Keoladeo National Park
About Keoladeo National Park
The Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary lies
between two of India's most historic cities, Agra and Jaipur. This
north Indian sanctuary is situated in the country's northwestern state
of Rajasthan, about 190 km from the national capital of Delhi.
The name Keoladeois derived from the name of an ancient Hindu temple
devoted to Lord Shiva in the sanctuary. s central zone while the Hindi
term 'Ghana' implies dense, thick areas of forest cover.
History (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary)
Prince Bhamji of Morvi state in Gujarat converted this area into
a world famous wildlife reserve. Duck shoots were organised in the
area every year by the rulers of Bharatpur, in honour of Viceroy Lord
Curzon and his party on 1st December, 1902. The exploits of all visiting
dignitaries since 1902 have been engraved on stone plaques standing
near the Keoladeo temple.
Largest number of birds (4273) were killed on 12th November, 1938,
by Lord Linlithgow, Viceroy & Governor General of India and his
party. After independence, this reserve was notified as a bird sanctuary
but the former rulers of Bharatpur continued to enjoy their shooting
rights over the area till 1972. The area was notified as a National
Park in 1981 but made effective only in Novemeber,1982.
Conservation efforts originally started by Dr. Salim Ali received
a further impetus when the area was deemed a national park in March
1982. In 1985, Bharatpur was accepted as a World Heritage Site.
Wildlife in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Bharatpur bird sanctuary hosts
a variety of bird species(Siberian crane etc) from across the globe.
Close to 380 species of birds are found in this 29 sq km stretch,
approximately 10 sq km of which comprises of marshes and bogs. Rest
of the area comprises of scrublands, grasslands and more than 44,000
trees that are used for nesting by birds each year. This rather intriguing
blend of marshes, woodland and flora found here represents and, at
the same time, substantiates the density and diversity of the region.
s forest cover.
Climate (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary)
During summers (April. June), the temperature of the national
park varies from 38°C to 45°C. In The Month of monsoon the
temperature to about 27°C. In Winter season the temperature of
the park falls below 10°C.
Reaching There (Keoladeo National Park)
Bharatpur is on the Agra. Jaipur highway, just a two-hour journey
by bus from Agra (55 km) and an hour from Fatehpur Sikri. The nearest
rail junction is Bharatpur, which is well connected to Delhi, Bombay,
Ahmedabad, Jaipur and many other parts of India.
Best Season (Keoladeo National Park)
The park is open throughout the year. Best months are August-November
for resident breeding birds and November-March for migrant birds.
Tips to The Visitor
Light cotton clothing for summers and woolens for the winters
would be suitable. Vehicles are prohibited within park confines.
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