Geo details -
Location : Rajasthan, India
Coordinates : 27°09'32''N 77°30'31''E? / 27.15889, 77.50861
Area : 28.73 km²

Introduction -
Keoladeo Ghana National Park - also preferred to name as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - is a famous avifauna sanctuary. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it sees a large numbers of aquatic birds including some highly endangered and rare species from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China, Aral mountains and Siberia. During hibernal season in India, this sanctuary houses over 375 species of birds, including the rare Siberian crane.

A former duck-hunting paradise for Maharajas, the sanctuary lies between two of India’s most historic cities - Agra and Jaipur, around 190 km from the New Delhi. Its name ‘Keoladeo’ is derived from the name of an ancient Hindu temple of Lord Shiva while the term 'Ghana' means dense. It is a a major destination for tourist and ornithologists alike.

Flora -
The high density vegetation at Keoladeo Ghana National Park contains a wide variety of flora representing 64 families, 181 genera and 227 subspecies. The principal vegetation type is tropical dry deciduous intermixed with dry grassland. Much of the area is covered by medium-sized trees and shrubs. The forest is dominated by kadam (Mitragyna parvifolia), babul (Acacia nilotica) and jamun (Syzygium cuminii).

This region is situated at the site of confluence of the Rivers Gambhir and Banganga. Aquatic vegetation consists of water lilies, lotus, duckweeds and water fern. Perennial amphibious grass constitutes a major portion of the biomass.

Fauna -
The natural vegetation at park supports a large species of birds, mammals and reptiles. In winter, a large number of migratory birds arrive here including Siberian crane. Migratory birds start accumulating here by late August and leave in early March. Visitors include Coot Snipes, Spanish Sparrow, Red Crested Porhard, Rosy Pelican, Dalmatian pelicans, Siberian leaf warbler and Flamingo.

This avian kingdom also hosts mammalian species like Nilgai, Sambhar, Chital, Black Bucks, Jungle Cats and Wild Boar. Along with them, the park is abode of Monitor Lizards, large rock python as well as its nemesis - mongoose.

Nearby Tourist Destinations -
Bharatpur Government Museum :
It showcases a glimpse of the past royal splendor of Bharatpur.

Bharatpur Palace :
Considered as the marvel of structures, this palace is a perfect structural blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.

Lohagarh Fort :
This fort witnesses its invincibility despite several attacks by the British regime.

Deeg Palace :
A summer resort of the Bharatpur rulers, this strong fortress houses numerous beautiful gardens.

Best Time to Visit -
Though open throughout the year, the best time to visit Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary is August-November for resident birds and October-March for migrant birds.

• During April–June, the temperature ranges from 38°C to 45°C.

• At the onset of monsoon during July–August, the temperature lowers to about 27°C.

• In winter season during October–March, temperature remains around 10°C to 20°C.

• Around Christmas and new year, temperature falls below 10°C with thick fog around.

How to Reach -
There are different transportation means to reach Bandhavgarh National Park:

Air : The nearest airports is Agra (56 km).

Rail : Bharatpur is connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Agra through Indian railways network.

Road : Bharatpur is well connected by road from

• Agra (56-km on NH 11, approx. 1.30 hours drive)

• Delhi (190-km on NH 2 and then state highway, approx. 5 hours drive)

• Jaipur (176-km, approx. 4 hours drive)

Inside : There are three transport options for exploring the park – Bicycle, Cycle rickshaw and Boat. Boating is excellent to observe birds at close quarters.