Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur)
The World Heritage-listed Keoladeo Ghana National Park, in Bharatpur, is home to almost 400 different bird species and has emerged as one of the planet's foremost bird-breeding sites. The park is a blissfully serene escape from the hullabaloo of urban India, despite attracting throngs of tourists.
How to Get There
Buses from many centers—including Jaipur, Agra, and Deeg—frequently travel to Bharatpur. There are also limited train services, including one from Delhi.
How to Get Around
In town, there are plenty of cycle rickshaws and autorickshaws. Travel within the Keoladeo Ghana National Park is, apart from walking, restricted to government-approved cycle rickshaws and tongas (horse-drawn carts). You can also explore the bird park by bicycle (these can be hired at the park entrance as well as at many hotels).
Attractions
The star attraction of Bharatpur is, of course, the bird-filled Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Covering around 11.5 square miles (30 square kilometers), this flourishing sanctuary attracts a diverse variety of birds that includes herons, cormorants, owls, kingfishers, storks, and wild geese. During the winter, migratory birds make their way to the park from as far away as Siberia. Apart from birds, the park is also home to antelopes, mongoose, a dozen or so snake species (including cobras and pythons), and more than 50 types of butterflies.
If you've got time, check out the 18th-century Lohagarh Fort, which is not as impressive as many other forts in Rajasthan but still worth a look. It has a small museum containing a medley of relics, from animal trophies to old paintings.
Places to Stay and Eat
Bharatpur has a pleasing selection of places to stay, which are also the best places to eat.
If you don't mind staying a little way outside of the town's center, opt for the Bagh resort, one of Bharatpur's best choices. Set in a pretty 200-year-old, 12-acre (4.8-hectare) garden, this lovely heritage property has just 14 rooms, all very tastefully furnished. Amenities include a swimming pool, restaurant, and coffee shop. Agra-Achnera Road; tel. +91 (0)5644 225415; e-mail thebagh@hotmail.com.
A popular mid-priced choice is the Birder's Inn, which is conveniently close to the bird sanctuary and owned by a bird-watching enthusiast. This calm place has just ten rooms, which are clean and comfortable and more spacious than many other mid-range lodgings. There's a small garden, and guests can dine at the inn's multi-cuisine restaurant. Bird Sanctuary Road; tel. +91 (0)5644 227346; e-mail birdinn@yahoo.com.
A recommended budget place is the family-run Falcon Guest House, which is not too far from the bird sanctuary and offers well-kept rooms (the more expensive ones come with private balconies). Good meals are available. Bird Sanctuary Road; tel. +91 (0)5644 223815; e-mail falconguesthouse@hotmail.com.
General Tips
To see as many different bird species as possible, visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park between October and February.
For More Information
Tourist Reception Center Corner of Fatehpur Sikri and Bird Sanctuary Roads; tel. +91 (0)5644 222542.
Rajasthan Tourism
