Keoladeo National Park is situated in the state of Rajastan, 50 km west of Agra on the way to Jaipur. There is a Railway Station at Bharatpur and also the buses run regularly from Agra charging only some 30 INR. The entrance to the park is 200 INR, the fee is to be paid every time when entering the park.
The National park is:
· A place of a halt and dispersal for migratory birds that winter in the Indian subcontinent.
· A refuge for several threatened species of birds (375 species), mammals (27), reptiles and insects.
· The only wintering ground in India for Siberian Cranes (winter 2001-2 one pair)
The area used to be a hunting ground for Maharajas for a couple of centuries. Most of the lakes and ponds are manmade. The record bag was hunted 12th November 1938 when a shooting party, headed by Viceroy of India Lord Curzon, shot 4273 birds. In 1985 the park was declared as a World Heritage site.
There were a great number of birds, especially waterfowl, when I visited the park in November 2001. The area is relatively small, 29 sq Km. There are a number of tracks suitable for bicycles (can be rented at the gate of park or from the hotels and guesthouses, also bicycle rickshaws can be rented) and cycling is the best way to move around. Cars are only allowed in the main road inside the park.
Especially when moving around during the early hours and just before the dusk the chances to see different mammals are the best: The Blue Bull, Spotted Deer and Sambar Deer can be seen, the deer sometimes in big groups. Most of the visitors stay in the main road, but the best spots are a bit aside and there you can have your own peace and quiet. Jackals are common and you have also a fair change to see a Python (especially when having a guide who knows the “snake holes”).
At the Park gate there are a number of enthusiastic “guides” offering “the best tour for the best price”. However their knowledge varies a lot – if you are lucky you’ll get a brilliant one, but if not… It’s a good idea, if spending a bit more time at the park, hiring a guide for the first excursion and after that when knowing the tracks and the area, just “do-it-yourself”.
There are a number of accommodations available in the neighborhood: I paid 150 INR for a night. They also rent bicycles, binoculars and make you some sandwiches to take-a-way; there is no restaurant in the park.
I found out this park to be a real “oasis” in India, with huge number of ducks and geese. It was a peaceful stop for relaxation with plenty of animals to see.
For further info: Keodaleo National Park
Bharatpur – 321 001,
Rajasthan
Tel: (05644) 22777
Courtesy of Timo Majasaari