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| Majestic
sambhars easily sighted. |
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| Nesting
painted storks squawk loudly at intruders in Bharatpur. |
|
The
Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur is an ornithologist’s
dream
come true. Cycling through the park at dawn, watching the sunrise and
the birds start the day is an experience perhaps for more pleasing than
even sighting a tiger. Do remember that Bharatpur is home to a single
tiger and should you sight him, steer clear and don’t provoke him.
The old fellow has been alone for many years and is, quite possibly, very
frustrated.
Among
the multitude of feathered beauties that visit and reside in the park
are pelicans, grey bagtails, kingfishers, cormorants, snake birds, painted
storks (pink tail feathers), black-necked storks, open bill storks, Indian
saras cranes (red head, grey body), purple herons and spot bill ducks.
 |
| A
Bonelli's eagle on the lookout for a prey like a petite deer
cub. |
|
In
the nesting season, the song and chatter of birds is so loud that it easily
drowns out conversation. Dr Salim Ali, the grand old man of ornithology,
was happiest here in the thick of the forest, amidst the birds he loved
to study and enjoy.
You will also see antelopes, spotted deer and mongoose. There are pythons
in the park too, but keep safe distance. They seem lazy but can be very
fast when they want to as the author found out to his great discomfort.
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| Cycles
are available at Rs. 20 an hour in Bharatpur. |
|
Cycles
are available on hire at the entrance of the sanctuary itself and cost
Rs 20 a day (7am to 6pm). The guide supplied by the forest department
costs Rs 35 per hour. Be sure to hire a guide who has done his homework,
because his knowledge can make bird spotting a pleasure. Boating is also
available in the park at Rs 75 for an hour for a small boat seating four
tourists and Rs 150 for a larger one that can seat six. |
January 2002 