Bird Watching at Bharatpur

 

Bharatpur National Park or Keoladeo Ghana is situated near Agra in Uttar Pradesh. It is in the state of Rajasthan. It is a well-known bird heaven with more than 300 species of avians found in 28 sq. km of the sanctuary. It is world-famous bird heaven, and birders from all over India, and overseas visit the destination. But more than fifty percent of the visitors are from overseas. 

   

The destination is known as Keoladeo Ghana because of a Shiva Temple in the middle, and a patch of scrub forest. It is a manmade wetland dug at the behest of the local king.  The terrain comprises a large stretch of shallow wetlands, some forest patches, and swampy grasslands, and the rest is scrub.

Keoladeo is on the periphery of Bharatpur town. It is a small town with Lohgarh Fort and many Hindu Temples. It is a historical town that now draws water from the Chambal River. The sanctuary was created 250 years back as a source of water for the local public of the town. The construct proved to be ideal for the avian species, and in the past massive bird, shoots took place. But all that stopped after the wildlife protection act came into the picture. Now only tourism is allowed for bird lovers from all over the World. There is an entry fee applicable, and you get the services of the finest bird guides for a charge set between the tourists, and the guides. The timings are from early morning to evening. And breakfast or lunch is allowed only at the center point. Bird watching is carried out on foot, and in peddling rickshaws. You can also hire a bicycle.

Birds of  Bharatpur   

Some years back, a flock of Siberian cranes visited Bharatpur, but they all been shot down during the migration.  Some popular birds of Bharatpur are migrants and some are local residents like the Sarus Crane, Common crane, spot-billed duck, sparrow hawk, and red avadavat. Among the raptors, birds found at the sanctuary are honey buzzard, Steppe Eagle, King Vulture, Indian eagle, shikra, and Greater spotted eagle to name a few.

The destination teems with migrant ducks, and teals in thousands in the winter. It is home to many other kinds of avian that make up 300 numbers. The migrants start departing in February end.

Bharatpur is accessible from Agra at a distance of 50 km. It is at a distance of 227 km from New Delhi. To go birding at Bharatpur you should take a taxi from New Delhi to Agra, and then to the destination.   There are many accommodations from star properties to budget for a stay. A three-night stay is ideal for birding at Keoladeo. The nearest destination is Chambal River Sanctuary another great birding destination In Rajasthan, MP, and Uttar Pradesh.