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Bharatpur
Bird Sanctuary
The Keoladeo Ghana National Park earlier known as Bharatpur bird sanctuary
is situated in the town Bharatpur in the north Indian state of Rajasthan.
The park covers an area of 29 sq.km and in the year 1981 it was given
the status of a national park. This park is known for its bird species
including a number of migrants from Siberia and Central Asia. The
park derives its name from an ancient temple dedicated to lord Shiva
in the sanctuary and the term 'Ghana' means dense which refers to
its thick forest.
Wildlife Attraction in the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
The Flora :
More than 300 species of birds are found in this small wildlife park
of 29-sq-kms of which 11-sq-kms are marshes and the rest scrubland
and grassland. Keoladeo, the name derives from an ancient Hindu temple,
devoted to Lord Shiva, which stands at the centre of the park. 'Ghana'
means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to cover the
area.
The Fauna :
The
animals that can be seen in the park include the Tiger, Leopard, Sambhar,
Chital, Nilgai, four-horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Rhesus Macaque, Langur,
Hyena and Jungle Cats. There are also a large number of Gharials found
in the park that reside in the Siliserh Lake, on the edge of the park.
The Birds :
Birds
are the prime attraction for the visitors in this park. It is one
of the best places in the world to see birds. Around 350 species of
birds, both resident and migratory, can be seen in this park. The
most popular and awaited guest of the park is the highly endangered
Siberian Cranes. The bird is known to fly to just two destinations
in winters, viz., Iran and Bharatpur. The birds arrive in December
and stay comfortably till the early days of March. Other birds that
form a major attraction in the park include Pelicans, Geese, Ducks,
Ibises, Egrets, Eagles, Hawks, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings,
Larks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails and Pipits
The Reptiles:
A wide variety of reptiles can also be found in the Bharatpur National
Park. Visitors can get to see the large Python lazing in the warmth
of the sun rays.
In & Around Bharatpur :
Within the park area lies the Kankwari fort, where Aurangzeb was
once imprisoned by his brother. There are also the Neelkanth Temples,
that are now in a dilapidated condition. However, they are still
worth visiting. Outside the park, there is the Sariska palace, which
has now been converted into a heritage hotel.

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