Koladeo Ghana National Park - Bharatpur, India

In earlier times birds migrated from central Asia, heading south to spend the winter in Bharatpur. When he heard of this, the Maharaja of Bharatpur created this spectacular bird sanctuary as a shooting reserve, in 1890. Realizing that the large number of migratory birds that holidayed to this region, in winter, would make good sport, he had a large area enclosed with embankments and further divided it with earthen dams called 'bunds' creating a large number of marshes and lakes. Thus, Bharatpur is mainly an artificial creation, with two-thirds of the park under water and the remaining land covered with grasslands and dry deciduous forests.

The government banned the indiscriminate shooting of birds in 1965. Conservation efforts originally started by the ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali received a further impetus when the area was deemed a national park - the Koladeo Ghana National Park - in March 1982. In 1985, Bharatpur was accepted as a World Heritage Site. It continues to be home to thousands of migratory birds, which continue to holiday south every winter, are now shot only through the lenses of cameras.

Koladeo Ghana is also one of the winter homes of the Siberian Crane, and numerous other migratory birds that holiday south in winter from Europe and Central Asia. Many species of waterfowl, kingfishers and storks and cranes can also be seen here.

The park is open all year round, but winter is the best time to visit. The weather is pleasant and migratory birds are abundant. Bicycles and cycle rickshaws are the best means of holiday within the park. Boat rides can be taken on the lake to see the numerous waterfowl.

This unique sanctuary for birds, is a must visit for avid bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, many of whom come on holiday from different parts of the world, to observe the birds who live in this unique wildlife sanctuary in India. A visit to Bharatpur is a truly unforgettable Incredible India Wildlife holiday.