Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a gem in India’s ecological crown despite being one of the smallest parks in the country. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1985, it has withstood devastating droughts in recent years, which have caused lasting damage to its unique wetlands. The lake inside the park constitutes about one-third of the park’s 29sq km area. Today, around 350 species of birds migrate to this park in winters and around 120 species are residents of the sanctuary.

ORIENTATION

The park is open from 6.00am–6.00pm. The main gate, where the entrance tickets are purchased, is situated at one end of the tarred road that runs from the north to the eastern side of the park, along the Ghana Canal. You can park your vehicle either at the gate or at the nearby ITDC Hotel. If you reach the park on a rickshaw, you can also take it inside. The rickshaw pullers have been trained by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) in recognising birdlife. At the main gate, bicycles and horse carts are available for hire. You can also walk. Cars and bikes are not allowed in the park.

Park environs
Park environs
Puneet K. Paliwal

Entry Indians ₹75; Foreigners ₹500 Vehicle fee ₹50 Guide ₹150 per hour Videography ₹200 Bicycle ₹45 per day Rickshaw ₹100 per hour W rajasthanwildlife.rajasthan.gov.in/wildlife

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Birdwatching

There are many routes inside the park, but opt for the ones that are laid out near the swamps for the maximum number of sightings. Take the route to Sapan Mori, and then turn right for Keoladeo temple. A left turn from here will take you to the sunning ground of pythons. The Man-sarovar and Hansarovar marshes and the lakes of Bharatpur form one of the most important heronries in the world.

Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Gireesh GV

Winter is the best time to see the various birds of prey come together. The largest and most impressive of these birds is the eagle. It has a habit of gliding low over an assembled row of ducks and chasing them.

Boat ride

You can book boat rides from the tourist reception centre. Boats are available for hire from the jetty near the ITDC Hotel.

Fee ₹350 (4 pax)

WHERE TO STAY

A majority of hotels are along the Salim Ali Road, which runs from Bharatpur city till the park entrance. The pride of place is Laxmi Vilas Palace (Tel: 05644-223523; Tariff: ₹6,000–10,000), a fine heritage property.

ITDC’s Hotel Bharatpur Ashok (Tel: 222722; Tariff: ₹4,500) inside the park has the best location. RTDC’s Hotel Saras (Tel: 223790; Tariff: ₹1,100–1,300) is decent. Most of the restaurants in the hotels are open to non-residents.

Black-necked stork
Black-necked stork
Gireesh GV

THE INFORMATION

When to go November–February is an ideal season for spotting birds. August–October are the peak months for breeding

Wildlife/ Forest Dept offices

Keoladeo Ghana NP, Near Shanti Kunj (park area), Tel: 05644-222777

Tourist Reception Centre, Dept of Tourism, Agra Road, Bharatpur. Tel: 222542

STD code 05644

GETTING THERE

Air Nearest airport: Agra (60km/ 2hrs). Taxi costs ₹3,500

Rail Nearest railhead: Bharatpur Junction (5km/ 20mins). Hotels usually arrange for pick-ups. Autos cost ₹100

Road A six-lane highway till Mathura and then state road to Bharatpur Bus RSRTC offers regular services from ISBT, Sarai Kale Khan, Delhi (Tel: 011-24353731)