Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Saras Crane, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Keoladeo National Park popularly called Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan is among the top rated bird sanctuaries of India and the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. About 29 sq. km of dry and wet grass-land is home to a large variety of resident as well as flocks of migratory birds especially during winters. It is located just a bit off the most popular tourist triangle of Agra - Jaipur - Delhi and hence visited by a large number of visitors. Saras Crane is the tallest flying bird in world and measures about 6 ft. in height and a wing-span of about 2.5 meters. According to our cycle-rickshaw driver cum guide, spotting them at Bharatpur is considered lucky for you. They are always seen in pairs, monogamous and are known to fast to death if the companion loses life. As of now, they are vulnerable and considered endangered species. This bird could well be a pride of India.

Black Winged Kite, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

A look up the dry branches of the trees one may be able to spot the Black Winged Kite watching over you and the peafowls during sunrise/sunset as they fly up and park their for safety.

Pathways, Bhartpur Bird Sanctuary

A typical tree lined raised walking path besides the low lying wet lands is a delight. It helps cover the entire sanctuary on foot or on cycle rickshaw for bird watchers and photography enthusiasts who can easily spend a day here.

White-throated Kingfisher, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Birds and Buterflies can be seen closely while they are at relative comfort and feel safe with people and their cameras. 

Mating Butterflies, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Indian Fox, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Scavengers like the Fox can be seen often crossing the path and assessing the men intruding into their territories, like this one did.

Purple Heron in-flight, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Pied Kingfishers in-flight, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Variety of Herons, Kingfishers, Cormorants, Eagles, Kites, Parakeets, Pigeons, Cranes, Stilts, Lapwings, Storks, Woodpeckers, Owls, Wagtails, Waterhens, Moorhens, Swamphens, Bulbuls, Babblers, Doves, Duck's, Egrets, Ibis, Pelicans can be seen here. It helps to carry a field guide on Indian birds to identify them, specially different species of the same bird. 

Male Nilgai, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Nilgai's are the common antelopes and cab be seen at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary relishing the lush green grass of the low lying wetlands. Females are brownish colored, without horns and seen in small group with juveniles. Males are dark greyish in color with sharp small horns mostly seen alone.

Crested Serpent Eagle, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

The dozen odd parakeets were not happy with the presence of this resting Crested Serpent Eagle on their nesting tree and were making loud shrill noise to disturb and nudge it away. The eagle first flared the crest to look larger, an opportunity to photograph, before it got disturbed by the noise and flew away.

Lesser Whistling Ducks, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Some man made small islands can be seen inhabited by hundreds of ducks, cormorants and egrets enjoying a sun bath after the cold winter nights. There are several such islands in the sanctuary where ducks are seen in frenzied flapping and squawking away to glory. 

Indian Pond Heron, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Overall it is a must visit place, for bird enthusiasts it is a like a pilgrimage that they must visit every year.