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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-the Keoladeo Ghana National
Park-finest in Asia 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 remains the marvellous Bharatpur Palace housing
a rich repository of a large number of ancient exhibits
that date back to the early 15th century.
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.
Government
Museum: A rich collection of artifacts, exquisitely
carved sculptures and ancient inscriptions can be admired
in the Government Museum located in the Palace.
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.
Keoladeo
National Part: Once the royal hunting preserve 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 gees from China, come here in
July / Aug to spend the winters in the warmer climate and
they breed till Oct/ Nov. 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.
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.
By Air: Agra
56 km is the nearest airport.
By Rail: Regular
rail services connect Bharatpur with several cities on Delhi
– Mumbai trunk route, Jaipur and Agra. Golden Temple Mail
( Mumbai – Bharatpur – Jammu Tawi), Intercity Express, Paschim
Express ( New Delhi – Bharatpur – Mumbai).
By Road: A network
of bus services links Bharatpur with several cities within
and outside the State.
Laxmi Vilas Palace, Bharatpur
Laxmi
Vilas Palace, originally known as Reghunath Niwas, was built
in 1899 A.D. fir the younger son of the then Maharaja of
Bharatpur-Jaswant Singh. Years later it was designated as
the ‘zenana’ residence of beautiful princesses. Its single
entrance, a massive and richly carved archway made of sandstone,
allowed ladies of the Royal family complete privacy. The
palace is an interesting combination of traditional rajput
and Mughal styale of architecture as was prevalent during
those times. The sunny courtyards and enchanting cupolas
enthrall the visitor. Spacious, airy rooms which period
furniture and several antiques and objects d’art which remind
one of the magnificent lifestyle of a bygone aria.
Special
Features: Tours and excursions to Keoladeo National
Park ( Bharatpur ), Taj Mahal ( Agra), Fatehpur Sikri and
Deeg Palace are some of the nearby excursion points which
can be arranged. The palace is so placed that it is possible
to see migratory birds fly to and from the nearby National
Park.
Facilities
available: 22 double rooms. A Multicuisine restaurant.
By Road:
Delhi 189 kms.
By Train : Bharatpur
6 kms.
By Air: Agra 55
kms.
Golbagh
Palace, Bharatpur
Unlike
most of Rajasthan, Bharatpur was the only state ruled by
jats. These people were settled in this region long before
the Rajputs. Bharatpur is well-located as it lies close
to Jaipur and Agra. Its proximity to the Mughal capital
of Fatehpur Sikri led to a very strong Mughal influence.
The Gol Bagh Palace, residence of the former rulers of Bharatpur,
is over a hundred years old. There are huge rooms which
now allow guests to experience the royal lifestyle and relive
the glorious days of the past.
Special
Features: Bharatpur is very close to the Keoladeo National
Park and allows the tourists ample opportunity to explore
habitat trends of birds migrating to the region. The forts
and palaces of Deeg are also worth a visit.
Facilities
available: 110 rooms including 6 deluxe suites and
6 super deluxe suites.
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