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BHARATPUR
 Keoladeo
National Park is situated in the town of Bharatpur in the
north Indian state of Rajasthan, about 55 kms from the Agra
- the city of Taj. Keoladeo National Park is famous as one
of Asia's finest birding areas, with over 380 resident and
migrant species, including the Common, Demoiselle and the
rare Siberian Cranes. Previously known as the Bharatpur Bird
Sanctuary, the Keoladeo National Park is also an excellent
place to watch mammals like Golden Jackal, Striped Hyaena,
Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Nilgai, Sambar, Blackbuck and wild
Boar.
In 1981, Keoladeo was given the status of national park. The
park is spread over an area of 29-sq-kms of which 11-sq-kms
are marshes and the rest scrubland and grassland. Keoladeo,
the name derives from an ancient Hindu temple, devoted to
Lord Shiva, which stands at the centre of the park. 'Ghana'
means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to
cover the area.
Major Tourist Attractions in
Keoladeo (Bharatpur)
The Birds
 The
major attractions of tourists visiting the park are the
numerous migratory birds, who come from as far away as
Siberia and Central Asia and spend their winters in
Bharatpur, before returning to their breeding grounds.
Migratory birds at Bharatpur bird sanctuary include, several
species of Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks,
Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers,
Buntings, Larks and Pipits, etc. During the cool winter
months it is also possible to see large Indian Pythons
sunning themselves.
Bharatpur Govenment Museum
One of the major attraction after the Bharatpur sanctuary is
Government Museum of Bharatpur, which provides a glimpse of
the past royal splendour of Bharatpur.
Bharatpur Palace
Bharatpur Palace is an marvellous structural blend of Mughal
and Rajput architecture.
Lohagarh Fort
The invincible Lohagarh Fort, which remained unconquered
despite several attacks by the British regime.
Deeg Palace
Situated just 32-kms away from Bharatpur is the Deeg Palace.
A strong and massive fortress, Deeg Palace was the summer
resort of the rulers of Bharatpur and houses numerous
beautiful palaces and gardens.
Park Trips
There are well-defined forest trails, which can easily be
covered on foot or on a cycle or you can also hire a
rickshaw that are available on hire. Boats are also
available on hire. A early morning boat trip or a late
evening one is quite a rewarding experience to check out the
hidden treasures of Bharatpur.
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