The sanctuary was created 250 years ago and is named after a Keoladeo (Shiva) temple within its boundaries. Initially, it was a natural depression; and was flooded after the Ajan Bund was constructed by Maharaja Suraj Mal, the then ruler of the princely state of Bharatpur, between 1726 to 1763. The bund was created at the confluence of two rivers, the Gambhir and Banganga. The park was a hunting ground for the maharajas of Bharatpur, a tradition dating back to 1850, and duck shoots were organised yearly in honor of the British viceroys. In one shoot alone in 1938, over 4,273 birds such as mallards and teals were killed by Lord Linlithgow, the then Governor-General of India. After India's independence, the rulers of the princely states were allowed shooting rights until 1972. In 1982, grazing was banned in the park, leading to violent clashes between the local farmer and Gujjar communities and the government.
The sanctuary hosts a small wintering population of the rare Siberian Cranes. Other species include the ruddy shelducks, gulls, northern shovelers, northern pintails, coots, garganey, tufted ducks and common pochard.
The best time to see the park is in October to Februray when there is a lot of migratory birds, otherwise it can be relatively bird free. The best times for bird spotting is early evening and morning.
Admission is Rs 200
An optional driver is Rs100 an hour, and an optional guide is Rs150 an hour. Another way to see the park is to hire a bike at your hotel or entrance (approx Rs40/day)''
'''Kiran Guest House''' Short walk from the park. Single, shared bathroom. Rs80 double, private bathroom Rs 150-300 Ph: 05644223845
'''Rainbow Lodge''' Ph 05644220253 Dm/r Rs100/300
'''Jungle Lodge''' Ph 05644225622. Rs 150-300