Bharatpur is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world inundated with over 400 species of water birds. Exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet, Arctic, Siberia, and China come here in July and August to spend the winters in the warmer climate and they breed till October and November. During Wildlife safari you'll enjoy watching the colonies of cormorants, spoonbills, storks, egrets, herons, pelicans, ibis, and grey herons chirping all over the park.
History of Keoladeo National Park
The 250-year-old Keoladeo National Park was once a hunting ground for kings, although, on March 13, 1976, this place was declared a bird sanctuary, and hunting was completely banned here. After this, on 10 March 1982, it was declared as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and it was named Keoladeo National Park.
How much do we have to pay to visit the park?
To enjoy this beautiful view of this park you need to pay Rs. 85 as an Indian and 550 as a foreigner. However, to visit via vehicle you need to pay extra charges. For hiring tanga you need to pay Rs. 300 per hr and for a rickshaw, you need to pay 150 per hr and if an electric van will cost you Rs. 330.
Best time to visit Keoladeo National Park
Winters are the best season to enjoy a walk in Keoladeo National Park to the fullest. However, keep warm clothes with you in the winter season. Morning time is much better for a walk to the park. If possible, keep a camera with you as well because at this time you can capture many species of birds flying and chirping in your camera.
You can also visit the park by bicycle, while visiting the park with a bicycle, you will be able to feel the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere present in the park in the morning. Apart from this, walking by bicycle is also very good for your health. However, for this, you will have to pay 50 to 100 rupees as bicycle rent.
Other tourist attractions are nearby the Keoladeo national park.
Just 56 km far away from Agra, Bharatpur introduces you to the beautiful culture and historical heritage of India. Apart from Keoladeo National Park, you will get to see a glimpse of many historical heritage sites in Bharatpur.
Lohagarh Fort: Lohagarh Fort, built by Raja Surajmal of Bharatpur, has remained intact even after facing many attacks by the Britishers. Ongoing inside Lohagarh Fort, you will get to see three palaces Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas, and Kothi Khas.
The Palace: You will get to see the relics of mythological times in the museum present in this palace, made up of a mixture of Mughal and Rajput architectural designs.
Government Museum: This museum built by the government will introduce you to the rich history of Rajasthan. Here you will find artifacts, exquisitely carved sculptures, and ancient inscriptions. You can also visit these places after a jungle safari in Keoladeo National Park.
Deeg: It existed as the region's second capital and was once the summer home of Bharatpur's kings. Massive walls, breathtakingly beautiful gardens, spectacular palaces, and vibrant bazaars abound in this fascinating town.
Kaman: Kaman is a historic town located north of Bharatpur. It is located in the Braj region, where Lord Krishna spent his early years. Kamaban is another name for it. It is a pilgrimage palace that attracts a significant number of Vaishnavas every year during the month of Bhodon as part of the Banyatra. The remains of a temple/mosque with 84 pillars known as "Chaurasi Khamba" can still be found here.
How to reach Keoladeo National Park?
By air: To reach Keoladeo national park by air, board a flight to Agra which is 56 Km from Bharatpur and reach the park from there by hiring a taxi or bus.
By train: You can also reach Bharatpur by taking a train from major cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Indore, Jammu Kashmir, etc.
By bus or taxi: You can also reach Keoladeo national park by taxi or bus from your city.
Where to stay in Keoladeo National Park?
There are several hotels around Keoladeo National Park; RTDC Forest lodge, Hotel Saras, Udai Villas, The Bagh Hotel, Hotel Park Palace, and many more. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the morning and the atmosphere of the park by staying in these hotels.
