BHATATPUR
PLACES TO VISIT
The 50 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 15th centurcy.
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 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.
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. 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 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
he centeral part of the palace.
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 |
