Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur)

One of my favourite destinations, Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan is a World Heritage Site. Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the place is one of the largest breeding grounds for birds. Undoubtedly, a bird's paradise, it hosts thousands of birds, especially during the winter break. Given the fact, the sanctuary is a major tourist hotspot for bird fanatics and wildlife photographers.

Once a game reserve of the Maharajas, Keoladeo National Park is now a haven for birds from different parts of the world. In winter, aquatic birds from Afghanistan, China, Siberia and Turkmenistan flock to the sanctuary. Over 364 species of birds including the rare Siberian Crane are found here.

Ornithologically, Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary holds great reputation as a bird haven. Its strategic location in the Gangetic Plains unrolls as an unrivalled wintering ground for the Palaearctic migratory Waterfowl. These birds flock to the Indian subcontinent before dispersing to other regions. Waterfowl is a class of birds renowned for their large congregation. These comprise Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Cotton Teal, Common Teal, Shoveler, Knob-billed Duck, Little Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Indian Shag, Ruff, Painted Stork, Spoonbill, Asian Open-billed Stork, Oriental Ibis, Darter, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper.

All of these are a common sighting in Keoladeo National Park. You can also spot Sarus Crane with its spectacular courtship dance. The sight of the birds breeding and feeding their young ones is such that I could stay watching them for an entire day. As a passionate birdwatcher, I find nothing more soothing than their sweet sounds.

Other birds found in Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary include warblers, babblers, bee-eaters, bulbuls, bunting, chats, Painted francolins and quails, Indian grey hornbill and Marshall's iora. Raptors include osprey, peregrine falcon, Pallas' sea eagle, short-toed eagle, tawny eagle, imperial eagle, spotted eagle and crested serpent eagle.

Coming to the wildlife, Keoladeo National Park boasts a significant number of species. Nilgai, Chital Deer, Blackbuck, and Hanuman Langur are easy to spot. The population of Sambar is quite low. Besides, you can see Wild Boar and Indian Porcupine sneaking out of the park to raid crop fields. Indian Grey Mongoose, Small Indian Mongoose, Asian Palm Cover, and Small Indian Civet are also seen here. The sanctuary is also home to Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Golden Jackals Striped Hyenas. These carnivores have taken up the role of predators and feed on birds and rodents.

As we explore further, Smooth-coated Otters can be spotted attacking birds such as Coots. At times, they are also seen crossing the woodlands. Numerous species of Rats, Mice, Gerbils, Bats also inhabit the sanctuary.

Make The Best Of Your Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary Trip

There are times when the beauty of Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary enhances many folds. Although the bird haven welcomes tourists all year round, the months from August to November are the best. This is the season when you can witness innumerable species of birds. And if you wish to catch the sight of migratory birds, come in the months from October to February.

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