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Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Location: Rajasthan

Main Wildlife Attractions: Cranes, Pelicans, Ducks, Flycatchers, Wagtails

Coverage Area: 29 Sq. Kms

Established: 1956

Best Time to Visit:October to March

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Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is also known as Keoladeo National Park. It is one of India's largest bird sanctuaries and was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971. This bird sanctuary is home to more than 370 species of birds and animals and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list by the year 1985.



How to reach Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

By Air

The nearest airport to Bharatpur National Park is Jaipur airport at a distance of 190 km.

By Rail

At a distance of 5 km, Bharatpur Junction is the closest railway station to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

By Road

Roads from all major neighboring locations well connect Bharatpur.



Bharatpur Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. Officially known as the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, it is named after the ancient Shiva temple, Keoladeo. Bharatpur National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Rajasthan. It is home to more than 370 bird and animal species such as the basking python, painted storks, deer, nilgai, sambar, chital, boar, and more. You can see colorful birds while enjoying a boat ride on Bharatpur Lake inside the park. Apart from different species of birds, several mammals know Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary as their home. 

This national park is spread over 29 sq. km and has exciting forest treks that you can cover by walking, cycling, or rickshaw riding. Bharatpur National Park used to be a hunting spot for the royal of Rajasthan and the British officials. 

If you are wondering about the best time to visit this national park, then it is open throughout the year. However, there is an ideal time to spot migratory and resident birds. This sanctuary is blessed with artificial swamps, tropical and deciduous woodlands, meadows, and bushes. So, a visit to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary will reconnect you with nature and rejuvenate your senses.

Opening and Closing timings of Bharatpur National Park

Summers: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Winters: 06: 30 AM to 05:00 PM

Charges of the Bharatpur National Park

Entry Indian: INR 110
Entry foreigner: INR 500
Video camera (Handy Cam): INR 600
Guide charges: INR 250 per hour
Bicycle rent: INR 100 per day
Cycle-Rickshaw rent: INR 150 per hour

*Prices are subject to change

Best Time to Visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary 

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a year-round destination in Rajasthan. However, the winter season is considered the ideal time to visit this national park. The day is pleasant, and the night temperature falls below 10°C.  Therefore, plan your visit to Bharatpur Sanctuary between October and February to enjoy a jungle safari in pleasant weather. Also, August to November is the perfect time to see the resident birds and November to March is the ultimate choice for migratory birds. 

The summer starts in April and lasts till June, bringing scorching heat. During this time, the temperature of Bharatpur Sanctuary fluctuates from 38°C to 45°C. The following season is a blissful monsoon, which brings down the temperature, offering you a relief from the blistering heat. The temperature during the monsoon in Bharatpur comes around 27°C with 70-75% humidity. 

Safari in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

You can enjoy the safari in Bharatpur National Park in three modes; Elephant Safari, Rickshaw Safari, and Jeep Safari. You can also rent a bicycle from the entrance to explore the national park. On the other hand, if you want to explore the depth of the jungle, a jeep safari is a comfortable option. You can book your jeep from the entrance gate of this national park. 

Safari timing in Bharatpur National Park:
6:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Safari cost in Bharatpur National Park: INR 25 for Indians and INR 200 for foreigners. However, you will have to pay extra charges to carry a camera inside the park.

Flora and Fauna of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary 

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is home to local and migratory birds and different mammals. You can find more than 370 species of bird and flowers in this national park. Aside from this, more than 50 species of fish, 13 species of snakes, 5 species of lizards, 7 amphibians, and 7 species of turtle, among other invertebrates, are found in this diverse land. The highlight of this park is getting a glimpse of migratory birds like Pelicans, Geese, Shanks, and Wagtails during winter.

History of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is an artificial habitat established by Maharaja Suraj Mal 250 years ago. It was built as a duck shooting spot for the royals of Bharatpur. This sanctuary became a national park on 10 March 1982. 

Initially, it was a waterbody flocked by birds for drinking water, and the area used to get flooded. From 1726 to 1763, Maharaja Suraj Mal built the Ajan dam at the confluence of the rivers Gambhir and Banganga. In 1972, shooting was totally banned, and the park was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985.

How to Reach Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Bharatpur National Park is one of the famous destinations in Rajasthan. It is connected through air, road, and train with other cities of India. 

By Air:- The nearest airport from Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is Agra Airport, located 54 km away. Apart from this, Delhi and Jaipur are two primary destinations for airports. After reaching the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or cab to get to the sanctuary. 

By Train:- Bharatpur Junction is well-connected with other cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and Mumbai. Moreover, 17 trains run daily from Jaipur to Bharatpur. After reaching the junction, you can take a cab or taxi to reach Bharatpur National Park. 

By Road:- Bharatpur is well-connected with major cities of India through well-conditioned roads. AC and non-AC Buses are available regularly from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi.

Places to Visit in and around Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Several tourist attractions encircle Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Each point of interest, from historic forts to enticing museums, gives you a unique experience. After exploring the park, you can discover nearby places. Below is the list of tourist places near this park. 

  • Lohagarh Fort 
  • Government Museum
  • Deeg Palace 
  • Ganga Mandir
  • Bharatpur Palace

Best Resorts in Bharatpur

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary's staying options includes comfortable forest lodges and luxury resorts. These accommodations provide modern amenities and stunning views. Moreover, you will get the services such as car rental, bird safari, guides, internet connection, exchange currency, etc. 

In addition, there are many wildlife resorts in Bharatpur where you can enjoy your stay amidst the beautiful surroundings. Choosing these resorts will enhance the fun of your wildlife tour as you will wake up with the chirping sounds of birds and scenic views. 

  • Hotel Laxmi Vilas Palace
  • Sunbird Resort
  • The Birder's Inn
  • Forest Lodge Bharatpur
  • The Bagh Resort
  • Sonar Haveli Resort

Tips for Bharatpur National Park

  • Basic formalities may take about an hour, so reach the spot accordingly.
  • Carry water bottles, hats, sunglass, mosquito repellent, and binoculars.
  • Drink a lot of water and wear sunscreen with a high SPF.
  • Motor vehicles are prohibited inside the park.
  • You may ride in a rickshaw. Also, a boat ride is ideal for spotting birds.
  • Harming the inhabitants is a punishable offense; you can watch them from a distance.
  • Go for early morning or evening boat trips to see some exciting hidden treasures of the sanctuary.
  • Do not tease or harm any flora or fauna species. It is a serious offense.
  • If you are more interested in watching home bird species, the best time to visit is the months of April-September.