The marshes of Keoladeo Ghana National Park, more popularly known as Bharatpur, was the private hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Bharatpur. It was developed in the late 19th century by creating small dams and bunds in an area of natural depression to collect rainwater and by feeding it with an irrigation canal. Over the years, the lakes attracted great numbers of waterfowl and the Maharajas held grand shoots with family, friends and visiting dignitaries. The history of the region dates back in time when Prince Bhamji of the Morvi state in Gujarat, used the area as a hunting preserve. Gradually, it became popular with the rulers of Bharatpur. On one occasion held in honor of Viceroy Lord Curzon in 1902, thousands of birds were killed and their feat engraved on stone plaques near the Keoladeo Temple, standing tall in the centre of the Sanctuary.

After India's independence, the Reservewas notified as a Bird Sanctuary but the former rulers of Bharatpur continued with their activity of killing of birds, till it was banned in 1972. The area was declared a National Park in 1981 attributed to the efforts of renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali.

Two-thirds of the park lies under water, the extent and volume depending on the intensity of the rains. The remaining one-third of the park is covered in dry deciduous forests (with Acacia, Ber, Kadam and Khajur trees) and extensive grasslands. On the raised ground outlining the wetlands grow a profusion of Acacia trees, where the resident water birds nest, often in large mixed colonies, a spectacular sight during the monsoon.

Keoladeo is famous as one of Asia's finest birding areas, with over 380 resident and migrant species, including the common demoiselle and the rare Siberian cranes. It is also an excellent place to watch mammals like golden jackal, striped hyena, fishing cat, jungle cat, nilgai, sambar, blackbuck and wild boar. The park derives its name from the temple of Keoladeo (Shiva) and ghana which locally means dense, implying the nature of the vegetation. During the cool winter months it is also possible to see large Indian pythons soaking the sun.

Every year this Sanctuary turns home for the Siberian cranes. There are only two wintering places for this rare species - one in Iran and other in Bharatpur. These beautiful birds with their distinctive red beaks and facial patches fly over 6400 kms from their summer retreats in Siberia.