Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in India – Keoladeo National Park | Ticket, Timing, Flora and Fauna

The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo National Park, boasts a rich history that has transformed it from a royal hunting ground to a globally recognized bird haven. 

Early Days (18th Century):

• The story begins with a natural depression created by the confluence of the Gambhir and Banganga rivers.
• Maharaja Suraj Mal, ruler of Bharatpur, built the Ajan Bund between 1726 and 1763, flooding the area and creating a wetland ecosystem.
• The area, named after the Keoladeo Shiva temple within its boundaries, became a private duck shooting preserve for the Maharajas.

Hunting Ground (1850s – 1970s):

• The sanctuary became a popular hunting ground for the Maharajas and even British dignitaries like the Viceroys.
• Infamous hunting events, like Lord Linlithgow’s 1938 shoot where over 4,200 birds were killed, highlighted the unsustainable practices.

Shifting Tides (1970s – 1980s):

• Growing awareness about conservation led to a shift in perspective.
• The last major hunt took place in 1964, and the Maharajas’ shooting rights were revoked in 1972.
• 1976 the area was officially designated as a bird sanctuary, marking a significant turning point.

Conservation and Recognition (1980s – Present):

• The sanctuary’s importance as a breeding and feeding ground for resident and migratory birds was internationally recognized.
• It was designated a Ramsar site under the Ramsar Convention in 1981 and elevated to a National Park in 1982.
• In 1985, Keoladeo National Park earned the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site status, solidifying its global significance.

Today:

• With its diverse avifauna and unique wetland ecosystem, Keoladeo National Park continues to attract bird enthusiasts, researchers, and conservationists worldwide.
• The park’s history serves as a reminder of the evolving understanding of wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting these vital ecosystems.