 The Maharaja of Bharatpur created this spectacular bird sanctuary as a shooting reserve, in 1890. Realizing that the large number of migratory birds that came to this region, in winter, would make good sport he had a large area enclosed with embankments and further divided it with earthen dams called 'bunds' creating a large number of marshes and lakes. Thus, Bharatpur is mainly an artificial creation, with two-thirds of the park under water and the remaining land covered with grasslands and dry deciduous forests.
The government banned the indiscriminate shooting of birds in 1965. Conservation efforts originally started by the ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali received a further impetus when the area was deemed a national park - the Keoladeo Ghana National Park - in March 1982. In 1985, Bharatpur was accepted as a World Heritage Site. It continues to be home to thousands of migratory birds every winter, who are now shot only through the lenses of cameras.
Keoladeo Ghana is also one of the winter homes of the Siberian Crane, and numerous other migratory birds that fly south in winter from Europe and Central Asia. Many species of waterfowl, kingfishers and storks and cranes can be seen here.
The park is open all year round, but winter is the best time to visit. The weather is pleasant and migratory birds are abundant. Bicycles and cycle rickshaws are the best means of transportation within the park. Boat rides can be taken on the lake to see the numerous waterfowl.
This unique sanctuary for birds, is a must visit for avid bird watchers and for those who love nature, traveling on a wildlife tour of India.
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