Bharatpur National Park

Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur (celebrated globally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, and widely acknowledged by ornithologists as Asia's finest and richest bird sanctuary, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), situated along the Agra Jaipur Highway just 5 km southeast of Bharatpur city center in Rajasthan, is one of the world's premier wildlife and avifauna conservation paradises.

Originally engineered in the mid 18th century by Maharaja Suraj Mal as a 29 sq km artificial wetland and royal duck shooting reserve (created by constructing the Ajan Bund dam to harness floodwaters from the Gambhir and Banganga rivers), this human made mosaic of marshes, woodlands, and scrublands was established as a protected bird sanctuary in 1956, declared a National Park in 1981, and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1985.

It's the home of over 370 recorded species of resident and migratory birds, including massive breeding colonies of painted storks, Eurasian spoonbills, grey herons, oriental darters, sarus cranes, pelicans, and bar headed geese flying across the Himalayas from Siberia, Central Asia, and Tibet, the quiet cycle rickshaw safaris guided by certified local naturalist pullers equipped with powerful binoculars, the ancient Keoladeo Shiva Temple standing in the heart of the reserve, thriving terrestrial wildlife including sambar deer, spotted deer (chital), nilgai, wild boars, golden jackals, smooth coated otters, and massive Indian rock pythons basking at Python Point, and an intensely peaceful nature atmosphere where the symphony of birdcalls and beating of thousands of wings creates an unforgettable safari experience.

It represents a rich Bharatpur wetland conservation legacy, UNESCO Ramsar ecology, and birdwatching tourism where painted stork heronries, cycle rickshaw safaris, Python Point trails, and acacia marshlands unite in Bharatpur National Park.

Located on NH 21 (Agra Jaipur Highway), it sits just 5 km from Bharatpur Junction Railway Station (BTE), 55 km from Agra Airport (AGR), 45 km from Mathura, and 180 km from Jaipur International Airport (JAI), easily accessible by cycle rickshaws, bicycles, electric battery cars, and walking tours.

The Grand Heronries & Himalayan Migratory Birds

During the winter breeding season, the acacia trees rising out of the water become multi tiered nesting colonies for thousands of painted storks, egrets, cormorants, and ibis feeding their chicks.

The wetlands also attract wintering waterfowl from northern latitudes, including bar headed geese that fly over Mount Everest, Northern pintails, garganeys, and common teals.

Truth is, gliding along the paved forest paths on a bicycle as thousands of waterbirds swoop over the marsh is an exhilarating communion with nature.

Eco Friendly Cycle Rickshaw & Bicycle Safaris

Rickshaw Naturalists: To maintain zero pollution, motorized vehicles are strictly banned; trained local cycle rickshaw drivers double as expert birding guides who spot camouflaged owls and raptors with uncanny precision.

Python Point: Along the central trail lies Python Point, where massive 10 to 14 foot Indian rock pythons can be observed emerging from burrows to bask under the warm winter sun.

The Keoladeo Shiva Temple & Wetland Circuit

Keoladeo Shrine: An ancient stone Shiva temple located in the heart of the forest gives the park its official name, serving as a peaceful spiritual midpoint for safari trekkers.

Golden Triangle Stop: Situated halfway between Agra and Jaipur, Keoladeo is an essential eco tourism stop on India's famed Golden Triangle travel circuit.

After touring Keoladeo National Park, visit the invincible ramparts of Lohagarh Fort, offer prayers at Ganga Mandir, or tour the 400 year-old Laxmana Temple.