Bharatpur, the eastern gateway to Rajasthan lies at the end of a 55 km. drive from Agra
and brings you to the heart of bird land. Bharatpur has become a major destination for
bird lovers from the world over with its Keoladeo Ghana National Park; the finest in Asia.
The Siberian crane takes its winter break by landing in the sylvan surroundings of
Bharatpur every year. If a sense of history fascinates you, visit the Bharatpur palace and
take in the remnants of the royal past, a rich repository of ancient exhibits dating back to
the early 15th century
Places of interest:-
Lohagarh Fort: The massive structure built in the early 18th century. With its impregnable defenses it sustained itself even after a number of British attacks. The fort was conceived and designed by Maharaja Suraj Mal, the founder of Bharatpur. The fort has three palaces within its precincts Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas.
The Palace: This royal edifice is a fusion of the Mughal and the Rajput architectural styles with magnificent apartments and intricately designed floor tiles having interesting patterns. One can marvel at the ancient exhibits displayed in the museum in the central part of the palace.
Government Museum: A rich collection of artefacts, exquisitely carved sculptures and ancient inscriptions can be admired in the Government Museum located in the Palace. All these items speak volumes about the rich heritage, art and crafts of the region.
Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj : A few of the eight imposing towers still stand erect within the glorious ramparts of the fort. Especially two of them Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj are of special interest. These were built by Maharaja Suraj Mal to commemorate his victories over the Mughals and the British respectively. The coronation ceremony of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur was also held at the Jawahar Burj
Keoladeo National Park: Once the royal hunting preserve of the princes of Bharatpur, it is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world inundated with over 400 species of water birds. Exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet as well as Siberian cranes from the Arctic, Greyleg geese from Siberia and barheaded geese from China, come here in July/ Aug to spend the winters in the warmer climate and they breed till Oct/Nov.
Colonies of cormorants, spoonbills, storks, egrets, herons, pelicans, ibis and grey herons can be spotted all over the park. The raised paths shaded by babul trees make their viewing easier.
EXCURSIONS
Deeg (34 kms): Once the summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur, it served as the second capital of the region. This interesting town is strewn with massive fortifications, stunningly beautiful gardens, magnificent palaces and a colourful bazaar.
Kaman: Kaman is a very old town, situated in the North of Bharatpur. It forms a part of Brij area, where Lord Krishna spent his early life. It is also known as Kamaban. It is a place of pilgrimage, annually visited by a large number of Vaishnavas, in the month of Bhodon as a part of Banyatra, the remain of temple/mosque consisting of 84 pillars, named "Chaurasi Khamba" still exist here.
Bayana : Bayana is 45 kms from Bharatpur between two range of Aravali, close to the left bank of Gambhir river. The famous fort known as Bijay Garh was built by the famous King Banasur, and was renovated by Maharaja Vijay Pal in whose time the two families of Karauli and Bharatpur separated, Karauli built the fort of Timangarh. Bharatpur's ruling family are the descendants of Bijay Pal. The fort here is considered to be the 3rd largest in India. The fort was held by Muhammad Gauri (1196 A.D.) Sikander Lodi (1492 A.D.) and Humayun (1835 A.D.). In 1526 A.D. Babar described it one of the most famous fort in India.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO REACH BHARATPUR
Air: Agra (56 kms.) is the nearest airport
Rail: Regular rail services connect Bharatpur with several cities on Delhi-Mumbai trunk route, Jaipur and Agra. Some important train connections are: Golden Temple Mail (Mumbai-Bharatpur-Jammu Tawi); Intercity Express (Hazrat Nizamuddin-Bharatpur-Indore); Paschim Express (New Delhi-Bharatpur-Mumbai)
Road: A network of bus services links Bharatpur with several cities within and outside the State.
Local Transport: Tongas and Cycle-Rickshaws.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 22 sq. kms.
Altitude: 250 metres
Climate: Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer: 45.0°C 37.0°C
Winter: 31.7 °C 7.0°C
Rainfall: 69 cms.
Best Season: October - February
Clothing: Summer - Light Tropical
Winter - Light Woollen
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English
Places of interest:-
Lohagarh Fort: The massive structure built in the early 18th century. With its impregnable defenses it sustained itself even after a number of British attacks. The fort was conceived and designed by Maharaja Suraj Mal, the founder of Bharatpur. The fort has three palaces within its precincts Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas.
The Palace: This royal edifice is a fusion of the Mughal and the Rajput architectural styles with magnificent apartments and intricately designed floor tiles having interesting patterns. One can marvel at the ancient exhibits displayed in the museum in the central part of the palace.
Government Museum: A rich collection of artefacts, exquisitely carved sculptures and ancient inscriptions can be admired in the Government Museum located in the Palace. All these items speak volumes about the rich heritage, art and crafts of the region.
Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj : A few of the eight imposing towers still stand erect within the glorious ramparts of the fort. Especially two of them Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj are of special interest. These were built by Maharaja Suraj Mal to commemorate his victories over the Mughals and the British respectively. The coronation ceremony of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur was also held at the Jawahar Burj
Keoladeo National Park: Once the royal hunting preserve of the princes of Bharatpur, it is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world inundated with over 400 species of water birds. Exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet as well as Siberian cranes from the Arctic, Greyleg geese from Siberia and barheaded geese from China, come here in July/ Aug to spend the winters in the warmer climate and they breed till Oct/Nov.
Colonies of cormorants, spoonbills, storks, egrets, herons, pelicans, ibis and grey herons can be spotted all over the park. The raised paths shaded by babul trees make their viewing easier.
EXCURSIONS
Deeg (34 kms): Once the summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur, it served as the second capital of the region. This interesting town is strewn with massive fortifications, stunningly beautiful gardens, magnificent palaces and a colourful bazaar.
Kaman: Kaman is a very old town, situated in the North of Bharatpur. It forms a part of Brij area, where Lord Krishna spent his early life. It is also known as Kamaban. It is a place of pilgrimage, annually visited by a large number of Vaishnavas, in the month of Bhodon as a part of Banyatra, the remain of temple/mosque consisting of 84 pillars, named "Chaurasi Khamba" still exist here.
Bayana : Bayana is 45 kms from Bharatpur between two range of Aravali, close to the left bank of Gambhir river. The famous fort known as Bijay Garh was built by the famous King Banasur, and was renovated by Maharaja Vijay Pal in whose time the two families of Karauli and Bharatpur separated, Karauli built the fort of Timangarh. Bharatpur's ruling family are the descendants of Bijay Pal. The fort here is considered to be the 3rd largest in India. The fort was held by Muhammad Gauri (1196 A.D.) Sikander Lodi (1492 A.D.) and Humayun (1835 A.D.). In 1526 A.D. Babar described it one of the most famous fort in India.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO REACH BHARATPUR
Air: Agra (56 kms.) is the nearest airport
Rail: Regular rail services connect Bharatpur with several cities on Delhi-Mumbai trunk route, Jaipur and Agra. Some important train connections are: Golden Temple Mail (Mumbai-Bharatpur-Jammu Tawi); Intercity Express (Hazrat Nizamuddin-Bharatpur-Indore); Paschim Express (New Delhi-Bharatpur-Mumbai)
Road: A network of bus services links Bharatpur with several cities within and outside the State.
Local Transport: Tongas and Cycle-Rickshaws.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 22 sq. kms.
Altitude: 250 metres
Climate: Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer: 45.0°C 37.0°C
Winter: 31.7 °C 7.0°C
Rainfall: 69 cms.
Best Season: October - February
Clothing: Summer - Light Tropical
Winter - Light Woollen
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English