Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
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The official name of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is Keoladeo Ghana National Park. But it is popularly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary because of its location and its immediate identification with birds. Way back in the early part of the twentieth century, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary was the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. Today, the sanctuary is an ornithologists’ delight, for not only is it home to many indigenous species of birds, but it also home to migratory birds during the winter season. The city of Bharatpur has a railway station, and it is located just a few kilometers away from the sanctuary. Taking the train to Bharatpur from New Delhi, Jaipur, or other cities in north/west India is the best option for those looking for a hassle free ride.

Geography :

The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, though not too large, boasts of water bodies, woodland areas, and grasslands. Since the area is located close to the Great Desert, the climate lies in the extremes. The winters are cold, while summers are very hot. The difference in day and night temperature in winters is high. A large part of this 30 square kilometer bird sanctuary is covered in marshes, thus providing an ideal home to a multitude of birds.

Plants :

The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary has over a 100 species of plants. The tree species include mango and jamun, a favorite of the birds. The park also has many bamboo groves, and these shady nooks are a haven for the more timid birds. The marshy regions have aquatic plants, whose tuberous roots are food for the aquatic birds here. The weeds and planktons in the water are also a very “in demand” food as far as birds are concerned.

Animals :

Bharatpur is more famous for its bird rather than the animal population. However, it does have some interesting animals, some of which are the spotted deer, sambhar, blackbuck, leopard, python, frog, snail, and fish.

The birds include cranes, eagles, hawks, pelicans, ducks, larks, wagtails, cormorants, ducks, flycatchers, marsh harriers etc. The Siberian Crane, the most important of the seasonal visitors to Bharatpur, has unfortunately not been spotted here for a while.

Attractions :

The attractions at the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary include the Bharatpur Lake, created by damming a river that would once flood the plains and destroy crops, cattle, and was a threat to human life. An old temple is situated within the sanctuary, and the park takes is name, Keoladeo, from the name of this temple.

Best Season :

The park is open to visitors all year round. However, most people prefer to come here in the months of October-January, when the chances of getting a glimpse of the Siberian Crane and other migratory birds are higher.