The Bharatpur bird sanctuary is one of the best known bird sanctuaries in India. Also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, this famous protected forest offers tourists a fascinating display of a large number of avian species. Bharatpur bird sanctuary is particularly known for the migratory species of birds that arrive here from far off places like Siberia. It is also known for a large number of animal and plant species. It is a very popular wildlife destination in Rajasthan, and attracts many Indian and foreign tourists, adding up significantly to the growth of tourism in Rajasthan. The park is located just 176 kilometers (110 miles) from Delhi and 50 kilometers ( 31 miles ) from Agra. Sprawled over 29 square kilometers (11 square miles), this amazing forest provides habitat to over 350 species of birds.

The Bharatpur bird sanctuary can be called a man made wildlife habitat. The area around Bharatpur used to get flooded during the rains. To prevent this, an earthen dam was constructed in the 18th century. The resultant depression caused by the lifting of so much earth eventually became the Bharatpur Lake. In the early years of the 20th century, steps were taken to bring the lake’s water levels within control. Sluice gates, dykes and small dams were added to this effect. The area then became the hunting preserve for the ruling family of Bharatpur and soon gained popularity as a duck hunting wetland. Hunting was prohibited after independence, in the 1960s. Further developments took place in 1982, when the area was declared a National Park, and in 1885, when the forest was declared a world heritage site.

The chief attraction of the park is undoubtedly its migratory bird population. Thousands of migratory species fly enormous distances and arrive here during the Indian winter. These include Siberian cranes, gulls, Pelicans, geese, northern pintails, common pochard and ducks. Besides these the park has a healthy resident population as well. These include storks, cranes, ducks, eagles, hawks, and owls.

Besides the birds, you can also spot a large number of other animals in this National Park. These include Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai and wild boar.

Hotel Laxmi Vilas Palace and Chandra Mahal Haveli are the two popular heritage hotels in Bharatpur. Besides these, you can find a lot of accommodation options in Bharatpur town covering a wide range of tariffs.

Find out more about the Bharatpur bird sanctuary and other tourist attractions in Rajasthan in touristplacesinindia.com.