It is essential to have a good guide to show you around the massive bird sanctuary. They?ll tell you the names of the birds, absolutely correctly, and they are so sharp-visioned that you wonder if they have built-in binocs! Even professional birdwatchers opt to have a guide with them, as these men know the latest nesting grounds of particular birds or can tell exactly at what time of the day the Siberian cranes will be found at which spot. Their stock of useful information comes from being in the park all the time.
All the guides receive training from the Forest Department, and it is prudent to listen to them and take their advice.
The guides charge by the hour and their rates are fixed by the government. However, it is nice to give your guide a healthy tip if you feel he has gone out of his way to make your visit to the park informative and enjoyable. For those who don?t want to cycle, a guide can double up as a cycle-rickshaw driver and provide a comfortable and informative ride for two.
You can purchase field guides sold at the Tourist Reception Centre (Tel: 05644-22542) at the gate. Pick up Birds of Bharatpur? a Checklist and The Book of Indian Birds by Salim Ali. There is also a handy map of the park on sale that can help you find your bearings.