Geo details
Location: Rajasthan, India
Coordinates: 27°09'32''N 77°30'31''E? /
27.15889, 77.50861
Area: 28.73 km²
Introduction
Keoladeo Ghana National Park - also preferred to name as Bharatpur Bird
Sanctuary - is a famous avifauna sanctuary. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it
sees a large numbers of aquatic birds including some highly endangered and
rare species from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China, Aral mountains and
Siberia. During hibernal season in India, this sanctuary houses over 375
species of birds, including the rare Siberian crane.
A former duck-hunting paradise for Maharajas, the sanctuary lies between
two of India’s most historic cities - Agra and Jaipur, around 190 km
from the New Delhi. Its name ‘Keoladeo’ is derived from the name
of an ancient Hindu temple of Lord Shiva while the term 'Ghana' means dense.
It is a a major destination for tourist and ornithologists alike.
Flora
The high density vegetation at Keoladeo Ghana National Park contains a wide
variety of flora representing 64 families, 181 genera and 227 subspecies.
The principal vegetation type is tropical dry deciduous intermixed with dry
grassland. Much of the area is covered by medium-sized trees and shrubs. The
forest is dominated by kadam (Mitragyna parvifolia), babul (Acacia nilotica)
and jamun (Syzygium cuminii).
This region is situated at the site of confluence of the Rivers Gambhir and
Banganga. Aquatic vegetation consists of water lilies, lotus, duckweeds and
water fern. Perennial amphibious grass constitutes a major portion of the
biomass.
Fauna
The natural vegetation at park supports a large species of birds, mammals
and reptiles. In winter, a large number of migratory birds arrive here
including Siberian crane. Migratory birds start accumulating here by late
August and leave in early March. Visitors include Coot Snipes, Spanish
Sparrow, Red Crested Porhard, Rosy Pelican, Dalmatian pelicans, Siberian
leaf warbler and Flamingo.
This avian kingdom also hosts mammalian species like Nilgai, Sambhar,
Chital, Black Bucks, Jungle Cats and Wild Boar. Along with them, the park is
abode of Monitor Lizards, large rock python as well as its nemesis -
mongoose.
Nearby Tourist Destinations
Bharatpur Government Museum
It showcases a glimpse of the past royal splendor of Bharatpur.
Bharatpur Palace
Considered as the marvel of structures, this palace is a perfect structural
blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.
Lohagarh Fort
This fort witnesses its invincibility despite several attacks by the
British regime.
Deeg Palace
A summer resort of the Bharatpur rulers, this strong fortress houses
numerous beautiful gardens.
Best Time to Visit
Though open throughout the year, the best time to visit Bharatpur Wildlife
Sanctuary is August-November for resident birds and October-March for
migrant birds.
- During April–June, the temperature ranges from 38°C to 45°C.
- At the onset of monsoon during July–August, the temperature
lowers to about 27°C.
- In winter season during October–March, temperature remains
around 10°C to 20°C.
- Around Christmas and new year, temperature falls below 10°C with
thick fog around.
How to Reach
There are different transportation means to reach Bandhavgarh National
Park:
Air : The nearest airports is Agra (56 km).
Rail : Bharatpur is connected to cities like Delhi,
Mumbai, Jaipur and Agra through Indian railways network.
Road : Bharatpur is well connected by road from
- Agra (56-km on NH 11, approx. 1.30 hours drive)
- Delhi (190-km on NH 2 and then state highway, approx. 5 hours drive)
- Jaipur (176-km, approx. 4 hours drive)
Inside : There are three transport options for
exploring the park – Bicycle, Cycle rickshaw and Boat. Boating is
excellent to observe birds at close quarters.
General Information
For more details & tour packages, please communicate with us via the
query form attached.
