Proceed by cycle rickshaws to the famous Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary which is a wonder of the natural world and no less worth seeing than the marble mausoleum of the Taj. Here over 350 species of birds find refuge in the 29 sq kms of shallow lakes & woodlands of the park. One third of them are migrants who come to Bharatpur during winter months before returning to their breeding grounds as far away as Siberia and Central Asia.

This sanctuary is the creation of the Maharaja of Bharatpur in the late 19th century, who recognized the area's potential and augmented the water supply by diverting water from a nearby irrigation canal. He also constructed small dams, dykes and shooting butts & in a few years the new ecosystem so flourished that it was able to support thousands of water birds. The Maharaja celebrated his success in style, with extravagant shooting parties for the dignitaries of princely India. Their exploits are recorded to this day on a sandstone inscription in the park. There are many good paths & trails through the dense park, but a ride with your expert rickshaw driver will be a rewarding experience as he has been trained to recognise the different species of birds.

Depart early morning to the bird sanctuary for a tour of the wetlands by boat. This is perhaps the most enchanting way to view birds from up close.