Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary – Bharatpur bird sanctuary is a heavenly abode of birds that promises a mesmeric experience to all its guests. It is indeed an oasis of serenity for tourists wishing for a rejuvenating vacation.
Hosting a variety of migratory birds from different parts of the world, the place looks just perfect for their winter stopovers. If that has managed to race your heartbeat then stay tuned as it has more to offer.
But do you know that this national bird sanctuary is honored as one of the best bird sanctuaries in the world? Were you aware that this enchanting and impressive site has witnessed a massive killing of around 4000 birds in a single day?
ABOUT BHARAT BIRD SANCTUARY
One of the spellbinding nesting zones of birds, Bharatpur bird sanctuary is located at Bharatpur in the state of Rajasthan. Housing over 366 species of birds with a wide range of aquafauna, the national park is an unadulterated gem for the nature lovers.
The park is a winter home to many migratory birds which is a delight to watch. The list of the birds includes Mongolian migrating geese, Parakeets, Golden orient parrot, Falcons, Sarus Crane, Purple Swamp Hen Spotted Owlet, White Cheeked Bulbul, Kingfisher, Ibis, and many more.
Alternatively referred to as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, it has also welcomed a variety of animals to be the part of the habitat. Some of the animals that are fondly spotted by the tourists are Golden Jackals, Blackbuck, Striped hyenas, and Langurs. Bharatpur can be a part of your excellent Rajasthan travel plan.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- About the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
- Why Visit
- Sneak Peak In The History
- Best and Worst Time To Visit
- Entry Fees and Timings
- How to Reach
- Activities to do in the sanctuary
- Other sightseeing Places – Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal
- Conclusion
WHY VISIT BHARATPUR BIRD SANCTUARY?
Tranquil beauty: The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a paradise of beautiful birds in the midst of a marginally dense forest. Its enthralling beauty is undoubtedly a prime reason that attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is known to the world as the world heritage site that boasts about the quality in itself.
Safari Experience: The safari experience may sound a conventional act to many, yet Bharatpur bird sanctuary has its own way to make the experience more fruitful. Unlike the jeep safaris available in most of the other national parks, it has cycle rickshaws and horse carts to offer.
Prime Location: Due to its close proximity of location from popular places of Agra and Jaipur, Bharatpur sanctuary provides easy access to its guests. The bird sanctuary is located very close to the renowned Fatehpur Sikri of Agra. The distance between both the places is a mere 22 km (approx). The tourists can travel a distance of 60 km from the world famous Taj Mahal to reach this fascinating bird location. Additionally, the pink city Jaipur is within a reachable distance of 185 km.
SNEAK PEEK FROM THE HISTORY
Back in history, the national park was the hunting ground of the King Suraj Mal (King of Bharatpur). It was alternatively known as the Keoladeo Park has got its name from a Shiva temple named Keoladeo, situated inside the vicinity. The region was severely affected by the frequent floods in the royal period. To protect the princely state, they created an earthen dam. The reserve till date helps in saving the Bharatpur area from any sort of flood issues.
Later the hunting activity got banned by the Indian government that revamped the park in 1971 into a protected bird sanctuary. The pride of Rajasthan was famed as the world heritage site in 1985.
ENTRY TIMINGS AND TICKET DETAILS
The Keoladeo National Park is open for all Indian travellers with an entry fee of 75 Rs and for foreign tourists the ticket costs around 500 rs.
The park remains opens every day from 6 in the morning to 6 in the evening. The timings may vary in different seasons.
Accommodation: There is only one hotel inside the sanctuary, however, there are many guestrooms, circuit house and budgeted hotels in the town.
BEST AND WORST TIME TO VISIT
If you are someone who has a soft corner for peace and tranquillity then planning a morning tour during winters will be an intelligent choice. Even in the cozy weather of December, you will be amazed to see the birds in such high energy. The sight of few, engrossed in cuddling their loved ones with mommy bird stepping out in search of food is incredible. However, the mornings are often too foggy that may tend to ruin your spotting.
The bird sanctuary is open for its guests throughout the year. The time during December to February is best suited to watch the migratory birds around the Bharatpur sanctuary. You can also visit this place during the months of October to November with less probability of migratory birds.
The worst time to visit this location is during the rainy season as spotting of birds gets difficult in such weather.
HOW TO REACH
Fly Down: The nearest airport to the Bharatpur bird sanctuary is in Agra at a distance of 45 km. Alternatively, one could get down at Delhi airport and hop on a train or taxi to cover a distance of 185 km (approx).
Choose a Train: The nearest railway station is the Bharatpur station which is merely 5 – 6 km from the National Park. It has good connectivity of trains from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra (other major cities too). Some of the trains from Delhi are Kota Janshatabdi, Mewar express, Intercity express, and Paschim express.
Road Journey: Travel enthusiasts who have a craving for road journeys can cover their road distance of 55 km (approx) from Agra, 185 km from Delhi and 176 km from Jaipur. One can also opt for bus services from Agra or major cities of Rajasthan.
Routes chosen by us: I was already at Agra at in-laws place and wanted to explore some of the iconic beauties around Agra. It nearly took us 1 hour to cover a distance of 55 km. As we reached Bharatpur in the evening, we opted to stay overnight at a guest house close to the bird sanctuary.
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ACTIVITIES TO DO IN THE BIRD SANCTUARY
The bird sanctuary that is no less than a dreamland for serious bird watchers, is home to many endangered birds including White Spoonbill, Knob-Billed Duck, Heron, Green Sandpiper and many more. The captivating view of the forest, the sweet chirping of its birds and it’s refreshing Bharatpur lake sounds such an ideal holiday spot.
The bird sanctuary intrigues every individual whether its a school student, a family wishing to spend their weekend or travel enthusiasts. In addition to bird watching, there are several things one would like to get indulged in.
PHOTOGRAPHY
It attracts thousands of nature lovers during the peak season and gets sealed in their heart for a long time. However, it holds a special place in the journey of a photographer. With so much beauty around and the company of gorgeous birds to capture, it gives a day to cherish.
WALKING
Traveling changes our mood and all we wish for is a complete shut down from our mundane life. The closeness to the nature and the serenity around the sanctuary tempts its tourists to enjoy a stroll for sure. The unpolluted breeze when embraces its guests with a tinge of chillness, that makes them crave more.
A pair of good sneakers and a comfortable jacket is all you need to enjoy the ambiance. The travelers accompanying old age people can instead choose a Rickshaw ride.
ENJOY A MORNING SUNRISE
I am not a morning person at all, but somehow I get more charged up when I am in my holiday mood. I do not like to miss on the smallest events of the day especially the beautiful sunrise, that allures my eyes the most.
The tourists can take a quick sneak peek of the beautiful sun, rising right in front of their eyes at the entry gate. The sunset is equally gorgeous but gets highly crowded.
SAFARI RIDE
A safari experience in a rickshaw or a horse cart comes as a unique experience at this heavenly location. These rickshaw and horse cart pullers know enough about the place that depletes the need of any additional guide. These rides cost around 150 – 250 rs per hour.
Other than the safari experience, tourists love to hire a cycle on rent to explore the beautiful surrounding. These rides are pocket-friendly and eco-friendly at the same time which keeps the sanctity alive. In addition to this, one can opt for a professional guide with an additional cost of 250 Rs.
NEARBY MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
The Golden Triangle of India connecting cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur is cherished with many spectacular vacation spots. One such place is the Bharatpur bird sanctuary whose location is a bonus to any travel lover. The bird sanctuary is situated close to many major attractions including Fatehpur Sikri, TajMahal, Ranthambore National Park, etc.
FATEHPUR SIKRI
The Fatehpur Sikri is famous for the palaces created by Emperor Akbar during his kingdom. A city known as the city of victory was the capital city of the Mughal Emperor Akbar for mere 10 years. Welcomed by a towering gate which is fondly known as Buland Darwaja is the prime attraction of Fatehpur Sikri. It was built to commemorate the victory of the emperor over Gujrat and many other states.
As per an old story, the emperor had visited a Sufi saint once with the name of Salim Chisti in the village of Sikri. He wished to seek his blessings with a desire to get his heir. When his son was born, he made this place as his capital city. The palaces are made of red sandstone and has exceptionally beautiful architectural styles. The meshwork done on walls of the Salim Chisti Dargah is a treat to the eyes. There are many beautiful edifices standing with utmost pride that can take your breath away. The renowned Jama Masjid is another attraction tourists love to visit here.
TAJMAHAL
So much is already written about this masterpiece that finding the right words to justify its beauty is so challenging. A white marbled beauty that is fondly remembered as the symbol of love. The tomb is made by the Emperor Shah Jahan’s staff for his beautiful wife Mumtaj. One of the seven wonders of the world notices millions of tourists from all over the world every year.
Nestled at the bank of Yamuna river of Agra, the Taj Mahal flaunts one of the best architectural designs in the world. With manicured gardens to alluring carvings, the Taj Mahal is an artistic marvel.
Additionally, one could plan a tour to few places of Rajasthan including Ranthambore National Park, Ajmer Sharif Dargah, etc.
CONCLUSION
The world-renowned bird sanctuary is a fresh breeze that instantly uplifts the mood of any travel lover. Not only a great place to connect with nature but a pleasant spot to hang out with friends and family.
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Thanks for giving insight about the Bharatpur bird sanctuary
During my Rajasthan trip in 2018, I got the chance to visit Bharatpur bird century. It was a pleasant experience of spotting various beautiful bird species. Luckily I spotted Sarus Crane, Parakeets, Falcons, Golden orient parrot and some other birds.
I would say its a must visit place if you are a bird lover.