|
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.
CLIMATE:
Summer: Max. - 37°C Min. - 24°C
Winter: Max. - 31°C Min. - 11°C
GETTING 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.
SIGHTSEEING:
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.
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
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. |
