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Bharatpur,
an impregnable fortified city is today famous for the
nearby Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. Once the shooting
preserve of royalty, it is perhaps the most spectacular
water-bird sanctuary in India.
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.
General information
Altitude:
205 meters
Best Season:
October to February
Temperature:
Summer Max. 45 C Min. 37 C Winter Max. 31 C
Min. 21 C
STD Code:
05644
How to get there
Air
The nearest airport, Agra is 54 km. However, convenient
airports from Bombay are Jaipur (174 km) and Delhi (182
km) since there are no direct flights to Agra from
Bombay.
Rail
Bharatpur is on Bombay-Delhi sector of Western Rly.
Road
Bharatpur is well connected by good motorable roads to
Agra (54 km), Delhi (182 km), Fatehpur Sikri (20 km),
Jaipur (174 km), Mathura (36 km) and Sariska (130 km).
In and around
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Also known as the Keoladeo Ghanga Sanctuary, it is
famous for rare avian species. Stretching over a 29 sq.
km. marshy area it is an ideal terrain for migratory
birds. Some 353 species live and breed within the park,
some of which are egrets, darters, cormorants, gray
herons, sarus crane, Siberian crane, rosy headed pelican
etc.
There are also a number of spotted deer, sambar, nilgai,
wild boar, python and porcupine. Jeepable roads that
form a network through the marshland and boats that can
be painted through weeds make for easy viewing of the
birds. All visitors are required to obtain a permit from
the Warden or Ranger at the entrance of the parl.
Bharatpur Fort-This magnificent 18th century fort built
by Raja Suraj Mal was also known as Loha Gadh and proved
to be impregnable. Government Museum- The museum in the
fort houses sculptures, inscriptions and exhibits of art
and culture of the region. Bharatpur Palace - This royal
monument is a brilliant blend of Mughal and a Rajput
architecture. There is also a museum in the central wing
with a few exhibits dating to the 2nd century A.D.
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.
Deeg
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
colorful bazaar |
