Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary: Bird-spotter’s Paradise

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary located in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is considered to be among the world’s best bird sanctuaries. The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is also unique in that it has a very detailed history behind its creation. Most national parks and bird sanctuaries in India have been created from erstwhile royal hunting grounds, and the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is no different.

The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary came about owing to the efforts of the royalty of the state who wished to control the annual floods that would devastate the region. For this purpose, the royalty of Bharatpur ordered the construction of an earthen dam (Ajan Dam) and numerous other such works such as small dams, dykes, sluice gates, etc. This led to a unique ecosystem, which became the Maharaja’s hunting ground. Hunting was prohibited in the region in the mid-1960s, and the region was certified as a bird sanctuary in 1982. In 1985, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a bird-spotter’s paradise and is home to a wide variety of resident and migratory bird species.

Places to visit in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

There are many places definitely worth visiting in the immediate vicinity of the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

• Of these, perhaps the most prominent and popular is the Bharatpur Govenment Museum which is dedicated to the history of Bharatpur’s eventful royalty.
• In the vicinity of the sanctuary and the museum are the Bharatpur Palace (the residence of Bharatpur’s royalty which is also an excellent piece of architecture combining both Mughal and Rajput styles) and the Lohagarh Fort (a mighty fort that remained unconquerable, even for the great British Empire).
• Another attraction that is worth visiting is Deeg Palace, which is situated a mere 32 kms away. The summer resort of Bharatpur’s royalty, Deeg Palace is actually a strong fortress that is home to many lovely palaces, houses and gardens.
• Further, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is located in the vicinity of the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur Golden Triangle, and boasts of excellent rail and road connectivity. Thus, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is at most a few hours away from some of India’s best tourist destinations including wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife reserves and wildlife parks.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine

• Languages: Hindi and English are widely spoken in the region surrounding the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, and as such communication should not be a problem.
• Cuisine: Cuisine, however, would largely be local. 
• Wildlife photography and camping are highly recommended.

Many tour operators in India offer package wildlife tours and wildlife safaris for Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. As with any wild bird sanctuary, binoculars are an absolute must.

Best time to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary lies in the desert state of Rajasthan. Here, the variations in summer and winter temperature and in maximum and minimum temperature are quite high. Therefore, it is suggested that one avoid visiting the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary during the peak summer months. The best time to visit the Ranthambore National Park is between the months of August and November (when the weather is extremely pleasant and the resident birds can be easily spotted) and the months October and February (when the migratory birds from regions far and wide make a stop at the sanctuary).

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary- Getting there

• By Air: Agra, located 56 kms, away is the airport nearest to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
• By Rail: Bharatpur, located a mere 6 kms away, is the nearest and most convenient railhead. Bharatpur is well-connected to almost all major regional cities and towns including Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Mathura, etc.
• By Road: The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is well connected to all the important cities in the region.

Accommodation

Hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are available to suit all budgets. The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary abounds in family holiday resorts and wildlife resorts. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via package Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary tours.