bharatpur

Location: 32-km From Deeg, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: Lohagarh Fort, The Palace, and Keoladeo National Park
Best Time To Visit: October-February
The Favorite Bird Retreat
The 55-km long journey by road from Agra drives you to the town of Bharatpur the eastern gateway to Rajasthan. Bharatpur is popular for its bird sanctuary near the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, which is the finest in Asia with a rich avian variety.
Very year, the rare Siberian cranes come to spend the winter in the warmer climate of Bharatpur.
Of the remnants of the royal past remains the marvelous Bharatpur Palace housing a rich repository of a large number of ancient exhibits that date back to the early 15th century.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Lohagarh Fort: The massive iron 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.

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 British respectively.
The coronation ceremony of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur was also held at the Jawahar Burj.

The Palace: This royal edifice is a fusion of the Mughal and 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 pan of the palace.

Government Museum: A rich collection of artifacts, 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 and art and crafts of the region.

Keoladeo National Park: Once the royal hunting reserve 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, Greeley geese from Siberia and bareheaded geese from China, come here in July/August to spend the winters in the warmer climate and they breed till October/November.
Colonies of cormorants, spoonbills, storks, egrets, herons, pelicans, ebis and Grey herons can be spotted all over the park. The raised paths camouflaged by Babul trees make their viewing easier.

RAJASTHAN TRAIN TRAVEL

PALACE ON WHEELS: Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about! Welcome to Palace on Wheels, a luxury train that carries with it an ambience of the Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey, which takes the visitor to the imperial cities of Rajasthan every single day. The coaches also carry out an image of the Rajput states with beautiful interiors. Last but not the least the "Royal Treat" for the passengers on board include saloons, bar lounges & libraries in every coach as well as restaurant and organized shopping facilities.

EXCURSIONS

Deeg (32-km): 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.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Agra 56-km 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); 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 are the best way to commute within the city.
PLACES TO STAY There are plenty of accommodation options available from deluxe heritage hotels to budget accommodation. There are forest rest houses and PWD Dak bungalows also available.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRESBanks/Money Changers: State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, B. Narayan Gate, Bharatpur
Post and Telegraph Office: GPO, Gandhi Park.
Clubs: Bharatpur Club, Company Bagh.
Tourist Reception Center: (RTDC), Hotel Saras, and Agra Road.
Guide Services: Approved guides for the National Park can be hired from the Tourist Reception Center, RTDC Hotel Saras, and Dy. Chief Wild life Warden, Forest Rest House
Mini Bus Tour: Mini Bus is operated by Forest department. Please contact the Dy. Chief Wildlife Warden, Forest Rest House
NEARBY CITIES Deeg: 32-km
Jaipur: 150-km

GENERAL INFORMATION