Located about 55 km by road from Agra on the Jaipur highway, the town of Bharatpur is an eastern gateway to Rajasthan. The Bharatpur Palace houses a large number of exhibits dating back to the early 15th century. Bharatpur, however, is famous for its proximity to the Keoladeo Ghana National Park which nas the largest concentration and variety of birdlife in Asia. This 29 sq Km sanctuary is also the breeding ground for the rare Siberian Crane.
The very name 'Lohagarh' —Iron Fort—suggests the amazing history behind it. It is so called because it remained invincible during a number of attacks by Britishers, It was able to sustain itself with a powerful resistance due to the ingenious defensive works, conceived and designed by Maharaja Suraj Mai, the founder of Bharatpur in early 18th century. Today it still stands erect and impregnable, permeating an aura of strength and magnificence, Some of the monuments within the fort worth a visit are Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas.
In an adjacent building within the fort is the Government Museum, It antiquities houses a rich collection of items of this region. There are exquisite sculptures, some so fineiy chiselled revealing an epitome of skill and a grace so stunning— almost a symphony in stone. These sculptures speak volumes of the art of a bygone era and a culture typical of this area. There are also some ancient inscriptions.
Many parts of the fort still stand in all their glory, A few of the eight bastions of the fort stand sentinel to time. There is the Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj worth a visit. These were built by Suraj Mai to commemorate his victories over the Mughals and British respectively. The coronation ceremony of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur used to take place at the Jawahar Burj.
The royal monument is a brilliant blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, The magnificent apartments within, where royalty lived, have patterned floor tiles with beautiful and intricate designs. There is also a museum in the central wing with exhibits dating back to the 2nd century AD.
Once royal hunting reserve of the princely family of Bharatpur, today, it is one of the most breathtaking water bird sanctuaries in India.
Migratory birds flock here in July/August on tt October/November, There are thorny babul thousands of birds that come here.
The outstanding species are the open billed darter or snake-bird, spoonbill and grey heron Asia, Tibet as well as Greylag Geese from Siberian Cranes from the Arctic Siberia Geese from China.
32 km. It used to be the royal summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur.Served as the second capital of the region.
Air: Agra 56 Km is the nearest airport.
Rail: Regular rail services connect Bharatpur with several cities on Delhi to bombay trunk route, Jaipur and Agra
Road: A network of bus services links Bharat with several cities within and outside the state.