Bharatpur
Named after Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama, Bharatpur is the Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan. The district is rather famous for its national park and avian sanctuary than its palaces and fort. Though the history of Bharatpur can be traced back to the epic age, present day Bharatpur was founded by Maharaja Surajmal in 1733 AD. Located 50 km west of Agra, the city is also the administrative headquarters of Bharatpur District.
How to get there Bharatpur is well connected by road with Agra (55 km), Mathura (39 km), Delhi (184 km) and Jaipur (176 km). Regular bus services connect Bharatpur with all major cities. Bharatpur railway station falls on the main Delhi-Mumbai line with regular connections to Mathura, Sawai Madhopur and Kota on the same route. It is also connected with Agra. The nearest airport is Agra (54 km). Agra has daily flights for Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi (via Khajuraho) and Lucknow.
Places of interest Keoladeo Ghana National Park: Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, this famous avifauna sanctuary is also a World Heritage Site. It is a natural habitat for 230 bird species including endangered ones, like the Siberian crane that visits here during winter. This National Park also attracts scores of ornithologists during the hibernal season. The migratory birds which visit this sanctuary are cranes, hawks, pelicans, geese, shanks, ducks, eagles, warblers, stints, buntings, wheatears, flycatchers, larks, pipits, wagtails, etc.
Government Museum: Located in the centre of the famous Lohagarh Fort, the Bharatpur Museum houses a good collection of archaeological wealth. The exhibits here include paintings, manuscripts, weapons used during the medieval period and sculptures found during the excavation of old villages like Noh, Mallah, Bareh, Bayana etc.
■ AROUNDAJMER Pushkar: Located 11 km from Ajmer, Pushkar is separated from it by the winding Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain). According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma dropped a lotus flower on earth and Pushkar emerged to the surface. A temple dedicated to Brahma has been built here. The Savitri Temple nearby atop a hill offers spectacular views. It can be reached by a one-hour trek. The nearby Pap Mochani Temple also worth a visit for its stunning views.
The museum is divided into Archaeology, Armoury, Arts, Crafts and Industry, Children’s Galleryand Miscellaneous sections.
Lohagarh Fort: Built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Suraj Mai, the Lohagarh Fort is one of the most beautiful Forts in India. Due to its strong defenses, the fort came to be known by the name of Lohagarh (Iron Fort).
Of the two gates in the fort, the one in the north is known as Ashtdhaatu (eight metalled) gate, while the one facing the south is called the Chowburja (four-pillared) gate. One of the strongest forts in Rajasthan, Lohagarh was able to successfully thwart many a British attack and now stands testimony to the chivalry of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur.
Deeg Palace: Located 32 km from Bharatpur, the Deeg Palace is one of the most popular places of excursions in Bharatpur. The palace served as a place of pleasure for Bharatpur rulers. Encircled by a shallow wide moat, the Palace has 12 huge towers, protective walls of 8 km circumference pierced by 10 gateways and studded with 72 bastions. Anti-elephant spikes protect the entrance. The Suraj Mai Haveli in the palace features bangaldar style domes.