A must see on any trip to this part of India, even if you aren't an ornithologist. The World Heritage listed Keoladeo Ghana National Park is the stopping point for many migratory birds, including the endangered Siberian crane. Although the park only covers 29 sq Km, 354 species of bird have been identified!

The wetlands were formerly a semi arid area that filled during the monsoon, only to drain rapidly. The maharjah of Bharatpur diverted water to make the wetland permanant, and soon birds began to settle in vast numbers. He wasn't doing it for conservation, he wanted plenty of birds nearby for hunting purposes. The photo of the hunting bags shows just how much shooting the maharajah enjoyed- on one day alone more than 4000 ducks were shot! These days the only things shot are cameras.