Keoladeo National Park
National Park Seasonal wetland reserve internationally important for migratory birds
Near Bharatpur in Rajasthan, Keoladeo National Park is a seasonal wetland that attracts thousands of migratory birds each winter. Birdwatchers visit hides, take rickshaw or cycle tours and photograph species-rich marshes.
Keoladeo National Park (commonly called Keoladeo or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is a managed wetland and bird reserve in Rajasthan, India, renowned for its migratory waterfowl. It was designated a national park in 1982 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
The park supports a rich avifauna and is famous for wintering populations of migratory ducks, geese and waders; more than 350 bird species have been recorded there. Visitors use a network of tracks, hides and small boats to view large congregations of waterbirds, especially during the October-March migration season.
Originally developed as a royal duck-hunting ground in the 19th century, the wetlands were later managed as a bird sanctuary and then upgraded to national park status to protect the habitat and its migratory birds. Long-term water-management and habitat restoration have been central to the park’s conservation history.
Keoladeo lies adjacent to the city of Bharatpur in Rajasthan in north-central India, on flat alluvial plains that historically supported seasonal marshes and artificial tanks.
- Area and best season: The park covers about 29 square kilometres and is best visited between October and March when migratory waterfowl numbers are highest.
How to Get to Keoladeo National Park #
Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur) is immediately adjacent to Bharatpur town. The park entrance is about 2 km from Bharatpur Railway Station and a short cycle-rickshaw/auto-rickshaw ride (5-10 minutes) from the station and city centre. By road it is an easy drive from Agra (approximately 55-60 km via the Agra-Bharatpur road/NH21) and from Jaipur by regular buses; local buses and taxis link Bharatpur city centre to the park gates.
Tips for Visiting Keoladeo National Park #
- Visit at dawn during the winter migration window (roughly October-March) when migrant waterbirds are at their fullest and bring a local park guide from the entrance to locate species efficiently.
- Cover ground by hiring a bicycle or local guide at the main gate rather than walking only - that lets you reach distant wetlands and hides where many rarer birds are found before midday heat and visitor traffic increase.
Best Time to Visit Keoladeo National Park #
Best visited in the winter months (November-February) when migratory birds are present and conditions are most comfortable for birdwatching.
Weather & Climate near Keoladeo National Park #
Keoladeo National Park's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with very hot summers (peaking in June) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 42°C. Moderate rainfall (674 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is hot with highs of 42°C and lows of 26°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is the hottest month with highs of 40°C and lows of 28°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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July
July is hot, feeling like 35°C. Significant rainfall (199 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (250 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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