|
 This
magnificent bird haven in actual came into being
paradoxically as a duck shooting preserve for Maharaja Suraj
Mull of Bharatpur. He transformed the shallow depression
formed by the confluence of River Gambhir and River Banganga
into a reservoir by damming the rainwater in monsoons.
Flooding of water created shallow wetland ecosystem causing
it to be a perfect habitat for an astounding variety of
birds. The park that was a hunting preserve for the Maharaja
and the British continued to be so till 1964, after which
the hunting was banned.
 A
forestation policy of planting acacias was vigorously
followed. However the ecosystem at the Park continues to be
fragile due to pressures of tourism and need for water from
surrounding villages. However the environmentalists won the
day in 1985 when UNESCO listed it as World Heritage site and
earlier in 1982 it was declared as National Park. And, today
the Park is recognised as the most important breeding and
feed grounds for the birds in the world. Some species are
still endangered and especially the Siberian crane. Visitors
are advised to maintain low noise level and avoid littering
the park.
 The
Park opens from sunrise to sunset around the year. The
ticket is Rs 200 per foreign visitor and Rs 25 for Indian
visitor. Vehicles are permitted upto Shanti Kutir about 1.7
kilometres inside at Rs 50 per vehicle. After this you can
choose to walk, bicycle, or go by cycle rickshaw, Tonga or
boat when the water level is high. The cycle rickshaw
wallah’s displaying yellow plate meaning authorised double
up as guides also carry binoculars. Hotels do supply packed
lunches and you can get a bite at a canteen on the second
gate and even at Forest Lodge. |
