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Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a must visit destination for birdwatchers who buy tickets on flights landing in India. It is home to numerous birds, plants and animal species. During winters, migratory birds flock here from Serbia and areas in Central Asia.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, an eminent UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a world renowned birding ground located in the Rajasthan, one of the largest states in India. The notable national park serves as home to an array of endemic bird and animal species. Every year numerous migratory birds flock at this 250 years old manmade wetland which is among the oldest reserves in India and has also been added to the elite list of Ramsar Wetland, an international treaty established to conserve wetlands. Officially, the sanctuary is known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park and birders disembarking their flights at Delhi International Airport can reach here in around three hours via Yamuna Express Way. To explore the magnificence of this protected area, travellers need to buy entry tickets from the designated counters. Read on to know why animal lovers and birdwatchers book India bound flights to visit this reserve in large numbers.
When to Visit!
The sanctuary welcomes wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists all through the year. However, those craving to capture the captivating view of the resident birds like Saras Cranes, Indian Peafowl, Cotton Pygmy Goose and Woodpecker should seek availability of air tickets from August to November whereas migratory species such as Painted Storks, Pelicans, Common Teal and Green Sandpiper can be sighted between October and February. Avid explorers also consider planning night tours to get a glimpse of species like Owls, Night Herons and Bitterns. Birders yearning to take a look at herons in particular should make reservations on flights arriving in India to visit Mansarover and Hansarover marshes that are known as the most significant areas in the world to observe herons.
How to Reach!
This protected area is well connected by rail as well as road. Tourists can add a unique experience to their travel diaries while enjoying train journey to Bharatpur. The city features a railhead that ensures connectivity with major cities in India such as Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Mumbai. Travellers buying train tickets to get down at Bharatpur Junction can reach the protected area in less than 20 minutes. Those who don’t want to wait for connecting flights can hire a taxi from Delhi and drive to this world heritage site.
What to See!
- Birds
Undoubtedly, avifauna is the main highlight of Keoladeo and is one of the most sought after destinations not only in India but in the entire world to spot native as well as migratory birds that flock from Central Asian countries and Siberia. Numerous ornithologists buy entry tickets especially to take a look at land birds such as Grey Hornbill, Partridges and Babblers and predators like eagles and hawks.
- Animals
The wilderness of the sanctuary offers residence to numerous animals and few of these species are on the verge of extinction. Wildlife enthusiasts boarding flights arriving in North India prefer to spend some time here to take a closer look at Fishing Cats, Spotted Deer and Black Buck.
- Vegetation
The rich flora of the reserve mainly comprises of tropical dry deciduous forest. However, while strolling around, visitors would also come across dry grassland and marshes. The woodland is home to indigenous plant species that are colloquially known as babul, jamun and ber.
The national park is peppered with well maintained treks that offer an opportunity to the visitors to explore the surroundings on foot or in a cycle rickshaw.
Nearby Attractions
Holidaymakers who spend monies on tickets aboard flights arriving in India to visit Keoladeo should also consider visiting the historical attractions located in the close proximity. Lohagarh Fort or Iron Fort is one such site and is said to be among the strongest fortresses ever built in India. One can buy admission tickets to take a closer look at the majestic collection of monuments. Other worth mentioning sites in this part of the Rajasthan are Deeg Palace, Government Museum and Bharatpur Palace.