Foreword
One of the significant travel attractions in India, Bharatpur Bird
Sanctuary possesses finest storks and various other kinds of birds
imaginable. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) is a
reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well. Nesting indigenous
water, birds as well as migratory water birds and waterside birds, this
sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.
Habitat
of Bharatpur
The total land area of 29 sq km of birdland protects more than 300 species
of birds, some common and a few exotic ones. Surrounded by marshes and
scrubland, it is also known as Keoladeo Ghana Natiuonal Park. Keoladeo, the
name derives from an ancient Hindu temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, which
stands at the centre of the park. 'Ghana' means dense, referring to the
thick forest, which used to cover the area.
Memoirs of Bharatpur
It is perhaps the only case where the habitat has been created by a
maharaja. In earlier times, Bharatpur town used to be flooded regularly
every monsoon. In 1760, an earthen dam (Ajan Dam) was constructed, to save
the town, from this annual vagary of nature. The depression created by
extraction of soil for the dam was cleared and this became the Bharatpur
Lake.
At
the beginning of this century, this lake was developed, and was divided into
several portions. A system of small dams, dykes, sluice gates, etc., was
created to control water level in different sections. This became the
hunting preserve of the Bharatpur royalty, and one of the best duck -
shooting wetlands in the world. Hunting was prohibited by mid-60s. The area
was declared a national park on 10 March 1982, and accepted as a World
Heritage Site in December 1985.
Alluring Wildlife of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
The significant attractions of tourists visiting the park are the numerous
migratory birds, who come from as far away as Siberia and Central Asia and
spend their winters in Bharatpur, before returning to their breeding
grounds. Migratory birds at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary include several species
of Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails,
Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits, etc.
Ancient Dwellings
of Bharatpur
Bharatpur
Palace : Not far from the museum is the Bharatpur Palace, an marvellous
structural blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.
Deeg Palace : Situated just 32-kms away from Bharatpur is the Deeg
Palace. A strong and massive fortress, Deeg Palace was the summer resort of
the rulers of Bharatpur and houses numerous beautiful palaces and gardens.
Bharatpur Government Museum : One of the major attention grabber
after the Bharatpur sanctuary is Government Museum of Bharatpur, which
provides a glimpse of the past royal splendour of Bharatpur.
Lohagarh Fort : The invincible Lohagarh Fort, which remained
unconquered despite several attacks by the British regime.
Perfect Sojourn: Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary is open throughout the year, still the ideal
visiting months are from
August-November for resident breeding birds
and
October- February for migrant birds. There are well-defined
forest trails, which can easily be covered on foot or on a cycle or you can
also hire a rickshaw that are available on hire. An early morning boat trip
or a late evening one is quite a rewarding experience to check out the
hidden surprises of Bharatpur.
