-March
for migrant birds.
Park
Population:The park supports a population of 375 species of birds,
numerous mammals and reptiles. With the onset of winter, migratory birds
from all over world come here. They arrive by August and leave in February.
Visitors include Coot Snipes, Spanish Sparrow, Red Crested Porhard, Rosy
Pelican and Flamingo. The special attraction, however, remains the arrival
of the rare Siberian Crane. The park is also rich in Pythons, Spotted Deer,
Sambhars, Blue Bull, Black Buck, Jackals, Otters, Fishing Cats, Monitor
Lizards.
Nearby Attractions : Nearby places of
interest are the Government Museum, Bharatpur which gives a glimpse of past
splendour. Not far from the museum is the Bharatpur Palace which is an
excellent blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. There is the Lohagarh
Fort which remained invincible despite several attacks by the British. Just
32 km from Bharatpur, is the Deeg Palace. This strong and massive fort was
the summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur and has many palaces and
gardens.
Park
visits:The Keoladeo Park is not very large being 29 sq km. There
are well-defined treks which can easily covered on foot or on a cycle or you
can hire a rickshaw (the best way). They are available on hire. Rickshaw
pullers have been trained by the park management in bird watching and are
quite knowledgeable. Boats are also available on hire. A boat trip early in
the morning or late evening is quite a rewarding experience. Do not forget
to carry a binocular for watching the birds.
.......
Climate :Bharatpur
is located on the fringes of the Thar desert. This marshy land has very warm
climate. Summers are invariably hot and winters are not very cold. Carry
light cottons during summers and woolens during winters. Rainfall is less
but sufficient
BIRDS
SPOONBILLS,
STEPPE EAGLE
TAWNY EAGLE
FLAMINGOS
PALE
RING TAILED
FISHING EAGLE
ERGETS
MARSH HARRIERS
CRESTED SERPENT EAGLE
HERONS
OSPREY
BLACK
WINGED KITE
CORMORANTS
STORKS
PIED KINGFISHERS
|
MAMMALS & PYTHONS
WILD
BOARS
MONGOOSE
OTTERS
PORCUPINES
HARE SAMBARS
SPOTTED
DEERS
BLACK BUCK
JACKALS
HYENAS
FOXES
ROCK PYTHONS
|
Best Visit: The park is open throughout the year.
Best months are August-November for resident breeding birds and
November-March for migrant birds.
Suggested Itinerary :WILDLIFE
IN NORTHERN INDIA - 13 DAYS
DELHI / AGRA / BHARATPUR / RANTHAMBORE
/ JAIPUR / SARISKA / DELHI
World
Of Rajasthan 
