Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur)

The largest and best bird sanctuary in India, the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary is located about an hour’s drive from Agra near the town of Bharatpur. Covering an area of 29 square kilometres, the ground is marshy with a lake. The total number of species recorded in the area is more than 360, including the increasingly rare Siberian crane which comes to breed in September and October. Other birds include egrets, kingfishers, Scops owl and the greater spotted eagle. Viewing is done from cycle rickshaw or by boat on the lake. The sanctuary is reached by taking the train from Sawai Madophur, the nearest station to Ranthambhore, or by road from Agra or Jaipur.