Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary: The best bird watching experience

In sub-zero temperature conditions, it’s too cold for life and livelihoods in Siberia. But in 20s and 30s (temperature), it feels beautiful and just perfect for a winter sojourn. And the Cranes know this very well. Flying over thousands of kilometers, crossing high mountains, these Cranes reach in warmer regions of central and south Asia. One such destination is Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan.

Apart from the Cranes, it hosts hundreds of other local and migratory birds in the winter- spring season. So, if you are a bird lover, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is the best place for a bird watching experience. Even if you don’t have such affinity to birds, but a nature lover in general, the sanctuary is a lovely place to spend good part of a day. So, let’s see how to explore the sanctuary in order to get the best of your time. {If you love bird sanctuaries, do check out: Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary}

Now officially known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur is only about 50 kilometers from Agra. And the way, one can also stop over at the famous Fatehpur Sikri Monument as well. So, if you are visiting the Taj Mahal, it’s always a great idea to keep an additional day on hand to explore the sanctuary. {To plan your Agra trip, here’s your travel guide: Explore Agra- Taj Mahal}

Keoladeo National Park/ Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary: A fact sheet

Spread over 7100 acres (2873 ha.) of land, Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a hybrid of natural and artificial landscapes. About one-third of the national park is an artificial and regulated wetland. The wetland with swamps, dykes, and grasslands makes the national such a charming place to walk around!

A few facts and figures about the National Park:

To start with, during the British period, it started as a duck shooting reserve in 1899.
After independence, avian expert- Dr. Salim’s Ali’s efforts made it into Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in 1956. (protected sanctuary statue: 1971)
Subsequently, it got inscribed as a Ramsar Site in 1981.
The next year (1982), Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary became Keoladeo National Park.
In 1985, the National Park got a shot in the arm when the UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary: Flora and Fauna

Since Bharatpur is a transition in landscapes- from tropical forests to arid (desert) landscape, it’s a thriving biodiversity. A range of woody plants, grasslands and bushes cover the wetland area all over. Though the sanctuary is known for its birds, it’s also home to more than a hundred species of minor carnivores, mammals, aquatic animals, and reptiles.

{For forest lovers, here’s a further reading option: Kaziranga National Park}

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary boasts of about 370 species of birds, both local and migratory. I’m no bird expert. But after visiting a few bird sanctuaries across India, now I have developed some interest in them. Honestly, I have not seen any other bird sanctuary having more varieties of birds than at Bharatpur. From painted storks to sarus cranes, grey herons, open-bill storks, egrets, it attracts hundreds of beautiful local/ resident bird species. (Since I’m not a bird photographer, I have borrowed a few close-up clicks from fellow photographers; shared below with credits).

However, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary’s claim to fame is its migratory guests from Siberia and Central Asia. Most of them come for wintering purpose, but a small number of them do stay back afterwards too. Among the migratory birds, I love flamingos, pelicans, demoiselle cranes, northern pintails (ducks), eurasian spoonbills, cormorants, herons and bar-headed geese.

Unfortunately, I could never spot a Siberian Crane at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary! But here’s the reason (below).

The Siberian Crane:

Sometime back, the critically endangered Siberian Crane was the star attraction at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Isn’t it a mindboggling fact that these cranes flew over 6500 kilometers crossing high mountains to reach Bharatpur! (To know more, read: Crane Migration}. They typically arrived in October- November and left around March- April. These cranes were last seen in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary way back in the year 2000.

In fact, the whole lot of western Siberian Crane population is feared to be extinct! In spite of conservation efforts, they didn’t survive human activity both in Siberia and their winter grounds- central Asia and India. If you are curious, here’s the story of the conservation effort for the last surviving (western) Siberian Crane: Story of Omid and Roya.

Why birds love Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary?

Food, water, shelter and weather. That is the answer. With abundant food and perfect weather conditions, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is heaven for birds.

Wintering ground for migratory birds: Apart from Siberian Cranes, a more species like Demoiselle Cranes, Northern Pintails, and Common Teals migrate from Siberia for their annual wintering to escape the harsh weather in their home grounds.
Rich biodiversity: Because of its marshy landscape and bushy flora, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary provides the birds with appropriate shelter and abundant food. Not only the sanctuary area, but the peripheral villages with vast areas of farmland, are also good sources of food.
Birds love birds: Since hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds converge at one place, it becomes a comfort and safe place for all of them to flock together.

My many trips to the bird paradise

Fond memories:

We have some fond memories of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. It was July 2013, when we visited the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary for the first time. It was special, because it was our wedding anniversary. Such a good way to spend the day with lovely birds!

Before this visit, I had visited Nalsarovar and Thol bird sanctuaries in Gujarat. Though both these sanctuaries were good places for birds, I found Bharatpur more suitable for that bird watching experience. With cycle rickshaws and bicycles being available to explore the sanctuary, one could leisurely and comfortably spend good part of a day among the birds. Moreover, the number of bird-species and birds was much higher. We just loved that rickshaw ride around the sanctuary and watching the birds in their natural environment, chirping away nonchalantly.

The next year, in February 2014, I got another chance to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary as part of an official retreat. But then Parina and Bablu (cousin) also joined me to stay back for another day and explore the sanctuary better.

Spring time, the most enjoyable:

A decade later, in March 2024, we returned to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary with good friends- Prashant and Prerna (with kids). Perhaps, this was the most enjoyable trip of all, especially because of the weather. During our first visit in July, the weather was hot and humid, not so enjoyable. Since the next visit was in early February, it was a bit too cold for comfort.

However, for the third visit, the weather was just perfect. It was spring time, and temperature hovering around 30s (degree C) was enjoyable. In bright sunshine, we took a e-rickshaw and leisurely explored all the corners of the sanctuary. Having the kids with us also added to the fun.

How to explore Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Best time to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary:

Though one would find a sizable number of birds through out the year, November to March are the peak months. As I said earlier, most migratory birds come here for wintering, so this is the window for watching the most exotic birds at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
Like most bird sanctuaries, early mornings and evenings are the best time to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. I would suggest a morning to evening whole day trip. This will help leisurely explore all the corners of the sanctuary and take good pictures.
Generally, safari timings are 6 AM to 5 PM. But it may vary a bit as per season.

Entry tickets/ Getting around the sanctuary:

Entry fees for Indians: Rs. 75 | For foreigners: Rs. 500.
Fees for carrying a still camera: Rs. 300, and video camera: Rs. 600- 900.
Rent for e-rickshaws (up to 4 persons): Rs. 250/ 90 minutes.
For a slow ride, one can also hire cycle rickshaws for Rs. 800/ 2 hours and Rs. 1200/ 3 hours.
However, if you are planning for good part of a day, I would suggest taking a cycle for Rs. 25/ hour.
And yes, if you love walking, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a paradise. I just love walking around the sanctuary appreciating its beauty and soaking in the serenity.

General Tips for visit:

Carry a good quality binocular for watching the birds closely. You can rent one at the entry gate as well.
And of course, a good camera is a great asset.
Take an umbrella; it will be helpful in walking around during mid-day.
If you are planning for a day, bring some good food and water. Though there’s a cafe inside, it’s not that great! So, keeping your own food will be helpful.
Respect the nature and be careful not to disturb the birds.

Photography Tips:

I’m not a bird photographer. So, I don’t have any technical suggestions; but here are a few general suggestions for photography in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

Choose early morning (sunrise), or early evening (before sunset) to visit the sanctuary. This is the best time to find the maximum number of birds in action. And of course, it’s the golden hour for photography as well.
Wearing outfits of earthy/ natural colours ensures birds are not disturbed by human presence.
Sit still at one place and have patience to get the right frames.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary: Travel Tips

How to reach:

Flight option: Nearest airport to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is at Agra, about 50 kms away. But it may have limited options. So, one may fly to Delhi, and drive from here, about 185 kms away.
Train: Bharatpur has a railway junction. Alternately, one can reach Agra by train and take a bus/ taxi to reach the sanctuary.
By road: Bharatpur is well connected by bus with Agra. Or, one may take a taxi from Agra.

Where to stay:

Budget hotel suggestions: Kiran Villa Palace ||| Regenta Resort ||| Udai Vilas Palace ||| Hotel Celebration ||| Geetanjali Hotel.
Else, one may stay in Agra and visit Bharatpur as a day trip.

Where/ What to eat:

The Courtyard ||| Shahi Rasoi ||| Gulmohar Restaurant ||| Sunbird Restaurant ||| City Spice.
Must try dishes: Dal- Baati- Churma ||| Rajasthani Thali ||| Laal Maans (Mutton) ||| Kachoris.

A concluding note

In many bird sanctuaries, it’s a big effort to watch the birds from close quarters. But not at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. They are all in front of your eyes, all flocking together, as if exhibiting themselves for the visitors! Moreover, since visitors have been coming since a long time, the birds have become comfortable in their presence. Hence, it offers the best bird watching experience in the country.

Plus, the serenity of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary appeals to the heart. Even if one is not a bird lover, visiting the sanctuary will leave a lasting impression on one. For me actually, it was Bharatpur that created an interest in me to know various bird species. Watching them from close quarters was a surreal experience.