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Due to its diverse topography and great climatic variations, India boasts of being one of the richest nations in the world as far as floral and animal diversity is concerned. The amazing beauty and range of plants, mammals, reptiles and butterflies in the country has never failed to captivate the imagination of a true nature lover. The country is especially a paradise for birdwatchers as it has some of the most rare species of birds that are endemic only to India. The best place to observe the avian wonders is the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, India. Bharatpur Brilliance The Keoladeo Ghana National Park, India is more popularly known as the Bharatpur bird sanctuary and has been attracting large number of the winged wonders since the 19th century. Bharatpur bird sanctuary is actually a man made estuary or lake, which consists of several small islands and marshes. This habitat provides the perfect refuge for the birds as they can find abundant food and roosting places. This estuary was created by the Maharajas of Bharatpur and was their hunting ground for several years. Almost two-thirds of Bharatpur is covered with water and marshes while the one-third area is covered with thorny and scrub forest. The total area of Bharatpur is 232 sq.kms and was declared as a bird sanctuary in 1956. However, with the huge bird congregations taking place in Bharatpur, it became a National Park in 1981. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park, India is the best place for birdwatching in India, especially during the winter months of November to February. This period coincides with the migratory period of a large number of birds that flock from Europe and Siberia to escape the bitter cold in those areas. Hence, the park is then filled with the calls of lakhs of birds battling against each other over food and roosting. The park boasts of exotic and rare bird species like the Common Cranes, Demoiselle Cranes, Painted Storks, various types of ducks and even raptors like Crested Serpent eagle, the Short toed Eagle and the Steppes eagle. Bharatpur has an enviable bird count of 380 resident and migratory species of birds, which is unbelievable by all means. Bharatpur is also a great place to see jackal, hyena, python, fishing cat and wildcat. Keoladeo Ghana National Park, India is like a pilgrimage site for most of the true birdwatchers and a visit to this sanctuary is a must.
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