But, the sanctuary is not only about Siberian Cranes. Any 1st time visitor is bound to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of waterfowl and waders which congregate on the shallow marshy lakes
of Bharatpur. Winter (Nov - Mar) is the best time to visit the sanctuary when Palearctic migrants join the residents. An average day can still throw up many rare and threatened species like the Sociable Lapwing, Indian Courser, Imperial, White-tailed, Greater and Indian Spotted Eagles, Darters, Black-necked, Painted and Asian Openbill Storks, Common, Sarus and Demoiselle Cranes, Dalmatian Pelicans, Black Bittern, Greater Painted Snipe, Large-tailed, Indian and Grey Nightjars, Dusky
Eagle Owls, Marshall's Iora, Siberian Rubythroat and Brook's Leaf Warblers. The 20 species of ducks, innumerable waders and raptors, water-seeking birds and approachable passerines all add to make Keoladeo a true birder's paradise.
Trip Report1
Trip Report 2
The
image gallery contains 80 images from
Bharatpur, presenting many of the wintering species commonly seen at the Park.
How to reach: Bharatpur in Rajasthan is south west of New Delhi on National Highway 11 and is connected by road to Agra (60km), Jaipur (180 km) and New Delhi (175 km via Fatehpur Sikri and Agra). Many trains from N Delhi (N Delhi - Mumbai and Agra - Jaipur route) stop at Bharatpur. Bharatpur is easily reached by train or bus, although private taxis from New Delhi or Agra are most often used. The Park gate is close to the bus stand and
railway station.
Where to stay: Bharatpur has any number of hotel and private lodges. Santi Kutir and ITDC Forest Lodge are inside the park. Popular places include Wilderness Camp, Pelican,
Hotel Sunbird and Birder's Inn.
Recommended are
Hotel Sunbird
(hotelsunbird@gmail.com) and
The Birder's Inn.
Both are close to the gate, are well-managed and have knowledgeable guides. They
are much in demand with visiting birders, so please book in advance.
Park particulars: The Park is open all year from dawn to dusk. In winter the cycle-rickshaws get out of the Park by 6 pm. Entrance and camera fees (both nominal) are paid at the gate and checked inside at the barrier. Cycle-rickshaw guides charge INR 50/hour. Freelance naturalist
Guides are also available
@ INR 100/ hour. You will need naturalist Guides in case you want
to explore areas outside the beaten track. Bicycles
are no longer allowed inside the Park
(Feb 2009). Bharatpur has a network of tracks and many run along the water-bodies. They are best explored on foot.
Strategy:
4-5 days are recommended if you are new to Keoladeo. Use a Cycle-rickshaw guide for
a couple of days to get your bearings. Explore on
foot thereafter.
Best Time: November to March
Location: 27*07'-27*12'N, 77*29'-77*33'E
Websites:
Keoladeo Ghana National Park by Jetair Tours
UNESCO site
Hotel Sunbird
