Bharatpur is the city of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, currently known as the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Formerly a royal province of Rajputana, this city of Rajasthan has earned the reputation of being one of the finest bird watching locations in the world. The amazing diversity of species of avians as well as wildlife without doubt is the reason the major lure for Bharatpur tours. It is also known as the ‘eastern gateway to Rajasthan’ and is close to Delhi as well as Agra. Additionally, it is a popular weekend getaway and a must-visit site on a tour of the Golden Triangle tourist circuit.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the world heritage bird sanctuary is the most popular tourist attraction in Bharatpur. In the natural environs inhabit almost 364 breeds of birds, 379 floral species, 50 species of fish, 13 species of snakes, 5 species of lizards, 7 amphibian species, 7 turtle species, a variety of other invertebrates and other citizens of the animal kingdom. The star highlight of Bharatpur tourism is mostly the park where visitors can enjoy safari. Additionally, there are various other historical attractions. On a tour of Bharatpur, take out time to explore Bharatpur Palace, Lohagarh Fort, Government Museum, Deeg, Ganga Mandir, and many more.
Bird-watchers and nature lovers are in awe of Bharatpur. Notable species amongst the throngs of birds include nesting Painted Storks, White Ibises, Darters and Spoonbills, Black-necked Stork, Comb Duck, and the elusive Spotted Creeper. Also, thousands of ducks, hundreds of Ferruginous and Lesser Whistling Ducks plus smaller numbers of Red-crested Pochards and Spotbilled Ducks crowd the marshes and pools. The popular winter guests of the national park include both White and Dalmatian Pelicans along with large numbers of Common Cranes and a significant population of the elusive Sarus Cranes.
The bird sanctuary rose to fame as the winter hideaway of the very rare Siberian Cranes, visiting from the severely cold land of Siberia. The sightings of these birds has reduced considerably in recent years. Also available in the park is the golden chance of a large range of raptors, including Spotted, Imperial, Steppe and Tawny Eagles, as well as a host of vultures. The rare bird species include names such as Orange-headed Ground Thrush, Dusky Warbler, Marshall’s Iora and Large-tailed Nightjar. Other wildlife comprise the rare and beautiful Blackbuck, Indian Smooth Otter, Fishing Cat, Soft-shelled Turtle, Indian Python, Nilgai, Sambar, Spotted Deer and Rhesus Macaques.
A very interesting feature of Bharatpur is the way of game rides - on cycle rickshaws. You could also take a cycling or walking tour of this park.
