Visiting a national park is like going back to an era when humans used to live in close proximity with nature. This visit fills our nostrils with the smells of nature, our eyes with the beauty of blooming plants, our ears with the chirping of birds, and our minds with a sense of accomplishment — of spending time with Mother Nature and relishing all that we gain from deploying our senses to absorb the juices of nature. All this and many more experiences can be obtained by visiting Keoladeo National Park, one of the richest habitats for birds, animals, and plants in the state of Rajasthan.
- Location: Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India.
- Area: 29 km².
- Established: Bird sanctuary (1976), National park (1982), UNESCO World Heritage (1985).
- Flora: 379 plant species, 96 wetland species.
- Fauna:
- 370+ bird species (e.g., herons, storks, migratory ducks).
- 27 mammal species (e.g., sambars, jackals).
- 43 fish species, 7 turtle species, 13 snake species.
- Timings: 6 am – 5 pm
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Entry Fees: Rs. 75 (Indian), Rs. 500 (foreign).
- Access: Nearest airport in Agra (56 km), Delhi (184 km).
- Activities: Birdwatching, cycling, Tonga rides, boat rides.
- Accommodation: Bharatpur Forest Lodge, resorts, and 3-star hotels nearby.
History
The sanctuary derives its name from the Keoladeo (Shiva) temple located within its perimeter. Established more than two centuries ago, this sanctuary served as a hunting ground for the rulers of Bharatpur, and later for the British Viceroys during British rule in India. Formally designated as a bird sanctuary in 1976, Keoladeo was declared a national park in 1982, followed by its declaration as a World Heritage Site in 1985.
Geography
The park, governed by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, is spread over an area of 29 square kilometers. One-third of the total area is classified as a wetland, where diverse species of plants are found. The uplands, on the other hand, are occupied mostly by species of tall grasses as well as trees and shrubs, which are spread unevenly. There are a total of 379 species of plants in the park, of which 96 are classified as wetland species. Around 10 square kilometers of the total park area can be defined as wetland, with water levels rising up to 2 meters during the monsoon months and lower levels during other months. During the summer season, the entire park dries up.
The park is home to several species of macro-invertebrates, which serve as food for the birds and animals in the sanctuary. It provides an ideal habitat for herons, cormorants, storks, migrant ducks, and other waterfowl. Land birds are also found in large numbers, and you can spot species like the greater spotted eagle, short-toed eagle, and imperial eagle.
Around 27 species of mammals are found in the park, including sambars (in small numbers), Indian mongoose, civets, jackals, hyenas, and more. Forty-three species of fish are found in the park, six of which are resident species while 37 enter through water streams. During the monsoon, as many as 65 million fish are said to occupy the park. The park is also home to seven species of turtles, five species of lizards, seven species of amphibians, and thirteen species of snakes.
In the past, Siberian cranes were abundant in the park, but their numbers have drastically decreased due to extensive hunting by nomads. Cattle were once granted entry to the park for grazing but were later prohibited by park management. While the grass causes blockage in the water streams, the management has still not revoked the ban, as it conflicts with park laws.
What to Do
Birdwatching is the most popular activity for visitors, who come from all age groups and different parts of the world. Visitors can hire a bike or bicycle at the park entrance to move around the park. During the monsoon, it is better to hire a Tonga (a horse-drawn carriage) or take a boat ride. The rickshaw puller also acts as a guide, answering queries and providing in-depth information about the park’s geography, flora, and fauna.
A relatively luxurious option to explore the sanctuary is by boarding the Palace on Wheels, a tourist train service run by IRCTC that includes Keoladeo National Park in its route.
Eat, Drink, Collect
Food and snacks are available within the park. Visitors can buy a meal from the canteen located near the second gate of the park or at the Bharatpur Forest Lodge.
Accommodation is available at the Bharatpur Forest Lodge, Shanti Kutir, Dak Bungalow, and Circuit Office. There are also several resorts and 3-star hotels located close to the park for visitors.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Keoladeo National Park is during the winter season, i.e., from October to February. The park remains open from sunrise to sunset throughout the year. Visitors from India are charged Rs. 25 per person as an entry fee, while foreign visitors need to pay Rs. 200 per person.
How to Reach
The nearest airport to Keoladeo National Park is located in Agra, around 56 kilometers away. The closest international airport is in Delhi, approximately 184 kilometers from the park.
Bharatpur is well connected by rail, lying on the Delhi-Mumbai rail route and enjoys excellent connectivity with major stations along this route.
Inside the city, visitors have a variety of public transportation options. The best way is to hire a bicycle to explore the park and other parts of the city, as this will help avoid traffic jams and make the journey more pleasant.
- Suggested to Read: Top Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks in India
