Bharatpur National Park is located just 2kms away from Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India. Bharatpur is known as Eastern Gateway of Rajasthan. Other name of this park is Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Park is exactly lies between Agra and Jaipur. Bharatpur forests used as hunting place by Bharatpur royals. Every year British Viceroy’s organised duck shootings. In 1938, 4273 birds were killed by Lord Linlithgow in duck shooting.
Bharatpur including park and surrounding areas are closely associated with Lord Krishna. Mathura is located 40kms away from Bharatpur is the birthplace of Krishna. In 1956 this was established as bird sanctuary. In 1982 this was designed as a national park.
What to see in Bharatpur National Park: Major attraction of this place is Siberian Crane. This place is home to huge variety of invertebrates, 7 turtle species, 7 amphibian species, 5 lizard species, 13 snake species, 50 fish species, 379 floral species and 366 bird species. Another major attraction of this place is waterfowls. Every year water fowls come to this place on migratory basis. Sir Peter Scott has stated that this is world’s best sanctuary for birds.
This place was named after Keoladeo temple which is situated at the middle of the park. Lord Shiva worshipped in this temple. Major flora attractions of this place are ber, Kandi, babul, Jamun, Kalam. Major Fauna attractions of this place are Mollusks, Insects and worms. Most common waterfowls are white spoonbill, cotton teal, comb duck, great cormorant etc. Major Land birds in this park are Quails, partridge, Chats, bee eaters, warbles etc. Mammal attractions of the park are spotted deer, feral cattle, blue bull etc.
What to see around Bharatpur National park:
Laxman Temple: This is 400 years old temple located at the centre of Bharatpur. It was built by Maharaja Baldev Singh. Other shrines of this temple are Hanuman, Shtrughan, Bharat and lord Rama. It is located 7kms away from the park.
Lohagarh Fort: Even after several attacks by the Britishers this fort remained unconquered. Worth visiting place of this fort are Kothi Khas, Mahal Khas, Kishori Mahal. This was built by Jat ruler Maharaja Suraj Mal in 18th century. This is one of the strongest buildings in the history of India. This fort consists of 3 palaces namely Purana Mahal, Kamra Mahal and Mahal Khas. Sandstone durbar in the fort is now acting as museum. It is located 8kms away from the park.
Government Museum: Major attractions of this museum are Weapons, coins, arms, Sculptures. All these could be more than 4000 antiques. Other name of this museum is state Archaeological museum. This remains closed in Monday. It is located 10kms away from the park.
Ganga Temple: It is located at the centre of the city Bharatpur. In 1845, Maharaja Balwant Singh constructed this temple. South Indian, Mughal, Rajpur architecture styles can be seen on this temple. Devotees come to this temple will be given holy Ganga river water. It is located 10kms away from the park.
Getting to Bharatpur National park: Park is well connected through road. From Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan buses are available to reach this place. Bharatpur railway station is 6kms away from the park. Nearest airport is located at Agra which is 56kms away from the city. Private taxis are available from the port to come to the park.
Getting around Bharatpur National park: Autos, local buses, Taxis are available to visit the surrounding places of park
Best time to visit Bharatpur National park: Best time to visit park is between October to February to see migratory birds and August to October time is the breeding season.
Where to stay in Bharatpur National park: Government run forest lodge is available inside the park. Plenty of accommodations available in Bharatpur.
Where to eat in Bharatpur National park: Food is not available inside the park. Plenty of restaurants are available to eat in Bharatpur. Continental, Mughalai cuisines are available along with local cuisines.