What makes Bharatpur National Park so unique? Wildlife photographer Rakesh Arora decodes

After having my trip at Ranthambore National Park, I moved on to visit India’s most famous bird watching site which is – Keoladeo – Ghana National Park popularly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Formerly known as hunting ground of 19^th century, here Maharaja Suraj Mal from Bharatpur of Rajasthan used to organise number of duck shoots and British dignitaries and governor general of India shot 4000 birds in one shoot.

This region was declared as a national park in 1981 and it is one of the bird sanctuaries which is surrounded by around 2 m high wall boundary that denies possibilities of any biotic disturbances or any Buffer Zone.

Now a protected habitat, it consists of Scrub forest, Savanna grassland, and large Wetlands. The best part is that there are naturally constructed earthen embankments which provide perching sports for birds, as they feed on fish, invertebrates and aquatic plants.

The Keoladeo National Park lies in Bharatpur District of Rajasthan, which can be easily reached through the following means: Many trains from New Delhi (New Delhi – Mumbai and Agra – Jaipur route) stop at Bharatpur. The nearby airports are Delhi and Agra.

This small wetland of 29 sq. km provides feeding and nesting grounds to over 400 bird species and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ramsar Site as well as an IBA (Important Bird Area).

The other vegetation is typical of a semi-arid zone dominated by babul, ber, khejri, kadam and peepul. About 44,000 trees in this park are used for nesting.

This is arguably one of the most unique bird habitats on the earth. Dr. Salim Ali, the grand old man of ornithology, was happiest here, in the midst of nature and the birds he lived to study and enjoy. There is a Museum dedicated to him in the park premises.

Things to Consider When Planning to Visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park:
Do carry a Binocular for watching the birds, as it’s very tough to focus with naked eyes, on the distant birds in the park.

Rakesh Arora  (RAP safaris), my business partner Indian Wild Safari  (Mr Feroze Hossian) who looks after operations in India – whether you are an Indian national or a foreign national, you can email us on info@rapsafaris.com and we will take forward from there and make your memorable trip to NATIONAL PARKS IN INDIA.

Web address : www.rapsafaris.com

RAP SAFARIS has tied up with one of the best hotel/resorts in Bharatpur:

• Hotel Sunbird
• The Bagh Resort

(Photos by Rakesh Arora)