Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Bharatpur bird sanctuary is a very famous bird sighting place. Located in the Rajasthan state of India, this bird sanctuary welcome large number of migratory birds from all over the world. Many aquatic birds from China, Afghanistan, Siberia and Turkmenistan often visit this place during winter. Among all, Siberian crane is the most popular. More than 370 species of birds are found in this sanctuary. UNESCO declared it as world heritage site in the year 1985 for being home to many endangered and beautiful bird species.

This sanctuary is believed to be more than 250 year old and is also known as Keoladeo national park. During colonial era this area was used as hunting ground by the British officers and former Maharajas. After independence, till 1972 shooting were allowed for the former rulers. This park is spread around the area of 29 sq-km, out of which 11 sq-km are marshes and rest comprises of grassland and scrubland. Even though this sanctuary is open through out the year, the best time to visit is from August to November for resident birds and November-March for the migratory birds.

Attractions

Bharatpur bird sanctuary is home to more than 370 species of birds. Some of them reside permanently while others are migratory birds. Some of the popular species of birds found here are Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks, Pipits, etc. Most of the migratory birds arrive just before the onset of winter and leave in the month of February to their respective destinations. The famous migratory birds are Coot Snipes, Spanish Sparrow, Red Crested Porhard, Rosy Pelican, Famingo and most popular of all is Siberian Crane.

This bird sanctuary is also home to many wild animals like Jackal, Hyena, Fishing Cat, Jungle cat, Nilgai, Sambar, Blackbuck and Wild Boar. This place is considered to be the Asia's best birding areas. Many bird lovers from across the world visit this sanctuary to have a close look at these beautiful creatures. Apart from this bird sanctuary, there are some fantastic locations around Bharatpur which are worth visiting. Bharatpur government museum is good place to revisit the royal past of state. Remains from the time of former Rajput rulers can be found in this museum. Nearby this museum there is Bharatpur Palace, whose architecture is wonderful mixture of Mughal and Rajput style. Another famous attraction around Bharatpur is Lohagarh fort.