Keoladeo Ghana NP Travel Guide
Superb Bird Sanctuary
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Known as the best duck-shooting resort during the Raj the area was declared a reserve for birds in 1956 and later upgraded to a National Park. UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage Site – unsurprisingly as Keoladeo Ghana National Park is arguably the best place to watch birds in the country, attracting over 375 different species predominantly during the monsoon and post-monsoon months.
This magnificent bird haven in actual fact paradoxically came into being as a duck shooting preserve for Maharaja Suraj Mahl of Bharatpur who transformed the shallow depression formed by the confluence of River Gambhir and River Banganga into a reservoir by damming the rainwater in monsoons. This created a shallow wetland ecosystem creating the perfect habitat for an astounding variety of birds. The park that was a hunting preserve for the Maharaja and the British continued to be so till 1964, after which the hunting was banned.
An aforestation policy was implemented and vigorously followed however the ecosystem at the Park continues to be fragile due to pressures of tourism and the need for water from surrounding villages. UNESCO listed it as World Heritage Site in 1985. Today the park is recognised as the most important breeding and feed grounds for birds in the world with many endangered species recorded, including the Siberian crane.
Although small in size (only 29 sq. kms), the park has some 375 species of beautiful birds, and more than 132 of these breeds inside the park. Almost every year, new species are added to the list. A visit is well worthwhile for all, even those with no deep interest in ornithology.
Activities in Keoladeo Ghana NP
Unless a keen birder allow a half day to explore Keoladeo Ghana National Park, though there are other sights in the nearby town of Bharatpur so a full day with an overnight at a minimum is recommended.
Relaxing
There are many restaurants close to the entrance to Keoladeo Ghana NP which provide good food. Nothing can beat a cold lassi on a hot day!
Getting Around
The best way of getting to Keoladeo Ghana / Bharatpur is as part of a private tour of Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh. Once in the city getting around is best done by cycle-rickshaw (or for larger groups, tongas), of which there are many. The National Park lies a short distance from town. Rickshaw-drivers will take you into the National Park, good ones guiding as you go.
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