Places to See in Bharatpur’s allure stems from the fact that most visitors ignore it. This provides an opportunity for the peace-loving traveller to discover Bharatpur‘s few delights without the crowds. Bharatpur offers a laid-back Rajasthani experience, whether you’re exploring the 18th century bastion of Lohagarh or taking in the natural beauty of Keoladeo National Park. A welcome respite from the hustling of eastern Rajasthan.
The Indian epic Mahabharata dates the establishment of this kingdom to the 5th century B.C. Bharatpur was part of the Matsya (fish) empire, one of the sixteen mahajanapadas (great kingdoms) and an ally of the Pandavas during the Mahabharata’s epic war. Bharatpur gets its name from Bharat, Ram’s younger brother in mythology.
Mahraja Suraj Mal besieged Bharatpur Fort in the early 18th century, usurping Khemkharan, a local chieftain, and founding Bharatpur as we know it today. Suraj Mal went on to build palaces and bastions in order to make Places to See in Bharatpur an impregnable empire.
Understanding the city’s major attractions includes knowledge of Bharatpur’s history. Lohagarh and Deeg are the ruins of a kingdom that was once a major player among Rajasthan’s princely states. Bharatpur is also referred to as Rajasthan’s “eastern gateway.” The Brij Festival, which takes place in Bharatpur in the first week of February, is a colourful spectacle. This is a pre-Holi get-together. Raslila, a traditional musical-theatrical production of Radha and Krishna’s love, is prominent.
Overall, Bharatpur offers a variety of activities for visitors who want to experience Rajasthan in a non-touristy manner. For every sort of tourist, here is a list of things to do in Bharatpur.
History of Bharatpur
Did you know that Bharatpur’s history dates back to the 5th century BC?
Yeah, you read that correctly. The Matsya Kingdom, an ally of the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War, ruled Bharatpur, according to research. Bharatpur was also said to be named after Lord Rama’s younger brother, Bharat, according to legend. Since Laxman was elevated to the prestigious role of family god, his name can be found on the city’s coat of arms and state steals.
Maharaja Suraj Mal defeated Khemkaran and captured Bharatpur in the 18th century, laying the foundations for this capital. He was eager to extend the kingdom and build numerous forts and palaces in and around this region.
As you might know, Bharatpur is also home to Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the best bird sanctuaries in the world. The ruler of Bharatpur permitted the region to be flooded and turned into a marsh about 250 years ago. Every year, migratory birds such as raptors, geese, flycatchers, waders, and others visit this man-made wetland. Avid bird watchers and ornithologists flock to this bird sanctuary during the winter months to learn more about these feathered animals Places to See in Bharatpur.
Bharatpur National Park
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo, is one of the world’s best bird sanctuaries. Ghana National Park is a protected area for both faunal and plant species. The name Keoladeo comes from an old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that still stands at the centre of the national park. The word “Ghana” means “thick,” alluding to the dense forests, which used to cover the region.
This haven is also home to Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, and Boar, as well as indigenous water-feathered animals, transient water flying creatures, and waterside winged creatures. While a large portion of India’s parks have been created as a result of the royal India’s chasing situation, Keoladeo, also known as Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary, is perhaps the most notable situation where the ecosystem has been preserved has been made by a maharaja. Bharatpur town used to be flooded regularly during the monsoon season.
To shield the town from the yearly idea of nature, an earthen dam (Ajan Dam) was built in 1760. The sorrow caused by the dam’s soil extraction was cleared, and the Bharatpur Lake was born.Even though the Places to See in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is open all year, the best time to visit is from August to November to see resident birds and from October to February to see migratory birds.
Lohagarh Fort
The Lohagarh Fort, founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in the 18th century, is one of the best places to visit in Bharatpur. This fort was one of the most effective forts ever built in India, withstanding multiple attacks over the years.
Lohagarh Fort, one of Rajasthan’s most beautiful buildings, isn’t flamboyant; instead, it exudes unmistakable intensity. Inside the fort, two towers commemorate Maharaja Suraj Mal’s victories over the British and the Mughals.
The fort has two gates: the Ashtdhaatu (eight-metal) gate on the north side and the Chowbhurja (four-pillared) gate on the south side. There are some interesting monuments within the Lohagarh Fort, such as Mahal Khas, Kishori Mahal, Koti Khas, and Moti Mahal.
Lohagarh Fort is impregnable, surrounded by a wide moat, and is a living testament to the Jat rulers of Places to See in Bharatpur‘s courage and chivalry.
Government Museum Bharatpur
Bharatpur is an ancient treasure trove. The Bharatpur Government Museum has a strong collection of this wealth. This museum is located in the heart of Bharatpur’s district. Exotic artefacts and useful heirloom quality archaic tools abound at the Bharatpur Government Museum. The Bharatpur Government Museum is a haven for historical objects and priceless artefacts. Visit the Government Museum to learn about Bharatpur’s history.
About the Government Museum: This museum was once a building known as Kachahari Kalan, which acted as an administrative division for the rulers of Bharatpur province, where they settled administrative matters and disputes. The kachahari was later turned into a museum in the year 1944 AD. This museum preserves and displays ancient ruler relics as well as historically significant items and artefacts for visitors and tourists with an interest in history and a desire to learn history from the inside out.
The ‘kamra khas,’ or personal room or section, was used as an important part of the Government Museum Bharatpur’s construction. The museum houses precious relics from the Bharatpur kings. The museum houses some of the village’s most impressive sculptures, including those from Bayana, Bareh, Noh, and Mailah. The excavated handcrafted and sculpted pieces from Places to See in Bharatpur are exhilarated and displayed for tourists.
Bharatpur Palace and Museum
The Bharatpur Palace brings the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royalty to life. This magnificent palace, which is a perfect fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture, is not only a piece of history, but has created many chapters of history with its royal beauty, elegance, and splendours. The ‘KamraKhas’, a museum that houses various artefacts and remembrances of Bharatpur’s paternal ancestors, is housed inside this magnificent building.
It has a total of 581 stone sculptures, with more than 860 pieces showcasing local art and craft in the most vibrant way possible. The palace and museum’s walls and ceilings are coated in enchanting murals, sculptures, and graceful designs Places to See in Bharatpur.
Bankey Bihari Temple
Banke Bihari Temple is one of India’s most prominent temples, located in the heart of Bharatpur, Rajasthan. One of the most famous temples in Bharatpur is dedicated to Shri Krishna.
The architecture of this temple, which is spread over a wide land area, is based on the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan. One of the seven temples dedicated to God is Banke Bihar, which is another name for Lord Krishna. The temple’s main hall is adorned with idols of Lord Krishna and Radha.
The path leading to the chamber is lined with childhood pictures of Lord Krishna. This temple’s architecture is influenced by the Braj architectural style. The temple’s construction is about 150 years old and is constructed in Rajasthani architecture. The figures are exquisitely made and embellished with elegant ornaments and accessories.
Outside the main hall and walls, as well as the roof, is a verandah with a series of beautiful paintings. They tell stories about Lord Krishna’s childhood in his life.
Pictures of various deities adorn the temple’s walls and roof. A large number of devotees visit the temple every morning and evening. Local cars can be used to get to this temple tuck.
Ganga Mandir
One of Rajasthan’s most beautiful temples is the Ganga Mandir, which is located in the heart of the city of Bharatpur. It houses the majestic Ganga Maharaj deity, which is made of pristine white marble. In the mid-nineteenth century, Maharaja Balwant Singh began work on this temple. However, he had a one-of-a-kind request that necessitated the involvement of the city’s wealthiest citizens. to donate one month’s salary to assist in the building of the temple While the architecture is exceptional, the almond-colored Bansi Pahadpur stone is also unrivalled. The temple’s Gong has such a heavy resonance that it can be heard from afar Places to See in Bharatpur.
This temple is a place of worship for all Hindus, and it has a rich history that includes beautiful architecture, sculpture, and carving, Geometrical perfections, engraving, mosaic work
People consider the temple to be a sign of holiness and purification since the Ganga is revered as a holy Devine river by Hindus.
Deeg Bharatpur
Deeg, in the Bharapur district, is a small but interesting area. Make a point of visiting this town if you want to learn everything there is to know about the area surrounding Bharatpur. Deeg’s Palace complex and the three-day Deeg festival, held in September, are two of the city’s most popular attractions. The Deeg palace is a massive structure built in the Rajasthani architecture.
It is made up of countless water gardens and palaces interwoven within a collection of charbaghs in a unique way. Roaming the palace grounds is a great way to spend a couple of hours in Deeg. With its intricate and fun architecture, the Deeg Fort, also known as Jal Mahal, adds character to the city.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bharatpur
Q. What are the popular tourist attractions to see in Bharatpur?
The must visit places in Bharatpur are Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur Palace, Government Museum & Lohagarh fort.
Q. When is the best time to visit Bharatpur?
Winter season from October to March is the best time to plan a visit to Bharatpur.
Bharatpur experiences hot summer season and humid monsoons, while the winter season is quite pleasant. The temperature in the summers rises up to 45°C, while in winters, it drops till 10°C.
- Summer Season: In the months between April and June, the temperature in Bharatpur ranges between 35°C – 40°C. Summers can be a little inconvenient for sightseeing the day time.
- Monsoon Season: With the rains, the temperature in the monsoon season in Bharatpur also comes down to an average of 30°C – 35°C, making it a bit better for visiting and sightseeing tours.
- Winter Season: In the months between October and March, the weather in Bharatpur is quite pleasant. Winter is also the season for witnessing the migratory birds in Keoladeo National Park. Thus, it is the best time to plan a visit to Bharatpur.
Q. How to Reach Bharatpur by Air, Train & Roadway?
Bharatpur enjoys a strategic location, and thus, is easily accessible by road and air. It has its own railway station, making it well-connected to several cities in India.
- By Air: The nearest airports to Bharatpur are in Jaipur (183 km) and Delhi (221 km). One can get a cab easily from these two destinations.
- By Rail: Bharatapur has its own railway station and is connected to many cities and towns of India.
- By Road: National Highways 19 and 21 connect Bharatpur to several cities and towns including Delhi and Jaipur.
Q. What are the accommodation options in Bharatpur?
Bharatpur offers a plethora of staying options for visitors. The accommodation ranges from budget to luxury category, ensuring a pleasant staying experience in Bharatpur. Apart from hotels, guesthouses and resorts are also available in Bharatpur for the convenience of the visitors.