Nature is a manifestation of God’s infinite artistry, a unique display of power that encompasses all living beings. Exploring nature is an exhilarating experience for humans, as the ancient sounds of the jungle echo in the depths of the forests, stirring the soul. The multifaceted beauty of nature is revealed in various forms: the towering mountains, the waves of the sea, and the lush greenery of the forests. Among the numerous natural wonders to explore, Bharatpur stands out for its rich natural beauty and heritage.
Bharatpur, synonymous with ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), is home to the renowned Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Keoladeo is a unique natural destination, famous for its stunning biodiversity. It hosts around 375 species of birds, including several that migrate from Siberia, along with 30 species of snakes, five types of lizards, and seven varieties of turtles. The Bharatpur forest area, rich with diverse flora and fauna, has been expanded to merge with the Karauli forests, creating a vast and extensive wildlife habitat. This combined forest area now stretches from Karauli to Masalpur, setting a new benchmark for wildlife conservation.
Karauli’s forest area, adjacent to the famous Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, offers an excellent opportunity to observe tiger movements. The forest regions of Karauli and Dholpur have been integrated to establish a new tiger reserve, encompassing five major sanctuaries: Kesarbagh, Chambal Gharial National Sanctuary, Van Vihar Sanctuary, Ramsagar Sanctuary, and the newly formed Dholpur Wildlife Sanctuary. This extensive wildlife reserve also includes areas like Jhiri forest, Damoh, and Sone ka Gurja.
Rajasthan boasts a total of 26 wildlife sanctuaries, with five of them located between Karauli and Dholpur. Adding Bharatpur and Kaila Devi sanctuaries to this list, there are approximately eight significant sanctuaries stretching from Bharatpur to Dholpur. The wildlife areas between Bharatpur and Karauli are home to many unique and rare species. The flora and fauna, including rare birds, wild animals, water bodies, and lush greenery, create a vibrant ecosystem.
In the Kaila Devi Sanctuary, one can find rare species such as the caracal cat and wolves. The Bandh Baretha Sanctuary is home to the elusive honey badger, a species commonly found in Africa. Another fascinating creature, often referred to as a mini dinosaur, the pangolin, can be spotted near Baseri, close to the Bandh Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary. The Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is rich in diverse and rare creatures, including the Ganges river dolphin, gharials, and the Indian skimmer.
These locations hold significant historical and mythological importance, with names directly associated with deities. Keoladeo is named after Lord Shiva, and Kaila Devi Sanctuary is dedicated to the goddess Kaila Devi, enhancing their cultural and spiritual significance. These natural sites offer unique attractions for visitors, including the pristine environment, diverse wildlife, greenery, water bodies, and waterfalls, all waiting to be explored. Journeying through Bandh Baretha, Bharatpur, Dholpur, and Karauli offers a glimpse into the enchanting world of Rajasthan’s wildlife and natural beauty.
