Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Every year a number of bird watchers take the Agra-Jaipur Highway and head to one of the most popular bird sanctuaries in India. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary as the sanctuary is known is home to about 400 species of birds. The sanctuary is located about 175 kilometres from Delhi. Since the sanctuary lies between Agra and Jaipur, most tourists visiting the city of the Taj Mahal and Jaipur include Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in their itinerary. Bharatpur is about 55 kilometres from Agra.
Flora in Bharatpur
More than 300 species of birds are found in this small wildlife park of 29-sq-kms of which 11-sq-kms are marshes and the rest scrubland and grassland. Keoladeo, the name derives from an ancient Hindu temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, which stands at the centre of the park. 'Ghana' means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to cover the area.
Major Wildlife Attractions
The major attractions of tourists visiting the park are the numerous migratory birds, who come from as far away as Siberia and Central Asia and spend their winters in Bharatpur, before returning to their breeding grounds. Migratory birds at Bharatpur bird sanctuary include, several species of Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits, etc.
Special Attractions at Bharatpur National Park
Bharatpur Government Museum:
The Government Museum at Bharatpur is the major tourist attraction in the Bharatpur National Park, which preserves the articles refreshing the royal past of Bharatpur.
Bharatpur Palace:
The Bharatpur Palace that stands with pride amidst the park is a structural blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. This architectural marvel is quite picturesque to captivate the eyes of the tourists.
Lohagarh Fort:
The Lohagarh Fort in the Bharatpur National Park has survived several attacks by the British regime.
Deeg Palace:
The beautiful Deeg Palace is situated 32-kms away from Bharatpur. The strong and massive fortress was once the summer resort and boasts of numerous beautiful palaces and gardens.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport Agra is 56-kms from Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. The place is also well connected with Delhi Airport, which can be reached from Agra.
By Rail: The Bharatpur railway station is 6-kms from the national park. The regular trains connect Bharatpur with all the major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Agra.
By Road: An excellent road network connects Bharatpur to all the major towns of the Rajasthan like Agra, Jaipur, Delhi and its neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
