Bharathpur : 8 Jan 2019 to 11 Jan 2019
Keoladeo Ghana Sanctuary , Bharathpur, Rajasthan
This park is situated in the town of Bharathpur. This is about 165 Km from New Delhi and 150 Km from Jaipur.
History:
The Keoladeo National Park came into existence 250 years ago and was named after the Keoladeo Temple located in its enclosure. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. From 1726 to 1763, Maharaja Suraj Mal was the ruler of Bharathpur. He built the Ajan Bund at the confluence of Banganga and Gambhir, the two rivers of that area. Due to this, the area remained flooded as it was a natural depression. Traditionally, since 1850, the maharajas of Bharathpur used this park as a hunting ground and annual duck-shoots were conducted in the honour of British viceroys. It remained a private duck-shooting preserve of the maharajas of Bharathpur. On 13 March 1976, the area was demarked as a bird sanctuary. On 10 March 1982 the place was set up as a national park. The Keoladeo National Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985 under the World Heritage Convention.
About the Park:
The park is 29 sq km consists of wetlands, dry grass woods, woodlands and woodland swamps. It is essentially a series of manmade ponds separated by walkways. The park is house to more than 300 bird species, about 40 Mammals and large number of Amphibians, Fish and Reptiles
The main mode of transportation inside the park is by Cycle Rickshaw. This can be hired at the ticket counter.
One can also walk or Use Cycles to move around the park
Motorised vehicles are allowed till a point called Shanti Kutir gate a buffer zone about 3 Km from main gate but not into the main park
Some areas of the park are also covered by Boats but this is seasonal and depends on water level .
Park Attractions
The main attraction to the park is Sarus Crane (Grus antigone). This bird breeds here and various behaviors of the bird like Nesting, Mating rituals, chick rearing etc. can be observed in close quarters.
This park also attracts various Ducks like Red crested Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, Tufted Duck, and nearly all Dabbling Ducks like Pintail, Shoveler, Mallard, etc.
The Shell ducks and Whistling ducks are regulars here along with Storks like Painted stork, Black necked stork and spoonbills
A lot of Owl species like spotted owlet, Indian Scops Owl and Dusky eagle owl can be seen here.
The park also attracts a lot of Raptors like Eagles, Marsh Harriers and buzzards
This park hosts a large number of birds for their breeding and in the breeding season the whole park is covered with nests and sounds of the young birds calling out for food
The park also has a lot of Mammal species like Nilgai, Sambar deer, Jackals etc.
The park has a large number of snake species, the prominent one being the Indian Rock Python and Water Monitor Lizard
But the most important aspect for a Bird photographer about the Park is the Light. I have personally not found such a beautiful Light to photograph the birds. The bunds are Placed such that they are East or West of walkways….hence a photographer has the opportunity to shoot the birds with and against light. Lot of points in the Bunds have become designated points to shoot the birds against Sunset here.
How to reach Bharathpur
Air: Nearest Airport is New Delhi and Jaipur
Railway Station: Bharathpur
Road: From New delhi via Mathura about 160 Km, From Jaipur about 175 Km
Park Timing:
Open on all days of the year
Summer: 6:00 am to 6:00 Pm
Winter: 6:30 am to 6:00 pm
Recommended Season:
The park offers various opportunities to observe the behaviour of the wildlife here
The Migrant birds arrive in October and are usually present till March hence it is called the Season for Bharathpur
The breeding season for Herons, Spoonbill, Storks, Cormorant is July-September
The best time to do Photography here is EVERYDAY.
Park Fees: (they are subject to revision by authorities, Kindly check them before planning a trip)
Entry fee
- For Indians : Rs. 50
- For Non-Indians : Rs. 250
Camera Fee:
- No fee for Still camera ( DSLRS, point and Shoot)
- For Video Cameras Rs. 200
Other Recommended Areas
One can combine the visit to park with a Visit to Chambal Sanctuary. This is a sanctuary on the Chambal River about 125 Km from Bharathpur.
National Chambal Sanctuary spread across a sprawling landscape of 635 sq km, is a Tristate sanctuary lying in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and also Rajasthan. The sanctuary supports the highest population of some critically endangered species such as the Gharial (crocodile), the red-crowned roof turtle and our national aquatic animal, the Gangetic dolphins. The sparkling waters of Chambal River circulate within this sanctuary through ravines and beside the hills, creating an impeccable view of the wild. Motor boats take the tourists around the sanctuary. Eco-tourism by foot is also possible,
The main attraction here is the Indian Skimmer found only in fresh water areas.
How to reach Bharatpur
Air: Nearest Airport is Jaipur or Delhi
Railway Station: Bharathpur . The trains are available from New Delhi.
Road: From Jaipur about 150 Km, From Delhi about 175Km.
Tour plan, cost and conditions:
The tour starts on 8th January at 3 PM and ends on 11th January at 5 pm.
There will be 7 safaris in this tour
- One on 8th January
- Two on 9thJanuary
- Two on 10thJanuary
- Two on 11thJanuary
The morning safari starts at 6:30 am when the park opens and goes on till 11:00 am
The afternoon safari starts at 3:30 pm and ends at 6:00Pm when park closes.
The tour cost per person is Rs.27,000-/- ( Rupees Twenty Seven thousand only)
This cost includes
- Lodging :
- Stay for 3 nights
- Air-conditioned accommodation on twin sharing basis.
- Check in at 12:00 noon on 8thJanuary 2019
- Checkout at 11:00 am on 11th January 2019
- Food
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on all three days.
- Morning and evening tea .
- Vehicle
- Rickshaw cost for all safaris
- For the clients to get the best opportunity to click pictures there will be only one client per vehicle.
- The vehicle used here are Cycle Rickshaws.
- All Safari ticket Charges/park fees
The tour cost does not include :
- Cost of reaching Bharathpur from your home.
- We can arrange a cab at additional cost to pick u up from Jaipur or Delhi.
- Drop back to Jaipur or Delhi is also not included in tour cost
- Any beverages, drinks , extra food items other than mentioned above is not included in the tour cost.
- Video Camera fees.
Payment Terms:
50% of the tour cost to be paid for confirming the seats. Rest to be paid 7 days before the tour.
Bank Details:
Account holder: Saravanan Janakarajan
Bank : ICICI bank, Account type: Savings
Account Number: 602001317510, IFSC code:ICIC0000519
Branch: Shollinganaloor, Chennai
Cancellation Policy :
All cost that is refundable will be refunded in full to the client. This might vary from place to place and tour wise. So in case of a cancellation pls. get in touch to know the actual amount that can be refunded.
What can u expect in this tour from us?
- Guidance and tips on photography.
- Discussion on basics of bird anatomy.
- Discussion on all the species that we see and their behaviour and adaptations.
- Post-processing help.
Things to carry : ( this is a suggestion only…clients can take their own call on this list)
- Camera Equipment
- A body with fast FPS as there will be action shots
- Lens with range of at least 400 mm
- Wide angle lens to capture the beauty of sunset and sunrise over the scenic landscape
- Extra Cards and battery…. If we hit on a jackpot action we might run out of space or battery.
- Tripods are essential as we will be clicking some sunrise and sunset shots and also might have to wait at some places waiting for the birds.
Clothes
- It is usually Cold to pleasant climate at this time of year. It is advisable to have a good sweater or jacket and ear mufflers.
- Medicines
- This is a remote village with basic medical facilities. So kindly carry all your required medicines.
For any queries please call me on 9840119078 or write to me at ogajanak@gmail.com
Shots that are possible in Bharatpur
Birds in magical light
Action Shots
Silhouette/ Rimlit- Sunset
