Bharatpur is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Once a princely state of Rajputana, Bharatpur has earned worldwide recognition as one of the finest birdwatching destinations in the world. The incredible diversity of birdlife and wildlife makes it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Known as the "Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan," Bharatpur enjoys a strategic location close to Delhi and Agra, making it a popular weekend getaway and an essential stop on the Golden Triangle Tour circuit.
The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is undoubtedly the city's most famous attraction. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 370 species of birds, more than 370 species of flowering plants, numerous species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, turtles, mammals, and countless invertebrates, making it one of India's richest ecosystems. Visitors can explore the park through cycle rickshaws, bicycles, walking trails, or guided safaris, offering an immersive wildlife experience. Beyond the sanctuary, Bharatpur also boasts several historical attractions, including Bharatpur Palace, Lohagarh Fort, the Government Museum, Deeg Palace, Ganga Mandir, and many other architectural landmarks.
Birdwatchers from across the globe visit Bharatpur to witness its extraordinary avian diversity. Resident species include Painted Storks, White Ibises, Darters, Spoonbills, Black-necked Storks, Comb Ducks, and the elusive Spotted Creeper. During winter, the wetlands come alive with thousands of migratory ducks, including Ferruginous Ducks, Lesser Whistling Ducks, Red-crested Pochards, and Spot-billed Ducks. The park also welcomes White Pelicans, Dalmatian Pelicans, Common Cranes, and the magnificent Sarus Crane, one of the tallest flying birds in the world.
Keoladeo National Park was once renowned as the winter refuge of the critically endangered Siberian Crane, although sightings have become extremely rare in recent decades. The park remains one of India's best places to observe birds of prey, including the Steppe Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Tawny Eagle, and Greater Spotted Eagle, along with several species of vultures. Rare birds such as the Orange-headed Thrush, Dusky Warbler, Marshall's Iora, and Large-tailed Nightjar are also found here. Besides its remarkable birdlife, the sanctuary shelters Blackbuck, Nilgai, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Indian Smooth-coated Otters, Fishing Cats, Indian Pythons, Softshell Turtles, Rhesus Macaques, and many other fascinating wildlife species.
One of the most unique experiences in Bharatpur is exploring the national park on a traditional cycle rickshaw, often accompanied by experienced local guides who are exceptionally skilled at spotting birds and wildlife. Visitors can also choose cycling or walking trails to enjoy the park's peaceful surroundings and observe nature up close, making Bharatpur one of India's finest destinations for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and eco-tourism.
