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.

 

 PRIME SITES:


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.

 

 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.

 

 HOW TO GET THERE:

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.

 WHERE TO STAY:


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.