Visit the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary from September 28 to September 29, 2019, was an unforgettable experience for the students of class P3. There were 39 students accompanied by four teachers on the trip. On reaching the destination, the students checked into the KadamKunj Resort, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, where they were allotted their rooms. The hospitality shown by the support staff of the resort was commendable. Post lunch, the students were taken to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, where they were divided into groups. The guide explained to them how and why the bird sanctuary became famous.

The place is popularly known as “Keoladeo National Park” or “Ghana National Park” hosts thousands of birds, especially during the winter season. Over 230 species of birds are known to be residents of the park. It was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971. It is also a world heritage site which is home to a variety of birds including geese, waders and raptors. The guides, who were the rickshaw pullers, told the group that it was a man-made and man-managed wetland and one of the national parks of India. It spanned 29 km2 of the area.

The students noted down the names of the birds that they spotted on the way to the sanctuary like Lapwing, White-necked Stork, Snake Bird, Panted Stork, White-throated Kingfisher, etc. They were exhilarated to know all the facts about the various species of birds and the flora found in the sanctuary. While coming back from the park the students were found engrossed in learning about the history of the park. The students enjoyed the cultural show organised in the evening in the resort.

The next day after breakfast, the students visited the national park’s Salim Ali Museum. In the museum, the students witnessed photographs and statues of different species of birds. It was an awe-inspiring experience for them. This tryst with nature was greatly cherished by the excited group of explorers.