Keoladeo National Park

Keoladeo National Park is the ideal location to discover a variety of birds and make the trip unforgettable. In addition, it is home to 375 bird species and flowering plants, making it a visual feast for your eyes. The national park is situated in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district and is one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the nation.

Sluices and dykes in the park provide varying water depths in areas used by various avifaunal species. In the winter, many visitors visit the park to admire its splendor.

More than a lakh domestic and international visitors visit the national park annually, open from sunrise to sunset. The park opens at a different time, depending on the season. But the park’s hours can occasionally change on festival days and holidays. Therefore, you must check park hours before traveling to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

Quick Fact
A man-made and man-managed wetland, Keoladeo Ghana National Park mainly serves as a waterfowl hunting area, protects Bharatpur from frequent flooding and offers grazing areas for village cattle.

History of Keoladeo National Park

The fascinating history of this park will take you back to about 250 years when Maharajas once hunted in this park. It has been around In the late 1850s, duck hunts were held in honor of British rulers. Hunting was outlawed, and the area was declared a bird sanctuary on March 13, 1976. It was designated a national park on March 10, 1982.

In 1985, UNESCO designated the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo National Park, as a World Heritage Site. Because the entire forest is governed by the Rajasthan Forest Act 1953, the grazing of village cattle in this area was outlawed in 1982, which caused local farmers’ discontent and created numerous issues between them and the government. Today, the site is a well-liked tourist destination and a significant biological resource.

Flora and Fauna of Keoladeo National Park

The flora at the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is diverse and includes 227 subspecies, 64 families, and 181 genera. There are several different types of vegetation in Bharatpur’s flora. Tropical dry deciduous woods dominated by Acacia nilotica are interspersed with dry grassland as the main plant types. Apart from the artificially maintained marshes, most of the region is covered by medium-sized trees and bushes. Kadam (Mitragyna parvifolia), Babul (Acacia nilotica), Jamun (Syzygium cuminii), Kandi (Prosopis spicigera), and Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana..

Keoladeo National Park is renowned as a haven for birds. Around 370 bird species live there, along with 27 other animal species, 7 amphibian species, 50 different fish species, 5 different lizard species, and a wide range of invertebrates. Many macroinvertebrates, including worms, insects, and mollusks, are visible. They are consumed by fish and birds, which contribute to the food chain. Hanuman langur, Rhesus macaque, Sambar deer, Chital Deer, Nilgai, Wild boar, and Bengal fox

Places to Visit Near Keoladeo National Park

Bharatpur offers a variety of places to see in the Brij region of the desert state of Rajasthan. Due to its abundant natural resources, the city is home to the renowned Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Some of the best places to visit on your trip to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary are:

Government Museum Bharatpur

A significant representation of the local culture, the Government Museum of Bharatpur in the Lohagarh Fort houses numerous antiquities connected to art, history, and age-old customs.

Bankey Bihari Temple

It is a lovely temple inside the Lohagarh Fort in Bharatpur, constructed during the Mughal era. With the calming gongs echoing throughout the temple, it is the ideal location for a revival because it is tranquil.

Lohagarh Fort

The Lohagarh Fort, also referred to as the “Iron Fort,” is one of Rajasthan’s most robust buildings and Bharatpur’s most fascinating tourist destinations. It is the strongest and a must-see location for visitors to Bharatpur.

Safari in Keoladeo National Park

Keoladeo National Park offers one of the most exciting safari tours. If you and your family wish to spend your vacation in close proximity to wildlife and the natural outdoors, then nothing is better than a safari. However, you must reserve your safari and book a tour package in advance to enjoy your stay without worry.

Jeep safari in Keoladeo National Park

A Jeep Safari is one of the best ways to explore unexplored places in Keoladeo National Park. But you can’t walk around and cover the area on your foot. That’s why they have several Jeep Safari options for you, where you can explore rare flora and fauna. Before entry to the park, approval from the park authority is needed. No private vehicles are allowed to enter the park. Visitors to the Keoladeo National Park must hire a Jeep.

A small party of six people can explore the jungle and see wild creatures in their natural habitat by taking a Jeep safari. Even though six people can go on a Jeep safari, it is especially recommended for wildlife photographers since they can easily catch the exceptional moments of wild animals with their cameras.

Keoladeo Jeep Safari timings

  • Summer timings: 06:30 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.
  • Winter timings: 07:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

Elephant safari in Keoladeo National Park

A distinctive way to enjoy a jungle safari is to ride an elephant. Therefore, an elephant safari is a safer and more dependable means of transportation for forest safaris in Keoladeo. Riding an elephant offers a singular viewpoint of the stunning scenery and a thrilling chance to get up close and personal with wildlife.

Keoladeo’s elephant safaris should be undertaken while dressed comfortably – one should choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and include some essentials like hats, umbrellas, sunscreen, goggles, and a first aid kit on your list.

Keoladeo Elephant Safari timings

  • Summer timings: 06:30 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.
  • Winter timings: 07:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

Rickshaw Safari in Keoladeo National Park

Safaris can be taken inside the Bharatpur National Park on bicycles, rickshaws, and horses. Most visitors go on a cycle rickshaw safari since it is quiet and allows them to see more birds. You can also hire bicycles and go on a tour of the park on two wheels. You must present your identity card at the counter to rent a bike.

Safaris are done on bicycles, cycle rickshaws, and golf carts. Walking is permitted inside the park as well. All these tools are available for hourly rental at the park’s entrance gate. It is a 3 hours Cycle Rickshaw Safari in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

Keoladeo Rickshaw Safari timings

  • Summer timings: 06:30 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.
  • Winter timings: 07:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m

Resorts in and Around Keoladeo National Park

For your upcoming vacation, you can choose from several resorts in Bharatpur that offer thrilling wildlife encounters. Please find the list of resorts below.

  • Regenta Resort Bharatpur
  • The Birder’s Inn
  • Chandra Mahal Haveli
  • Swaraj Resort
  • Mahal Khas Palace
  • Kadamb Kunj Resort
  • The Bagh Bharatpur

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    BEST TIME TO VISIT KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK

    SUMMER SEASON

    (March – June)

    Rajasthan is primarily known for its extreme summers, so travelers should avoid coming to this area in the summer. So, coming to Bharatpur during this time is less advisable due to the hot summers. 

    MONSOON SEASON

    (July – September)

    Some people enjoy the rainy season with the lush locales and the beauty of the rain, but most tourists also avoid this season. Stepping into this majestic land during the monsoon season will allow one to see its beautiful natural attractions. Bharatpur is the ideal blend of historical significance and unspoiled natural beauty, enhanced by the monsoon. 

    WINTER SEASON

    (October – March)

    A good time to visit Bharatpur is when migratory birds frequently appear in the winter. The calm and pleasant climate means tourists have the entire day to go sightseeing. Winter typically lasts from October to March, with January being the coldest month. The temperature drops to 10°C at night from an average daily high of about 19°C.

    HOW TO REACH KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK

     
    By Flight
    By Train
    By Road
    The closest airport to Keoladeo National Park is in Agra, 56 km away. Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Varanasi, Lucknow, and other cities arrive at this airport in sufficient numbers. 
    Travelers must disembark at Bharatpur Junction Railway Station if they take the train. It is a significant West Central Railway (WCR) zone station. The station has excellent connections to critical Indian cities, including Delhi, Jodhpur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jammu, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, and others. 
    The major cities of Rajasthan, as well as those in the neighboring states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, are all connected to Bharatpur by an excellent road system. From Agra (56 km), Delhi (162 km), and Jaipur (223 km), tourists will be able to access buses and taxis quickly.

    TIPS FOR KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK

    • Bring water, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent with you. A sunblock will prevent tanning, and a pair of binoculars will allow you to see the lovely birds up close.
    • Inside Bharatpur National Park, only rickshaws are permitted. Tonga and boats are also accessible. The park’s grounds severely ban the use of motor vehicles.
    • It is a significant violation to harm any plant or animal life in the park. At a distance, observe them and enjoy their activities.
    • Arrive at the sanctuary at least an hour early to prevent any problems. Before entering, you must complete the necessary paperwork.
    • It is advised to take a boat trip early or late at night. It is said to be the most incredible time to see the park’s beautiful birds.

    FAQs

    Why is Keoladeo National Park famous?

    The Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is acknowledged as one of the world’s most significant bird breeding and feeding places. The British and Maharajas used it as a game reserve when it first began as a royal hunting preserve in the 1850s.

    Which river flows through Keoladeo National Park?

    The main water sources for the park are a temporary reservoir, viz., the Ajan dam, which gets water from the River Gambhir. 

    Which bird is protected in Keoladeo National Park?

    Many aquatic birds from Siberia, Afghanistan, China, and Turkmenistan winter on this erstwhile Maharajas’ duck hunting property. 

    In the park, 364 different bird species have been identified, including the endangered Siberian crane.

    Who constructed the Keoladeo National Park?

    Suraj Mal, the maharaja of Bharatpur Princely State, founded it in the late 19th century as a hunting preserve. It was transformed into a bird sanctuary in 1956.

    Which lake in Keoladeo National Park is well-known?

    Keoladeo National Park is listed on the Montreux Record under the Ramsar Convention along with the Loktak Lake of Manipur.