Keoladeo Ghana National Park

The well-known Keoladeo Ghana National Park lies about 7 km from Bharatpur town and makes one of the popular sites on any India wildlife tour. The park covers an area of around 29 sq km. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was given the status of the national park in 1981. In its earlier days, this place was the hunting ground of the royal family. An interesting story associated with this park is that in 1938, Lord Linlithgo and his staff hunted about 4273 birds in a single day. During 1964, programs to conserve bird life were started at this park. This was the time when Salim Ali, the famous bird expert, initiated several programs in this regard.

The marshy land of the park is the favorite nesting and breeding ground of a variety of bird species. Some of the bird species present here include migratory birds that were among highly endangered bird species one time. Nearly 360 bird species have been found in this park including Siberian swans, Red Crow, Storks, Shamukkhol, and Pilicans. Some other varieties that inhabit at this park are the Fish Mongers, Dahuk, Sonajanga, and White Crow and different sea birds. According to some estimates, nearly 80 different species of Swans can be seen in this park. About 120 Indian bird species can be spotted in the park. Apart from the bird life, this place also features some interesting animal species including black buck, chital, bears and panthers. A big attraction for the birds within this sanctuary is the lake. The winter months from November to February make the best time to visit this sanctuary when birds from Siberia, Tibet, Afghanistan and China visit it for breeding. Early morning or evening time is best for bird watching. Authorities of the park provide boating facilities for the visitors at the lake to allow going near the birds.

The nearby towns of Bharatpur also serve as nice tourist spots for the international tourists on India wildlife tour. Lachmanji-Ka Mandir, Lanhagarh Fort, Ganga Temple, Palace of Ayar Maharaja, and Nehru Park make good tourist sites to see. A museum here features nice collection of arms and weapons, ancient manuscripts and many other documents. The Golbagh Palace located in the outskirts of Bharatpur and dating back to 1905 offers a very pleasing experience to visitors.