Keoladeo National Park, located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, is one of the most celebrated bird sanctuaries in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally a royal duck-shooting ground, it has evolved into a protected wetland that attracts thousands of migratory and resident birds every year. Spread across 29 sq km, this man-made wetland is a paradise for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers, with an intricate network of marshes, grasslands, and woodlands.
The park is home to 370+ bird species, including Siberian rubythroats, bar-headed geese, sarus cranes, painted storks, Eurasian spoonbills, and the iconic Indian courser. In winter, it becomes a staging ground for migratory birds from as far as Central Asia, Europe, and Siberia. While birds are the main draw, you’ll also find python, golden jackal, nilgai, wild boar, and small Indian mongoose throughout the park. Unlike other tiger reserves, there are no large predators, making it an ideal place for slow-paced, immersive nature experiences.