places to visit in bharatpur - Rajasthan Tour Planner

Bharatpur Tourism, located in Rajasthan, is a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature. Renowned for the Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. During the winter months (October to March), thousands of migratory birds, including Siberian cranes, can be spotted here, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Apart from the bird sanctuary, Bharatpur boasts historical landmarks like the Lohagarh Fort, known for its impregnable structure, and the Government Museum, which displays artifacts from Bharatpur’s royal past. The Deeg Palace, a beautiful garden palace, and Ganga Mandir are also worth visiting.

The city’s rich history, royal heritage, and proximity to cities like Agra and Jaipur make it a must-visit destination on the Golden Triangle route. Bharatpur is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible for tourists.

Bharatpur Monuments

Tourist Attractions in Bharatpur

Bharatpur is a historic city in Rajasthan, primarily known for its wildlife sanctuary and rich cultural heritage. Its proximity to cities like Agra and Jaipur makes it a popular stop for travelers exploring the Golden Triangle. Here are the top tourist attractions in Bharatpur:

Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary)

One of the most renowned bird sanctuaries in the world, Keoladeo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spread across 29 sq. km, it is home to over 370 species of birds, both migratory and resident. Winter months (October to March) attract thousands of migratory birds, including the rare Siberian crane, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers. The park also hosts animals like deer, nilgai, and pythons.

Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bicycle, or via cycle rickshaws, with trained guides available for a more insightful experience.

Lohagarh Fort

Built by Maharaja Suraj Mal in the early 18th century, Lohagarh Fort is one of the strongest forts in Rajasthan, known for its impenetrable defenses. It successfully withstood several British attacks during the colonial era. Unlike other forts in Rajasthan, Lohagarh lacks ornate carvings but compensates with its formidable structure.

Within the fort complex, visitors can explore palaces like Kishori Mahal, Moti Mahal, and Kothi Khas, along with the museum that houses artifacts, sculptures, and paintings from Bharatpur’s royal past. The Ashtadhatu Gate and the towering Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj are among the notable attractions.

Government Museum, Bharatpur

Situated inside the Lohagarh Fort, the Government Museum displays a rich collection of archaeological artifacts, sculptures, weapons, and paintings from the region’s history. The museum provides insight into the culture, art, and history of Bharatpur and the surrounding areas. It’s a must-visit for history buffs interested in understanding the legacy of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur.

Deeg Palace

Located about 35 km from Bharatpur, Deeg Palace is a magnificent garden palace that once served as the summer retreat of the Bharatpur kings. The palace is a perfect example of Rajasthani architecture with Mughal influences. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains, and artificial lakes, Deeg is an architectural marvel.

The palace complex has several buildings, such as the Gopal Bhavan, Suraj Bhavan, Kishan Bhavan, and Nand Bhavan. The elaborate fountains are still operational, and during certain festivals, they are turned on to recreate the grandeur of royal celebrations.

Ganga Mandir

Built in 1845 by Maharaja Balwant Singh, the Ganga Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The temple features an amalgamation of Mughal, Rajput, and South Indian architectural styles. The idol of Ganga riding a crocodile is the temple’s main attraction, and its serene environment offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle of the city.

Banke Bihari Temple

The Banke Bihari Temple is one of the most revered temples in Bharatpur, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Located near Lohagarh Fort, it attracts pilgrims from across the region. The temple architecture is simple yet elegant, with an emphasis on devotion rather than ornamentation. Festivals like Janmashtami and Holi are celebrated here with great enthusiasm, and the temple becomes a hub of activity during these occasions.

Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj

These two towers, located within the Lohagarh Fort, were built by Maharaja Suraj Mal to commemorate his victories over the Mughals and the British. They stand as symbols of Bharatpur’s military prowess and resilience. The view from the top offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Bharatpur Palace and Museum

An exquisite blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the Bharatpur Palace is another highlight of the city. Built in phases by various rulers, the palace is a testament to the region’s royal heritage. A portion of the palace has been converted into a museum, showcasing royal belongings, historical manuscripts, and art pieces. The palace’s central courtyard is particularly striking, with its intricate carvings and royal ambience.

Laxman Mandir

Located in the heart of Bharatpur, the Laxman Mandir is dedicated to Lord Laxman, the younger brother of Lord Rama. The temple is known for its stunning architecture, with intricately carved doors, walls, and idols. The temple’s serene atmosphere makes it a popular spot for spiritual seekers and tourists alike.

Best Time To Visit Bharatpur

The best time to visit Bharatpur is from October to March, during the winter season. This period offers pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and bird sanctuary. Migratory birds, including Siberian cranes, geese, and pelicans, flock to the park during these months, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

The temperature ranges between 10°C to 25°C, providing a comfortable experience for wildlife safaris and sightseeing. Avoid visiting during the summer months (April to June), as temperatures can soar beyond 40°C, and the monsoon (July to September) can make travel difficult due to heavy rains.

How to Reach Bharatpur Tourism

Bharatpur, known for the Keoladeo National Park, is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Here’s how you can reach Bharatpur:

By Air: The nearest airport is Agra’s Kheria Airport (56 km), but the best option is Jaipur International Airport (180 km), offering better connectivity. From either airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Bharatpur.

By Train: Bharatpur Junction is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Agra. Many express and superfast trains, including the Golden Temple Mail and Kota Jan Shatabdi, stop here.

By Road: Bharatpur is accessible via NH-21. It’s approximately 200 km from Delhi and 55 km from Agra. Regular buses operate from nearby cities like Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur. Private taxis and self-drive options are also available.

Local Transport: Once in Bharatpur, cycle rickshaws, autos, and taxis are readily available to explore the city and the bird sanctuary.

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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.

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