13 FEB 2007 INDIA, from PUSHKAR to BHARATPUR to AGRA

0713HR I was enjoying the fresh air at the balcony, greeted the staff who was plucking roses in the garden with ‘namaste’. Heehee, he ‘threw’ me this freshly plucked rose.

1240HR Lunch – 2 Soup, 1 Thali Set and 2 Tea (INR510, about S$18.20), lousy and expensive food :(

1429HR Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Bharatpur in eastern Rajasthan is renowned for the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a former royal hunting preserve, which has been declared a world heritage site and is one of the world’s best bird sanctuaries although now sadly under threat as its wetlands dry up.
The name comes from a Shiva Temple in a dense ghana (forest). The park is spread over 29 square km (11 square miles), and attracts over 375 bird species belonging to 56 families. Keoladeo is well worth a visit as a magnificent variety of birds can be seen, including the peregrine falcon, steppe eagle, garganey, teal and white ibis. Egrets, darters, cormorants, grey herons and storks hatch thousands of chicks here every year. The Siberian crane, now an endangered species, also migrates here. Wandering among the tall grass and wetlands of Keoladeo you can also see the Nilgai, the largest of the Asian deer, with their characteristic broad backs.

1454HR We hired bikes (INR25 per bike per day) instead of taking the rickshaw.
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In recent years the park has suffered from poor monsoons, and less water means less birds. In 2004 the park tried to get water diverted from the nearby Panchana dam but came up against opposition from local villagers. It's hoped that a permanent backup source of water will be established, as drought is detrimental to this World Heritage site.

1656HR at the temple inside the park. Haha see the holy man 'tip-toe' behind us.
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1735HR Before heading out, posing with our very knowledgeable ornithologist guide, Mr Singh.

2015HR checked in Hotel Pushp Villa (formerly Hotel Deedar-E-Taj) in Agra
The rooms facing the TAJ remind you of the Mugal era where you feel a part of the TAJ MAHAL and can even feel the belongingness to the Mugal dynasty while beholding TA MAHAL from the window.
PUSHP VILLA is like a dream being true, of emperor Shah Jahan who wanted to allure himself in another Taj Mahal and attain the highest bliss of beauty & satisfaction.
The view of Taj Mahal has no barrier from the revolving restaurant "Merry-Go- Round" even on Friday when the marble beauty tombs is closed for visitors.
http://www.hotelpushpvilla.com/

There were no record of our booking and we were given this room, at the corner on the 6th floor, with the Taj Mahal view, just below the 'revolving restaurant', so lucky...

2037HR Dinner at the not turning 'Revolving Restaurant', the Merry-Go-Round - Mutton Shorba (INR60) for ST, Tomato Dhania Shorba (INR50) for me, Merry-go-round Chicken (INR190), Naan (INR25), Missi Roti (INR20), Mix-Veg Zalferezi (INR110) and Masala Tea (INR80, 2 cups). Total about S$21.80