Morning birding at Keoladeo, then the palaces
Keoladeo, also called Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a shallow wetland of about 29 square km created by the rulers of Bharatpur for duck shoots and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In winter it holds painted storks, spoonbills, pelicans, bar-headed geese and many ducks, along with sambar, nilgai and the occasional jackal. Water levels vary by year, so check current status before you travel.
Cars are not allowed beyond the gate. We hire a licensed cycle rickshaw driver, many of whom are skilled birders, and a naturalist, and move slowly along the main dyke for three to four hours. The early light over the water and the noise of the heronries make the dawn start worth it.
After a late breakfast we drive 22 km back to Fatehpur Sikri, reaching the palaces around midday, when winter sun is welcome, and continue to Agra by late afternoon. The day also works in reverse for travellers coming from Jaipur, with a night in Bharatpur.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When is the best time to see birds at Keoladeo?
November to February, when migrant ducks, geese and waders arrive and the resident painted storks and herons are nesting. Water levels depend on that year's monsoon and canal releases, which can thin the birdlife in dry years. Mornings from sunrise to about 10 am are best. Check current status before you travel.
How do you get around Keoladeo National Park?
Private vehicles stop at the entrance. Inside, you travel by licensed cycle rickshaw, bicycle, electric vehicle or on foot along raised dykes. Rickshaw drivers are trained by the park and many know the birds well, so a rickshaw with a naturalist is the most comfortable way to cover the main areas.
Is Keoladeo in Uttar Pradesh?
No, Keoladeo is in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, just across the state border. It is about 22 km from Fatehpur Sikri and 55 km from Agra, so it is easy to combine with a stay in Agra. Rajasthan's entry rules and fees apply, and your car needs a state permit, which our drivers carry.
Also in Fatehpur Sikri
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