|
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is one of the finest national parks of India. Located in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, just 175 km from Delhi, Ghana National Park is world-renowned for its exceptionally rich and diverse avifauna. Popularly referred to as the 'Ornithologist's Paradise,' Keoladeo National Park is home to over 400 species of birds, including some of rare and endangered bird species. The special guests of Ghana National Park are the Siberian cranes who fly over 6400 km from Siberia to spend their winters in Bharatpur. Keoladeo was declared a bird sanctuary in 1956, a National Park in March 1982 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1985. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park attracts thousands of bird lovers, ornithologists, wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers from destinations worldwide.
Keoladeo National Park covers an area of approximately 29 sq km, 10 sq km of which comprises of fresh water marshes, shallow lakes and bogs, making it a haven for migratory water birds including the world-famous Siberian cranes. Among commonly seen birds at Ghana National Park Bharatpur include Pelicans, Cranes, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Pipits, Warblers, Wheatears, Wagtails, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks, Shanks, Painted storks, Pipits, White Ibis, Cormorants, Pale, Marsh Harriers and Stints to name a few. Keoladeo National Park also shelters rich and varied wildlife including Sambars, Chitals, Chinkaras, Hyenas, Nilgai, Jungle Cats, Leopard Cats, Fishing Cats, Blackbucks, Wild Boars, Mongooses and Porcupines. Pythons are also commonly seen sunning themselves along the edge of the paths or at Python point. Other reptiles than can be seen at Bharatpur National Park include Frogs, Toads, Water Snakes, Snails, Tortoises, Turtles, Water Hyacinth and Planktons.
In addition, there are other tourist attractions in and around the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. One can visit the Bharatpur Government Museum, which preserves rich collection of archaeological wealth of the nearby areas as well as from the old Bharatpur State. The splendid Bharatpur Palace and the Lohagarh Fort are other must see attractions in Ghana National Park. Keoladeo Ghana National Park Bharatpur is also known for its bird safaris. Visitors to Bharatpur can explore its amazing avifauna through exciting boat safaris, rickshaw rides and nature walking.
Best Time to Visit
One can visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park all round the year, still the best time to visit the park is from August-November for resident birds and October-February for migratory birds, including the Siberian Cranes.
How to Reach
By Air: Agra (55 km) is the nearest airport from the Keoladeo Ghana National Park Bharatpur, which is well connected by air to all major cities of India.
By Rail: Bharatpur (6 km) is the nearest railway station from the park, connecting the town with major cities of India including Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and Agra.
By Road: Bharatpur has a good network of roads connecting it to all the major cities of Rajasthan and its neighboring states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
| 
