The Best way to the Keoladeo National park- A UNESCO site

Keoladeo National park

Keoladeo National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a green wildlife oasis situated within a populated human-dominated landscape in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan state India. Nearly 375 bird species and a diverse array of other life forms have been recorded in this mosaic of grasslands and woodlands area. The wetlands area covered just 2,873 ha. developed in a natural depression that was a duck shooting reserve at the end of the 19th century. The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse birdlife, including both resident and migratory species, and is considered one of the best bird-watching destinations in the world.

The Park was declared a bird sanctuary in 1956 and then a national park in 1982.  It is home to over 370 species of birds, including the rare Siberian crane which is now extinct in India. Apart from birds, Keoladeo National Park Bharatpur is also home to a variety of other wildlife such as deer, wild boar, jackals, mongoose, and reptiles. The park’s wetlands, lakes, and grasslands provide a unique habitat for these animals.

Geography

One-third of the Keoladeo National Park India is a wetland with mounds, dykes, and open water with or without submerged or emergent plants. The park is situated on the Gangetic Plain, which is a vast alluvial plain formed by the Ganges River and its tributaries. The geology of the region is dominated by alluvial deposits, which are a type of sedimentary rock that is formed by the deposition of sediment carried by flowing water. The alluvial deposits in the area are made up of sand, silt, and clay, and were formed over millions of years by the constant erosion and deposition of sediment by the Ganges River. Overall, the geology of Keoladeo National Park is shaped by the constant interaction between the Ganges River and the surrounding landscape and has played a significant role in the formation and evolution of the park’s unique ecosystem.

Keoladeo National park river- Keoladeo National Park is not directly located on a river, but it does have a number of small lakes and wetlands that provide essential habitats for its avian population. The park is fed by the Gambhir and Banganga rivers, which flow nearby and provide water to the lakes and wetlands within the park. In addition to its natural beauty and ecological significance, Keoladeo National Park has a rich cultural history. The park is home to the Keoladeo Temple, which dates back to the 18th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and adds to the park’s cultural significance.

Keoladeo national park visit

If you are planning to visit Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur is the nearest city and has good connectivity to major cities in India. The park is about 5 km from the city center and can be reached by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or cycle rickshaw. Bharatpur has a range of resorts and Hotels to accommodate and suit different budgets. There is also a government-run guest house within the park. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bicycle, or on a cycle rickshaw. There are also guided tours available for those interested in learning more about the park’s birdlife and wildlife. It is advisable to carry a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water while visiting the park. Binoculars are also useful for bird watching. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the birds are most active.

Also read- Sambhar Lake Rajasthan-The largest inland saltwater lake in India

Places to see in Keoladeo national park

Keoladeo National Park India, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, offers a unique and diverse ecosystem that is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Some of the top places to see in the park are- Keoladeo Temple- The Keoladeo Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located within the park. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Wetlands- The wetlands in the park are a major attraction, with over 50 shallow freshwater bodies. These wetlands provide a unique habitat for many bird species, including ducks, geese, herons, and egrets.

Bird hide- The park has a bird hide, which is a shelter designed to observe birds at close range without disturbing them. Visitors can watch the birds from the bird hide, which is located near the Keoladeo temple. Lohagarh Fort- The Lohagarh Fort is a historic fort located within the park. It was built in the 18th century and has unique architecture. The fort houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of the region. Deer Park- Deer Park is located near the park entrance and is home to a variety of deer species, including spotted deer and sambar deer. Cycle rickshaw ride- One of the best ways to explore the park is by taking a cycle rickshaw ride. The rickshaw pullers are knowledgeable and can help visitors spot different bird species.

Best time to visit Keoladeo national park

The best time to visit Keoladeo National Park India, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is between October and February. This is the winter season in India and the weather during this time is pleasant with cool temperatures, making it comfortable to explore the park. During this time, a large number of migratory birds visit the park from different parts of the world, adding to the already diverse resident bird population. The park is also lush and green during this time, making it a great time to enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

How to reach Keoladeo national park

Keoladeo National Park is located in the town of Bharatpur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The nearest airport is in Agra, which is about 56 km from Bharatpur. The airport has regular flights to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to Bharatpur. Bharatpur has its own railway station which is well-connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. Bharatpur is well-connected to major cities in India by road. Visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi from nearby cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra.