Bharatpur Tourism: Hotels, Reviews, Packages, Photos, Maps, Experience, Itinerary

The town of Bharatpur in Rajasthan is synonymous with the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, India's most famous bird sanctuary. A convenient driving distance from Delhi (5 hours) and close to Mathura, Bharatpur is a nice weekend getaway. The marshy wetland was once the hunting grounds for the Rajasthan maharajas and British sahibs. Now it is the protected home of thousands of water birds both local and migratory. In winters you see an amazing variety of ducks, geese, storks, pelicans, flamingos that have flown in from distant countries. Unfortunately the famous Siberian Crane is coming no longer since the past 3 or 4 years. There are a number of hotels of all budgets in the outskirts of the park. The tradition is to hire cycles or cycle-rickshaws and tour the park. The rickshaw wallahs are very knowledgeable birdmen and give you a running commentary. Of course you should take your binoculars and a good bird book along.