Bandh Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary

Bandh Baretha is a freshwater man-made wetland and wildlife sanctuary covering approximately 368 square kilometers in the Bayana tehsil of Bharatpur district, Rajasthan. Established around the historic Baretha Dam on the Kakund River, it serves as a significant winter resort for over 200 species of resident and migratory birds. The sanctuary features diverse flora and fauna, including nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, and striped hyena, alongside the historic Kishan Mahal palace.

Visitors can expect a serene natural environment centered around the historic Baretha Dam reservoir. The sanctuary offers opportunities for birdwatching, particularly during winter months when migratory birds arrive. Jeep safaris provide access to explore the surrounding hills and forests where wildlife such as nilgai, chinkara, and various bird species can be observed. The historic Kishan Mahal palace near the dam adds a cultural element to the visit.

The Baretha Dam construction was initiated by Maharaja Jaswant Singh of Bharatpur in 1866 and completed under Maharaja Ram Singh in 1897. The sanctuary was formally notified as a protected area in 1985 and expanded in 2021. The area served as a royal hunting ground for the Bharatpur rulers.

The sanctuary holds historical importance as a former royal hunting reserve of the Bharatpur rulers. The Kishan Mahal palace, constructed around 1956 by Jaswant Singh, represents the architectural heritage of the region.