Just 176 kms from Delhi is a very special wilderness - the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the finest water-bird sanctuaries in the world. The 28.73 sq km lake and wetland was artificially created by the Maharaja of Bharatpur in the 19th century. By building small dykes and dams and diverting water from an irrigation canal, he converted this low lying area into a fine wild fowl shooting preserve. In a few years,the new wetland surrounded by marginal forests was able to support thousands of water-birds.
Commonly referred to as Bharatpur, the Park is a delight for bird watchers.Over 300 species of birds are found here and raised paths, camouflaged by babul trees and undergrowth make viewing easy. A quiet ride by boat in the early hours of the morning is also an unforgettable experience. There are mixed heronries on the half submerged babul trees and the cacophony is unbelievable as painted storks, open bills, spoon bills, egrets, cormorants,white ibis and multitudes of others, tend their young. Jacanas with theiriridescent colours and elegant tail feathers and purple moorhen can be seen delicately treading over the floating vegetation. While harriers and fishing eagles circle overhead in search of prey, the pied kingfisher hovers dramatically over the water in a flurry of wings. There are varieties of storks and cranes and the local sarus crane is elegant in a livery of grey and red.
Every year Bharatpur waits with bated breath for the arrival of the Siberiancranes. There are only two wintering places for this rare species one in Iran and other in Bharatpur. These beautiful birds with their distinctivered beaks and facial patches, fly over 6400 km from their summer retreats in Siberia.
The forest around the lake at Bharatpur harbours the sambar, chital,nilgai, jackal, hyena, fox, mongoose and porcupine. Occasionally, a fishing cat can be seen scooping its prey from waters edge. Pythons are also commonly seen sunning themselves along the edge of the paths or at Python point.
General Information : » Best time to Visit - Throughout the year
» Breeding season - August - October
» Migrants - October - February
» Accommodation - Forest Lodge, Saras Tourist Bungalow, Forest Rest House
» Nearest town - Bharatpur (2 Km)
» How to get there ? Rail - Bharatpur (2Km) Air -Agra ( 50 Km)
The picturesque Siliserh Lake lies alongthe edge of the Saris ka Tiger Reserve and a charming hunting lodge overlooking it, is a marvellous place for visitors to stay. The drydeciduous forests of the ancient Aravalli range are excellent tiger countryand Sariska was once of the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwar. Declared asanctuary in 1955, it became a Tiger Reserve in 1979 under project Tiger.Herds of sambar, chital, nilgai and sounders of wild boar - the prey population for predators like the tiger and leopard, roam the 765.80 sq. km.Reserve. Other carnivores include the hyena, jungle cat, and caracal.Interestingly enough, the dhole or wild dog has been sighted in the Parkonly in the last few years. The park has hides carefully located near thewater holes. These afford fine opportunities for viewing and photographing wildlife.
Splendid ruins scattered in the vicinity of Sariska give it an added interest. The Neelkanth temples (6th-13th century AD) are just 32 km. From the Park and the historic Kankwari Fort inside the Reserve, is where the Emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh. A splendid palace complex built in 1902, with a 'French' pavilion and swimming pool, is now ahotel.
General Information : » Best time to Visit - October to June
» Accommodation - Tiger Den, Hotel Lake Palace,Sariska Palace Hotel, Forest Rest Houses
» Nearest town - Alwar (21 Km)
» How to get there ? Rail - Alwar (21Km), Air -Jaipur (108 Km)
