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
Location:
32-km From Deeg, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: Lohagarh Fort, The Palace, Keoladeo
National Park
Area 22-sq-kms
Altitude: 250m
Best Season : October - February
Languages:Rajasthani, Hindi, English
Best Time To Visit: October-February
