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Enigmatic India

This blog captures the life experiences of the Enigmatic India team in the beautiful and enigmatic country of India.We capture our experiences through our writings, photos and products that depict the very essence and fabric of India.Through this platform, we invite you to join us in our journey as we explore.

Friday, December 07, 2012

Trip to Bharatpur(Keoladeo) Bird Sanctuary

Saras Crane
Saras Crane
During our last trip to the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur), we were on our leg between Agra and Jaipur and suddenly came across the Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - popularly known).

While the hunger pangs were driving us crazy, we did not want to miss this very famous place (which accidentally was not part of our tour program). Being peak summer(scorching heat of May), there were hardly any visitors. You can take hand-pulled rickshaws to experience the bird life. While we felt very bad to sit on these hand pulled vehicles, these were the only ones to move around in.

Grey Heron
Grey Heron
We also employed a bird watcher/guide to help us in our journey. This is a small park of around 30 sq kms comprising mostly of grasslands, wetlands, swamps and scrub lands.

As we started our journey we spotted Collared Scoops owl and jungle owlet. This was followed by Munias, Bulbuls, Patridges, jungle fowls, Quails, Parakeets, Grey Hornbills, Serpent eagles as the area was mostly scrub and dry lands.

Islands with Spot billed ducks
Slowly we started seeing both wetland, water bodies and swamps on both sides of the road.
We saw spotted deer, Nilgai, Jackals, water birds like Cormorants, Darter birds, Ducks, water fowl and Sandpipers.

Soon the hot Sun gave way and dark clouds moved in and there was a sudden thunder shower. Without any shelter nearby we decided to enjoy the summer rain and it was quite a relief.


Our guide explained that the migratory birds had long back gone and we had a bleak chance of viewing the majestic Sarus Crane. Had seen and heard about the bird and eagerly wanted to see it. At the end of the road there is a temple, with a huge water body and a watch tower. 

The guide suddenly pointed towards a location and cried out "a Pair of Sarus Cranes Sir, let's go"...In the pouring rain, we approached the birds and from behind a tree savoured the moments for almost 20 mins.

Since this was an unplanned stop, we had to rush back after spending two hours and the star attraction of the trip was the majestic "Sarus Crane". There are a few resorts around and an Ashok ITDC hotel inside the sanctuary where you can book yourself.

Enjoyed this experience.

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