Description :
The marshes of Keoladeo, more popularly known as Bharatpur,
was the private hunting reserve of the Maharajas of
Bharatpur. It was developed in the late 19th century
by creating small dams and bunds in an area of natural
depression to collect rainwater and by feeding it with
an irrigation canal.
Over the years, the lakes attracted great numbers of
waterfowl and the Maharajas held grand shoots with family,
friends and visiting dignitaries. |
 |
Two-thirds of the park lies under water, the extent
and volume depending on the intensity of the rains.
The remaining one-third of the park is covered in dry
deciduous forests (with Acacia, Ber, Kadam and Khajur
trees) and extensive grasslands. On the raised ground
outlining the wetlands grow a profusion of Acacia trees,
where the resident water birds nest, often in large
mixed colonies, a spectacular sight during the monsoon.
Keoladeo is famous as one of Asia’s finest birding
areas, with over 380 resident and migrant species, including
the Common, Demoiselle and the rare Siberian Cranes.
It is also an excellent place to watch mammals like
Golden Jackal, Striped Hyaena, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat,
Nilgai, Sambar, Blackbuck and wild Boar. The park derives
its name from the temple of Keoladeo (Shiva) and ‘ghana’
which locally means dense, implying the nature of the
vegetation. During the cool winter months it is also
possible to see large Indian Pythons sunning themselves.
Season :
The park is open throughout the year. Best months are
August-November for resident breeding birds and November-March
for migrant birds.
Park Population:
The park supports a population of 375 species of birds,
numerous mammals and reptiles. With the onset of winter,
migratory birds from all over world come here. They
arrive by August and leave in February. Visitors include
Coot Snipes, Spanish Sparrow, Red Crested Porhard, Rosy
Pelican and Flamingo. The special attraction, however,
remains the arrival of the rare Siberian Crane. The
park is also rich in Pythons, Spotted Deer, Sambhars,
Blue Bull, Black Buck, Jackals, Otters, Fishing Cats,
Monitor Lizards. |
Nearby Attractions :
Nearby places of interest are the Government Museum,
Bharatpur which gives a glimpse of past splendour. Not
far from the museum is the Bharatpur Palace which is
an excellent blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.
There is the Lohagarh Fort which remained invincible
despite several attacks by the British. Just 32 km from
Bharatpur, is the Deeg Palace. This strong and massive
fort was the summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur
and has many palaces and gardens. |
 |
