Although a desert state, Rajasthan is famous for excellent wildlife retreats. There are two tiger reserves at Ranthambore and Sariska and the magnificent bird sanctuary at Bharatpur all easily accessible from Delhi.

Just a couple of hours drive from Delhi is a haven for both local as well as migratory birds - the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. It is one of the finest water bird sanctuaries of the world. The lake at Bharatpur was artificially created by the Maharaja of Bharatpur in the 19th century. By building small dykes and dams and diverting water from an irrigation canal, he converted this low lying area into a fine wild fowl shooting preserve. In a few years, the new wetland surrounded by marginal forests was able to support thousands of water-birds.

World Famous as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the Park is a delight for ornithologists. Over 300 species of birds are found here. Viewing is easy from outside the park and inside. One can take a boat ride in the wee hours of the morning to view the magnificient birds. Water birds of all shapes and sizes can be seen on the half submerged trees and bushes. The din is unbelievable as painted storks, open bills, spoon bills, egrets, cormorants, white ibis and multitudes of others, feed their young. Jacanas with their colourful plumage and purple moorhen can be seen stalking in the floating vegetation looking for prey. The birds of prey include harriers, fishing eagles, vultures and hawks. There is also the the pied kingfisher which circles over the lake looking for fish. There are many varieties of storks and cranes including the long legged sarus, a local crane displaying vibrant colors of grey and red.

Every year the siberian crane arrives in Bharatpur to spend the winters here. The other place where spends its winters is Iran. These beautiful birds with their distinctive long beaks and pouches, fly over all the way from their home in Siberia.

The forest surrounding the lake at Bharatpur is home to a variety of wild life like the sambar, chital, nilgai, jackal, hyena, fox, mongoose, porcupine and fishing cats. Pythons are a common sight seen sunning themselves along the edge of the paths or at Python point.

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