Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

The Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary lies between two of India's most historic cities, Agra and Jaipur. This north Indian sanctuary is situated in the country's northwestern state of Rajasthan, about 190 km from the national capital of Delhi.

This national park takes its name from the god Keoladeo, an aspect of Lord Shiva, enshrined in a small temple within the park. Ghana means dense and refers to the thick forest, which used to cover the area. Stretching over no more than 29 square meters, which isn't much for a national park, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park is home to an astonishing range of flora.

Birds come to this national park in waves. From August through November, it is indigenous water birds. In early October the first migrants arrive from the high plateaux of central Asia, Mongolia and Siberia, the most eagerly awaited of the lot being the gravely threatened Siberian crane.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Bharatpur hosts a variety of bird species(Siberian crane etc) from across the globe. Close to 380 species of birds are found in this 29 sq km stretch, approximately 10 sq km of which comprises of marshes and bogs. Rest of the area comprises of scrublands, grasslands and more than 44,000 trees that are used for nesting by birds each year. This rather intriguing blend of marshes, woodland and flora found here represents and, at the same time, substantiates the density and diversity of the region. s forest cover.
Major Wildlife Attractions
Siberian Cranes
This park welcomes more than 415 species of birds every year to nestle in its 29 sq. km. area covered with shallow lakes and stunted forest growth and grasslands. These birds migrating from far away countries spend their winters here before returning to their homes. The birds as small as the Siberian dusky leaf warbler which is the size of a finger or as large as the Dalmatian pelican, which is a little less than 2 mts. Many species of cranes, geese, eagles, wheatears, wagtails, pelicans, warblers, shanks, larks, pipits, flycatchers, buntings, etc. and other migrating birds are found here.

Access
The nearest railhead is Bharatpur (2 km) and the nearest airport is at Agra (50 km).

Best Time To Visit
The park is open throughout the year although most visitors choose to come between October and February, when wintering wildfowl assemble in thousands on the lakes. The breeding season is between August and October.

Where to Stay
The Forest Lodge (ITDC), Saras Tourist Bungalow (RTDC), Shanti Kutir, Forest Rest House and private hotels near the park.