Keoladeo National Park

Keoladeo National Park In Rajasthan, India

Keoladeo National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a renowned wildlife sanctuary located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning approximately 29 square kilometers, the park is famous for its rich biodiversity, particularly its role as a crucial wintering ground for numerous migratory birds, including the rare and endangered Siberian crane.

Originally developed as a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Bharatpur, the area was later designated as a protected sanctuary in 1971 and eventually declared a national park in 1982. The park gets its name from the ancient Keoladeo Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is situated within its premises. Comprising wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands, This hosts over 370 species of birds, making it one of the most significant birdwatching destinations in the world.

Apart from avian species like painted storks, sarus cranes, pelicans, and Indian cormorants, the park is also home to a variety of mammals, including nilgai (blue bull), sambar deer, wild boars, jackals, and mongoose. Reptiles such as pythons and turtles can also be spotted in the park’s diverse ecosystem.

Visitors can explore the park through walking trails, cycle rickshaws, bicycles, or even boat rides during the monsoon season when the wetlands are at their fullest. Keoladeo National Park is not only a paradise for birdwatchers but also an important ecological site that plays a vital role in conservation and wetland management, offering a serene escape into nature while highlighting the need to preserve such fragile ecosystems for future generations.