Bharatpur (Keoladeo National Park)

A paradise for bird photographers and lovers of soft winter light

Bharatpur is one of those places that pulls you back.
Every visit feels familiar, yet new. The sound of Sarus cranes calling through the mist, the sight of a pelican gliding across a pond, and the silhouettes of painted storks perched high in winter trees; it’s India’s birding heartland.

It’s more than just a national park. Bharatpur is a place to slow down. To walk. To wait. And to notice. Every time I leave, I carry away not just photographs; but stillness, balance, and deep joy.


Join Me for a Private Photography Workshop in Bharatpur
I organise custom wildlife photography workshops in Bharatpur during peak birding season.
  • For beginners and seasoned photographers alike
  • One-on-one mentoring on the field
  • Slow, thoughtful bird photography techniques
  • Tailored schedules to match your style and goals

📍Best Time: December to February ⏳Workshop Duration: 2 to 4 days recommended


Life in motion

Behind the Scenes of Bharatpur, Rajasthan

The e-rickshaw drivers (earlier rickshaw pullers) here are birding veterans. Many of them know every species by call. On one trip, a rickshaw guide pointed out a dusky eagle-owl hidden deep in the banyan canopy; something I would have surely missed.

Sharing those little moments; tea at the canteen, chatting with local guides, walking the same muddy path again and again; is part of the magic.

My most memorable visit was in January, just after a cold wave. The park was quiet, wrapped in thick morning fog.

As I entered on foot, a spotted owlet peeked from a tree hollow right by the trail. Further in, I saw a pair of Sarus cranes dancing in a flooded patch—barely visible in the mist, but loud enough to feel their presence.

Be it a high-key image or the golden hues of sunset, the park never fails to mesmerize with its unique charm and rich habitat. The diverse wildlife and ever-changing lighting conditions make it a photographer’s paradise. It’s a place where you can truly master the art of using foreground and background to enhance your composition. Unlike many other parks, Keoladeo offers the flexibility to walk around freely with your camera, allowing you to compose your shots just the way you envision.

Join Me for a Private Photography Workshop in Bharatpur

II offer personalized bird photography workshops in Bharatpur (Keoladeo National Park), tailored for photographers of all levels.

  • ✓ One-on-one coaching or small group sessions
  • ✓ Focus on bird behavior, creative compositions, and storytelling
  • ✓ Slow-paced approach, perfect for beginners and seasoned photographers alike
  • ✓ Learn to shoot in fog, work with soft winter light, and compose clean frames
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  • 📍 Best Time to Visit: December to February
  • ⏳ Recommended Duration: 2–4 days
  • 🗺️ Nearest Airport: Delhi or Jaipur (both ~180 km)