General
Information
The
Favourite 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. Every year, the rare Siberian
cranes come to spend the winter in the warmer climate of
Bharatpur.
Of the remnants of the royal past remain the marvellous
Bharatpur Palace housing a rich repository of a large
number of ancient exhibits that date back to the early
15th century
Bharatpur
is popular for its bird sanctuary near the Keoladeo Ghana
National Park, which is the finest in Asia with a rich
avian variety. Every year, the rare Siberian cranes come
to spend the winter in the warmer climate of Bharatpur.
Of the remnants of the royal past remain the marvellous
Bharatpur Palace housing a rich repository of a large
number of ancient exhibits that date back to the early
15th century.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
FORTS
Lohagarh Fort: The massive iron structure built in
the early 18th century. With its impregnable defences, 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.
PALACES
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.
MUSEUMS
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 and
art and crafts of the region.
WILDLIFE
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, greyleg geese from Siberia and
barheaded 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, spoon bills, 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
facilites.
EXCURSIONS
CITIES
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.
NEAR
BY CITIES
Deeg:
32-km
Jaipur: 150-km (approx