Discover India's Wild Heritage
Explore the diverse ecosystems and magnificent wildlife across India's national parks
Explore ParksExplore the diverse ecosystems and magnificent wildlife across India's national parks
Explore ParksThe Bird Paradise of India
Rajasthan
Image: Henna Rakheja / CC BY-SA 4.0Welcome to Keoladeo National Park! Use the resources below to plan your adventure in one of India's most treasured wild spaces.
Safaris, bird watching, nature walks, and more
Safari timings, open seasons, and park schedules
Entry fees, safari charges, and camera fees
How to reach by air, rail, and road
Official booking links, permits, and offline reservation guidance
Nearby stays, forest rest houses, and booking resources
Use Rajasthan forest channels for current ticketing and permit rules, or confirm at the Bharatpur entry gate before visiting.
This link opens Booking.com, a third-party site.
This is one of India's most accessible national parks. The terrain is flat and the paths are well-maintained. Cycle-rickshaws are the primary transport and can accommodate most visitors. The park entrance is accessible. Visitors who cannot cycle or walk can comfortably explore by rickshaw.
Keoladeo National Park (formerly the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is one of the world's most important bird breeding and feeding grounds, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. This compact wetland was originally a duck hunting ground for the Maharajas of Bharatpur — a single hunt in 1938 reportedly yielded 4,273 birds. Today, the park is a haven for over 350 species of birds, including massive colonies of nesting herons, storks, and cormorants during the monsoon. In winter, migratory birds arrive from as far as Siberia, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. Despite its small size, Keoladeo punches far above its weight as one of India's most rewarding wildlife experiences.
| Season | Morning Safari | Evening Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Oct - Feb) | 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Continuous — full day access |
| Summer (Mar - Sep) | 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Continuous — full day access |
The park is open continuously during operating hours — no separate morning/evening slots. Cycle-rickshaws and bicycles are the main mode of transport inside. Motorized vehicles are not allowed beyond the gate. Boat rides available when water levels permit.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee (Indian) | INR 75 per person |
| Entry Fee (Foreigner) | INR 500 per person |
| Cycle-Rickshaw | INR 300 - 500 per trip (4 hours) |
| Bicycle Hire | INR 50 per day |
| Naturalist Guide | INR 400 - 800 per trip |
| Boat Ride | INR 100 per person (when available) |
Hiring a naturalist guide is highly recommended — they know exactly where to find specific species and carry spotting scopes. Cycle-rickshaw drivers are knowledgeable but a dedicated birding guide provides a far superior experience.
Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 321001
27.1594° N, 77.5226° E
Nearest airport is Agra (55 km, 1 hour). Jaipur Airport (185 km, 3 hours) has more flight options. Delhi IGI (190 km, 3.5 hours) is the closest international airport.
Bharatpur Junction is directly connected to Delhi (3 hours), Agra (1 hour), and Jaipur (4 hours) by regular trains. The station is just 5 km from the park gate. Very convenient.
On NH-44, 55 km from Agra, 185 km from Jaipur, 190 km from Delhi. Excellent road connectivity. State buses and private taxis from all major cities.
Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws from Bharatpur station to the park gate (5 km). Inside the park: cycle-rickshaws (most popular), bicycles, or walking. No motorized vehicles allowed inside.
Dry grasslands, scrub woodland, swamp forest, and open wetlands. Dominant trees include Babul (Acacia nilotica), Kadamb, and Jamun. The wetland vegetation includes Typha, Paspalum, and various sedges. Exotic Prosopis juliflora is invasive and managed.
Over 350 bird species make this one of the world's richest bird areas. Key species include Painted Stork (thousands nesting), Sarus Crane, Spoonbill, White Ibis, and various herons and egrets. Winter migrants include Siberian Crane (historically), Common Crane, and numerous ducks. Also home to nilgai, sambar, jungle cats, fishing cats, and Indian pythons.
The wetlands were originally created in the 1760s by the Maharajas of Bharatpur through a system of canals and sluice gates. For nearly 200 years, it served as a royal duck hunting preserve — hosting extravagant shoots for British viceroys and Indian royalty. A record 4,273 birds were shot in a single day in 1938 by Lord Linlithgow's party. The area became a bird sanctuary in 1956, a national park in 1982, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The Siberian Crane was the park's most famous winter visitor, but it has not been spotted since 2002, likely due to hunting along its migration route.
