Bharatput - The favourite bird retreat
 The 55 km 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 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 exhibit that date back to the early 15 th century.
Siberian Cranes in the Ghana Keoladeo Sanctuary
PRIME TRIPS
Lohagarh Fort : The massive iron structure built in the early 18 th 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 artefacts, exquisitely carved sculptures and ancient inscriptions can be admired in the Government Museum located in the Palaces. All these items speak volumes about the rich heritage, art and crafts of the region.
Deeg 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 help at the Jawahar Burj.
The Palace : This royal edifice is a fusion of the Mughal and Rajpat 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 centeral part of the palace
Keoladeo National Park : 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 bareheaded geese from China , come here in July/Aug to spend the winters in 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.
A Cattle Egret with its young
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.
TRAVEL INFORMATION - 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 bharatprur with several cities within and outside the State.
Local Transport: Tongas and Cycle-rickshaws
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Bank/Money changers: State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, B. Narayan Gate , Bharatpur
Post & Telegraph Office: GPO, Gandhi Park
Clubs: Bharatpur Club, Company Bagh.
Tourist Information Centtre: Tourist Reception Centre, (RTDC), Hotel Saras, Agra Road
Guide Services: Approved Guides for the National Park can be hired from the Tourist Reception Centre, RTDC Hotel Saras, Tel. 22542 and Dy. Chief Wildlife Warden, Forest Rest House
Mini Bus Tour: Mini bus is operated by Forest Department. Please contact the Dy. Chief Wildlife Warden, Forest Rest House.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area : 22 sq. km.
Altitude : 250 metres
Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer : 45.0 c 37.0 c
Winter : 31.7 c 7.0 c
Rainfall : 69 cms
Best Season: October-February
Clothing : Summer light tropical
Winter light woollen
Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi, English |
