It's not surprising that out of 50 people aboard a bus heading to Essel World, 60 per cent have chosen to alight at Water Kingdom, given the oppressive heat. We're part of the minority who have signed up for an adventure that involves neither gushing wave pools nor roller coasters, but stately black swans from Australia and dramatic macaws from China.

Last week, Essel World launched a first-of-its kind interactive bird park in Gorai. Nestled in the same premises as the adventure park, it is spread across 1.4 acres and home to over 500 exotic birds from more than 60 species. To recreate their natural habitat, the park has installed small ponds for aquatic birds, a dense cover of trees for birds to incubate their eggs - where no guest is allowed - and streams that serve as watering holes.