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BHARATPUR
The only Jat kingdom in the state, the rock-hard mud
fortifications of its fort proved invincible even
under repeated siege. The fort houses early remnants
of artifacts and sculpture, while the modern palace
outside is a sprawling structure. However, Bharatpur
is better known as a bird sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana
National Park).
HISTORY
Founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733 AD,
Bharatpur - The 'Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan', was
once an impregnable well fortified city, carved out
of the region formerly known as Mewat. The trio of
Bharatpur, Deeg and Dholpur has played an important
part in the history of Rajasthan. The place was
named as Bharatpur after the name of Bharat, the
brother of Lord Rama, whose other brother Laxman was
worshipped as the family deity of the Bharatpur. The
legends say the rulers Laxman's name is engraved on
the state arms and the seals. The city and the fort
have been believed to be founded by Rustam, a Jat of
Sogariya clan. Maharaja Suraj Mal took over from
Khemkaran, the son of Rustam, and established the
empire. He fortified the city by building a massive
wall around the city.
The 55 km Long journeys 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 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 marvelous Bharatpur Palace
housing a rich repository of large number of ancient
exhibits that date back to the early 15th century.
Bharatpur's bus stand is in the west of town near
Anah Gate, just off NH-11. If you're arriving from
Fatehpur Sikri , get off well before, when the bus
stops at the crossroads on the opposite side of town
near the park gates, as this is nearer all the
hotels and guesthouses. From the main bus stand,
services run to all major centres in Rajasthan
(including Jaipur) and to Delhi, Agra and Fatehpur
Sikri. Two kilometres northwest, the railway station
lies on the main Delhi-Mumbai line. There are also
two fast trains to Agra (2hr) and one to Amritsar
(14hr), and an express service to Sawai Madhopur
(2hr 30min). The town's tourist office (Mon-Sat
10am-5pm), where you can pick up good state maps and
information on Bharatpur and the sanctuary, stands
at the crossroads near the park entrance where
Fatehpur Sikri buses pull in.
Cycle rickshaws are the main form of transport
within the city, but fares for the long haul in and
out of town soon mount up, and it makes sense to
rent a bicycle , either from your hotel (around
Rs35/day) or the shop on NH-11 outside the Spoonbill
Restaurant . If you need to change money , head for
the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, Binarayan Gate
(Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, Sat 10am-noon).
Places to see
Keoladeo National Park
This would be any bird-watching enthusiasts first
choice. Once the royal hunting ground of the princes
of Bharatpur, the Bharatpur Keoladeo National Park
is one of the finest habitat of birds in the world.
Bubbling with over 400 species of resident water
birds, the park is furthermore populated by the
annual influx of birds from colder countries (during
winter season). Exotic migratory birds from
Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet as well as Siberia,
the Arctics and China, come here in the months of
October/ November to spend the winters.
Lohagarh Fort
The Lohagarh Fort (also known as Iron Fort) was
built in the early part of 18th century by Maharaja
Suraj Mal, the founder of Bharatpur. Supposedly
taking its name from its invincible defense, the
massive iron structure prides in being one of the
few impregnable structures of Rajasthan in India.
The fort complex holds three exquisitely built
palaces namely - Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi
Khas. Two of eight imposing towers - Jawahar Burj
and Fateh Burj still stands in pride within the fort
complex. These towers were built to symbolise his
victory over the Mughals and the British rulers.
Government Museum
The Government Museum has a rich collection of
artefacts, brilliantly carved sculptures and ancient
inscriptions. All these items speak volumes about
the rich heritage, art and crafts of the region.
Climate
Summers are too hot here, whereas the winters
are extremely cold. The best time to visit this park
is in the winters, between the months of October &
February. In the Summer, Light tropical clothes and
in Winter, Light wollen clothes are recommended.
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