Bharatpur, Chambal - Birds of Rajasthan and the Taj, Batch 2, Jan 2025

The Keoladeo National Park, better known as Bharatpur, is one of the best places in the country for birdwatchers and bird photographers during the winters. The forest is just 29 sq. km. in area, but do not get mislead by its size. Its potential can be realized on examining the distinction it has got. It was a royal duck-shoot reserve in the times of Maharajas. It was declared a wildlife Sanctuary in 1956. It was then upgraded as a national park, perhaps the smallest, in 1981. It is listed as Ramsar site. It is a World Heritage and an Important Bird Area (IBA). India is a mega-biodiversity country and Keoladeo is a solid proof of it. About 20 percent (About 400) of bird species have been reported from this small area! The mosaic of habitat, that Keoladeo offers, is the reason for this. About one- third area is a wetland and rest is scrub, woodland and grassland. Keoladeo is regarded as one of the finest heronries of the India. About one – third avifauna is resident and equal number is migrant. Some other forms are local, summer or passage migrants.

Chambal National Sanctuary is a 5,400 sq km tri-state protected area for the critically endangered Gharials, the red-crowned roof turtle and the endangered Ganges River dolphin. Not only this, you have good chances of sighting Mugger crocodiles, Smooth coated Otters, Indian Wolves and Striped Hyenas. It is a long narrow eco-reserve co-administered by the three states, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Chambal river flows through this pristine sanctuary.

The expedition also includes an early morning visit to the Taj for some creative compositions guided by our panel expert.