Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Bharatpur
What To See
Once a royal principality, Bharatpur is best known today for the spectacular bird sanctuary in its neighbourhood.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park
The 19th Century wildfowl hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Bharatpur is now one of the finest water - bird sanctuaries in the world. Created out of arid scrubland by building small dams any dykes, the 29 sq. km lake and surrounding wetland today support over 350 species of birds.
Raised pathways camouflaged by trees and undergrowth make viewing easy. A boat ride in the early misty hours of the morning can be magical. The cacaphony is unbelievable as spoonbills, egrets, painted storks, white ibis and a variety of others tend to their young in the mixed heronries on the half submerged babul trees. Jacanas with their iridescent colours and the spectacular purple moorhen can be seen delicately treading over the floating vegetation. Migratory species including the occasional Siberian Crane arrive to swell the numbers in the winter months.
In the marginal forests around the lake are species of deer - sambhar, nilgai, chital and also the lesser predators like the fishing car as also jackal, hyena, mongoose and porcupine. Pythons are often seen sunning themselves at the water's edge or at Python Point.
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Bharatpur
Lohagarh Fort
Built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Suraj Mal, the founder of Bharatpur, the 'Iron Fort' is located in the town. The fort has three palaces Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas built in a fusion of the Mughal and Rajput styles. Two towers, Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj commemorate Suraj Mal's victory over the Mughals and the British.
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Bharatpur
Excursions
Deeg (32 km)
The summer retreat of the rulers of Bharatpur. Picturesque palaces set amidst water bodies and ornamental gardens make Deeg a popular getaway.
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Bharatpur
Conducted Tours
The Forest Department offers a mini bus tour of the sanctuary.
Contact: Deputy Chief Wildlife Warden,
Forest Rest House,
Tel: 22777
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Bharatpur
Tourist Information
The Tourist Reception Centre, Hotel Saras,
Agra Road,
Tel: 22542, 23700
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Bharatpur
Tourist Guides
Approved guides can be arranged from the Tourist Reception Centre, Hotel Saras. A cycle-rickshaw ride around the sanctuary is also interesting, for the drivers are trained to spot and identify birds
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Bharatpur
Access
Easily accessible by air, rail and road.
By Air
The nearest airport Agra is 60 km away and one can take a bus or a taxi to reach Bharatpur.
By Rail
Bharatpur is linked with several cities on the Delhi-Mumbai trunk route including Jaipur and Agra.
By Road
Bharatpur is easily accessible by road. Located on NH 11, Bharatpur is 60 km from Agra and 176 km from Jaipur. There is a regular bus service between Agra and Bharatpur.
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Bharatpur
Accommodation
Hotels in varying ranges are located just outside the Park.
Standard Hotels
Bharatpur Forest Lodge (ITDC)
Tel: 22722, 22760, Fax: 22864
Saras (RTDC)
Tel: 23700, Fax: 24021
Eagle's Nest
Tel: 25144, Fax: 23170
Laxmi Vilas Palace (Heritage)
Kakaji Ki Kothi
Tel: 23523, Fax: 25259
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Bharatpur
Budget Hotels
Crane Crib, Tel: 24224
Paradise, Tel: 23791
Sunbird, Tel: 25701
Pelican, Tel: 24221
Jungle Lodge, Tel: 25622
Forest Rest House, Shanti Kutir
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Bharatpur
Banks
State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur
B. Narayan Gate,
Tel: 22441, 23140
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Bharatpur
Post Office
GPO,
Gandhi Park,
Tel: 23586
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Bharatpur
General Information
Area :
22 sq. km
Altitude :
205 Mts.
Temperature:
Max.
Min.
Summer :
47oC
35 o C
Winter :
35oC
5oC
Rainfall :
69 cm
Season :
Oct. to Feb.
Clothing :
Summer - Cottons
Winter - Woollens
STD Code :
05644
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