Images of Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur

Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is an internationally acclaimed haven for a rich diversity of bird species. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 29 sq. km. sanctuary is a crucial wintering ground for thousands of migratory birds, including the rare Siberian Crane. Originally a royal hunting ground for the Maharaja of Bharatpur, it was developed as a duck-shooting reserve and was later protected. Today, its unique man-made wetland ecosystem, a result of water diverted from a nearby dam, provides an ideal habitat for over 370 species of birds, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers, photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the globe.