Keoladeo National Park Guide, Location, Fauna & Visiting Info

Keoladeo Ghana National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is one of India’s most prominent bird sanctuaries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, the park is internationally recognized for its avian diversity, particularly migratory birds that arrive in large numbers during winter.

Originally a royal hunting ground in the 1850s, it was declared a national park in 1982 and a Ramsar Site in 1981. The park derives its name from the Keoladeo Temple located within its boundaries and “Ghana” refers to the dense forest cover once found in the region. Its ecological significance and conservation success make it an important topic for aspirants preparing for UPSC and other competitive exams.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park

Keoladeo Ghana National Park covers an area of around 29 sq. km and is a man-made wetland, sustained by the Gambhir and Banganga rivers. It serves as a crucial wintering ground for thousands of birds, including the rare and endangered Siberian Crane (occasionally sighted in past decades). The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is maintained through an artificial water management system, allowing for the creation of wetland zones that mimic natural habitats. It acts as a breeding, feeding, and nesting ground for more than 370 species of birds, along with numerous mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.

Geographical Features of Keoladeo Ghana National Park

The Geographical Features of Keoladeo Ghana National Park is unique due to its artificial yet ecologically rich wetland ecosystem. The park’s wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands create a mosaic of habitats that support rich biodiversity, especially avian fauna. It lies in the Indo-Gangetic plains and plays a significant role in regulating the local hydrology and climate.

• Location: Bharatpur district, eastern Rajasthan
• Coordinates: Approximately 27°N latitude and 77°E longitude
• Total Area: Around 29 sq. km
• Altitude: Between 170 and 176 meters above sea level
• Hydrology: Fed by Ajan Bund (dam) and seasonal rivers like Gambhir and Banganga
• Climate: Semi-arid, with hot summers and mild winters

Keoladeo Ghana National Park Flora

Despite its relatively small area, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park supports a wide variety of plant communities, mainly due to its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, grasslands, and scrub forests. The flora helps maintain ecological balance by providing food, nesting material, and shade for a wide range of species.

• Aquatic plants such as water hyacinth, duckweed, and water lilies

• Trees like Kadamba, Babul (Acacia nilotica), and Jamun
• Grass species include Eleusine indica and Cynodon dactylon
• Marshy vegetation supports nesting and foraging activities of water birds

Also Read: Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Keoladeo Ghana National Park Fauna

Keoladeo Ghana National Park is most renowned for its avifauna, hosting both resident and migratory birds. However, the park also supports several mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, making it a rich biodiversity site. The park is especially significant for birdwatchers and researchers studying migratory patterns, wetland ecosystems, and conservation biology.