History of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
This park exists from almost 250 years and was once used as a hunting ground by the Maharajas and duck-shoots were conducted in the honour of British viceroys in the late 1850s. On 13 March 1976, the area was made a bird sanctuary and hunting was prohibited. On 10 March 1982, it was made a national park. The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo National Park, was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985 by UNESCO. Grazing of village cattle was banned in this area in 1982 because the entire forest comes under the Rajasthan Forest Act 1953 causing discontentment to local farmers and leading to many problems between them and the government. After the initial resentment, thearea is now a popular tourist hotspot in addition to being an important ecological resource.
Flora and Fauna in Bharatpur National Park
Located amidst a semi-arid terrain, the park is an oasis of artificially maintained marshes, tropical and deciduous forests, grasslands and shrubs. While it is mostly famous for birds, it also houses a rich variety of other animals such as 27 mammalian species, 43 types of fish, various reptiles and larger animals. Owing to a large number of marshes and other water bodies within the precincts, the park has a huge variety of waterfowl, both resident as well as migratory. The park hosts over 370 bird species and is the only regular migration ground for the endangered Siberian Cranes in India. Some of the birds here include Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits. On the other hand, vegetation here includes jamun, babul, kadam, babul, ber, kair, piloo and kandi.
Safari at Bharatpur Sanctuary
A unique way to discover the vegetation and wildlife at the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is the Safari here, which takes you right through the heart of the forests. There are basically three options to choose from when it comes to the safari here - Elephant Back Safari, Jeep Rides and Rickshaw Safari. If you wish to spot birds more closely, Elephant Back Safari and Rickshaw Safari is the best option for you. Jeep Safari will take you through the jungles of the sanctuary, where you can get a closer look at the vegetation and animals here. Jeeps can be booked outside the main entrance of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Other details for the same are:-
Timings: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.Safari Fee (Indian tourists): INR 25Safari Fee (Foreign tourists): INR 200Video Camera: INR 200
You can take your own vehicle up to Shanti Kutir which is approximately 2 km from the main entrance of the park. The charges for the same is INR 50.
Best time to visit Bharatpur National Park
From the month of August to November this is a breeding ground for resident birds, while October to February witness migratory birds making this place their home. Rest of the year is relatively quite dry and spotting a bird is rare.
How to Reach Bharatpur National Park
The Bharatpur Railway Junction is only 5 km away from the Keoladeo National Park making it the most efficient option. The Bharatpur bird sanctuary is the one of the main attraction of this place and is easily accessible by road. Special rickshaws and cycles are also available inside the National Park. No cars are allowed inside but visitors can choose to travel by rickshaws (yellow plated), tongas, electric vans or even walk.
Top Tourist Places in Bharatpur
Banke Bihari Temple
Lohagarh Fort
City Shopping
Ganga Mandir
Laxman Temple
Brij Festival
All Tourist Places in Bharatpur
Where to Stay
Hotel Sunbird, Hotel Sonar Haveli, Swaraj Hotel, The Birder's Inn, Hotel Park Regency and Sanctuary Tourist Lodge are good accommodation options nearby.
Best Restaurants Nearby
Tadka Restaurant, Shahi Rasoi Restaurant & Cafe, Kanha Food Court, Mahal Khas Palace and Ruchi Restaurant are restaurants near Bharatpu Sanctuary where you can have a quiet meal with your friends and family.
Tips
1. Visitors should reach the main gate half an hour early to wrap up the formalities for entry into the sanctuary.2. Be careful around the jungle premises
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