Welcome to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary |
| In front of the Ticket Counter |
Bharatpur is 30km from Mathura and falls in the state of Rajasthan. This place is also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park. In 1981 this place got the status of National Park. And after few years it was declare world heritage sight by UNESCO. This forest is famous for various species of migratory birds.
Best Time to Visit BharatpurBird Sanctuary - Mid Jan- End of Feb. Though people say that from December one can see the birds,but I would say that because we lived in Mathura for a while and had visited the bird sanctuary every now and then, we found that in winter specially in December the fog of North India makes it extremely hard to see birds. Also in the early January. Sometimes the flock too arrive late.
How to travel to this place: You can hire a car from Mathura or travel by train. Make your travel like this - Delhi (2-3 days)-Agra (1 day)-Mathura/Vrindavan( 1day)-Bharatpur.(1 Day). There are many hotels available very close to the park gate. Hotels in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary: (close to the gate)
1.Hotel Sunbird
2.Hotel Eagle's Nest 3. Birder's Inn Hotel Sunbird(Economy Hotel)Hotel Sunbird Bird Sanctuary Road, Bharatpur – 321001, Rajasthan (India) Phone: +91-5644-225701, 221533 Eagle's Nest(Economy Hotel)Hotel Eagle's Nest Bird Sanctuary Road, Bharatpur – 321001, Rajasthan (India) Phone: +91-5644-225144,25145 Birder's Inn(Economy Hotel)Hotel Birder's Inn Bird Sanctuary Road, Bharatpur – 321001, Rajasthan (India) Phone: +91-5644-227346, 222830 Entrance Fees for Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is Rs 50 per person for Indians. Upon reaching the place you need to hire rickshaw or cycle. My suggestion is to hire a rickshaw as they are govt approved and definitely will help you spot various birds and animals. Rickshaw cost Rs 100 per hour Look for knowledgeable authorised rickshaw-puller , Pritam Singh was our guide and he got the best binocular to spot birds. Also he is truly a bird lover knowing every nook and corner of the jungle.  Spotting birds here in this park is easier than any other birdpark in India. May be that's why Unesco found interest here.  
White Breasted Kingfisher
Indian Roller ( neelkantha)
Owlet Nest - This place was known to Pritam and therefore we were lucky to see these birds
Yellow Footed Green Pigeon
Extremely Lucky to spot this Python. You can generally see snakes after 12noon in winters. They come out on roads to bask in the sun. Please be careful as when I spotted this Python I didnt notice it was right beside me hidden in the bushes. I did get an adrenal rush. The python was unable to move as it fed on some birds. I thought snakes hibernate in winter but Yes they love Sun..They become lazy and enjoy sun in winter unlike in Monsoon or Summer they become extremely active.
 
This place is also full of Spotted Deer, Nilgai , Wolves, Wild Boars, Jungle cat and Hare
In the evening ( during sunset) you will be able to hear the crying of the wolves and if you are lucky you will definitely spot them.
The park has a small resting area where you can buy snacks and take a break. You can only get tea biscuit or cakes here nothing else. If you have a plan to stay the entire day carry some food.
We stayed from 6 am till 6 pm roaming around the jungle sometime walking and sometime resting.
Do hire rickshaw as its worth the month. You can hire bicycle also but depends on the availability.
Do wear comfortable shoes and clothes. High lens camera is a must to spot these birds. I am providing the link of my camera I used in Bharatpur
Sony Cybershot-50X zoom from Amazon.in
Also right now I bought myself a Canon EOS 700D from Amazon at an incredible low price. It also includes 2 lenses and a kit.
Books for Field Guide - Birds of Indian Subcontinent
Image rights reserved.Permission required for usage
Lastly I would like to conclude that this is one of the Best Bird Sanctuary In India.
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