Location
Located in eastern Rajasthan, about 176 kms away from Delhi, and 50
km west of Agra, is the Keoladeo Ghana or Bharatpur National Park, one of
the most spectacular bird sanctuaries in India, nesting indigenous water-
birds as well as migratory water birds and water side birds. It is also
inhabited by sambar, chital, nilgai and boar. More than 300 species of birds
are found in this small park of 29 sq. km. of which 11 sq. km. are marshes
and the rest scrubland and grassland.
Avian's Paradise
Bharatpur
is largely known for the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary but the city also hosts a
beautiful fort. Many travellers who visit Bharatpur rate it as a highlight
who visits India. In the 17 th and 18 th centuries, the town was an
important Jat strong hold. The sanctuary is 5 km to the south of the city
centre. The Lohargarh or 'Iron Fort', is worth a visit. An earthern dam
called the Ajan Dam was constructed in 1760, to protect Bharatpur from the
constant floods during monsoon and the arid lands after monsoon. The
Keoladeo lake was born out of the depression created by extraction of soil
for the dam covered with shallow lakes and stunted forest growth and
grasslands.
Tourist Attractions
» 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.
» Government Museum : The building Kamra Khas within
the fort has been converted into a museum, displaying a rich collection of
antiquaries, exquisite sculptures and some ancient inscriptions.
» 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.
»
Deeg Fort : The fort stands majestically over a slightly elevated point,
built by Raga Suraj Mal. The fort is surrounded by impressive moats, armpits
and gateways, the interiors are mostly in ruins now, but the watch tower
still stands in the ruins keeping an eye over the City and Palace; over it
is placed a gun captured from Agra fort.
How to reach
Bharatpur is on the Agra-Jaipur highway, just a two-hour journey by bus
from Agra (55 km) and an hour from Fatehpur Sikri. The nearest rail junction
is Bharatpur, which is well connected to Delhi, Bombay, Ahmedabad, Jaipur
and many other parts of India. Private as well as state transport buses link
Bharatpur with other parts of Rajasthan.
