The park was originally a hunting reserve for the Maharajas of Bharatpur until it was designated a national park in 1981.
It is one of the few places in India that provides a habitat for the endangered fishing cat.
The park's water is supplied primarily by the Ajan Bund, a shallow reservoir created by an earthen dam.
The sanctuary was formerly a natural depression that was intentionally flooded to provide a habitat for waterfowl.
It remains one of the most important wintering grounds for the Siberian Crane, although sightings have become extremely rare in recent decades.
The park exhibits a unique man-made ecosystem that has evolved into a self-sustaining wetland through centuries of management.
The park is home to a diverse population of pythons, particularly around the Keoladeo temple area.
Water levels are carefully regulated throughout the year to maintain specific habitats for nesting and migratory species.
Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a man-made wetland of international importance. It serves as a critical wintering ground for thousands of migratory birds, including the rare Siberian Crane. The park spans approximately 29 square kilometers, characterized by a mosaic of marshes, grasslands, and woodland habitats. It was created in the 18th century by the Maharaja of Bharatpur, who diverted water from the Ajan Bund to create the wetland ecosystem. The park acts as a natural buffer against floods for the surrounding regions and supports over 370 bird species. It is a Ramsar site, recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and functioning as a complex water-management system. The environment supports a diverse population of mammals, including nilgai, sambar, chital, and feral cattle. The ecosystem relies on controlled water flooding managed through a series of sluices and earthen bunds.
The elevated paths along the main central lake area provide panoramic views of the water birds.
Hire a rickshaw puller who is a trained bird guide; they know the best locations to spot specific species.
Bring high-quality binoculars, as most wildlife sightings occur at a distance within the dense vegetation.
Avoid bright, flashy clothing; earth tones are recommended to minimize disturbance to the birds.
Avoid visiting during the peak summer heat when many migratory birds have departed and the heat makes walking uncomfortable.
The core wetland area may see water management fluctuations; peak birding season is winter.
Maintain silence, do not feed wildlife, and stay on designated paths to avoid disturbing nesting sites.
