The Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan - Bharatpur was founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733 AD, it was once an impregnable well fortified city, carved out of the region formerly known as Mewat. The walled city of Bharatpur has typical medieval period and characterizes the security concern of that period. The walled city is irregular in shape and elongated in the northeast to southwest direction. The street pattern in the walled city is curvilinear typical of medieval townships. Religious building like the Ganga Mandir, Laxman Mandir and Jama Masjid are located on the town central spine between Mathura Gate and Kumher Gate. The hotels are mainly located in a cluster near the Park in the south of the town.
Bharatpur is well-known for it world heritage listed bird sanctuary Keoladeo Ghanna National Park. Park a unique bird place, delight of ornithologists. Once the hunting preserve of the princes of Bharatpur, today, it is ranked among the world's best bird sanctuaries. Every year, this park is visited byover 400 species of water birds which include exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central Asia, Siberia and Tibet. The graylag and bar headed geese are among the important visitors but the star of this sanctuary is the rare Siberian crane.
Area of Bharatpur : 22 sq km. (approx.)
Population of Bharatpur : 1.6 millions (approx.)
Languages spoken at Bharatpur : Hindi, English & Bharatpuri
STD Code of Bharatpur : 05644
Best time to visit Bharatpur : October to March
Climate of Bharatpur :
The temperature ranges as high as 38ºC to 45ºC in summers. There is retrieve when the monsoons approach in July and August and lower the temperature to about 27ºC. Winters are cold and temperature may drop down below 10ºC. Fog and mist is not uncommon throughout January.
Fairs and Festivals at Bharatpur : Brij Festival : The Brij Festival is held in the month of March, a few days before the festival of colors, Holi. This festival is held in the commemoration of Lord Krishna. The main attraction point of the Brij Festival of Bharatpur, Rajasthan is the Raslila Dance, illustrating the eternal love story of Radha Krishan. The villagers of Bharatpur perform this dance, dressed in bright and colorful costumes. Throughout Bharatpur, the sound of folk songs fills the air and mesmerizes people. All the people, men or women, young or old, participate in the Rajasthan Braj Mahotsav and drown in its spirit.
Jaswant Exhibition : The Jaswant Exhibition is held in the month of September to October. A big carnival is held during Dussehra. Bdussehra symbolises the victory of good over evil. Lord Ram defeated the demon king Ravana on these day.
Teej : The Teej Festival is held in the month of July to August. Festival of swings marking the advent of monsoons. Swings are hung from the trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls sing songs of love and the rain.
Gangaur Festival : The Gangaur Festival Festival is held in the month of March to April. of maidens and married women, dedicated to Gauri, the incarnation of Goddess Parvati. A gracious procession is taken out, married women pray for the prosperity and long life of their husbands, while young girls seek blessings for a good life partner.
Temples at Bharatpur :
Ganga Maharani Temple : Ganga Temple in Bharatpur is truly the most beautiful among all the temples in the city. The temple is conveniently situated in the heart of Bharatpur city and is home to a striking idol of goddess Ganga.Ganga Temple in Bharatpur was built by Maharaja Balwant Singh, the ruler of Bharatpur.
Banke Bihari Temple : Banke Bihari temple in Bharatpur is another such temple that is always crowded with hundreds of devotees. This temple is established on a vast expanse of land. Inspired by Brij architecture, this temple has a beautiful building. The main hall of the temple has striking statues of Lord Krishna and is perpetual companion Radha. Amazing pictures depicting the childhood of Lord Krishna are shown on the walls of the verandah outside the main hall. Wonderful paintings of various deities have been beautifully painted on the walls and ceilings of the temple.
Laxman Temple : Laxman temple in Bharatpur is known to be one of the most prominent temples in the city. Situated right in the heart of the city, the temple makes for a major attraction in the city.Maharaja Baldev Singh wanted to emerge victorious in all the battles that he fought. To fulfill this desire, he constructed the Laxman temple in Bharatpur and prayed there on a regular basis. This temple is said to be around three hundred years old and is a beautiful piece of architecture.
Tourist Attraction in Bharatpur :
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary : The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary or Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary has been deemed as world heritage bird sanctuary. Sprawling over the area of 29 sq km, more than 380 species of birds have already been spotted and identified here. A paradise for bird watchers, photographers and nature lovers, it is the best place to see the exotic beauty of varied species. Egrets, ducks, coots, storks, kingfishers, spoonbills, Sarus crane, laggar falcon, greater spotted eagle, marsh harrier, Pallas' eagle can be seen here quite often and if visitors are lucky, they may even spot the rare Siberian Crane that migrate to this place in winters.
Lohagarh Fort : The massive iron fort structure built in the early 18th century. With its impregnable defences its sustained itself even after a number of British attacks . The fort was conceived and designed by Maharaja Suraj Mal, The founder of Bharatpur.The fort has three palaces within its precincts- kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas, Kothi Khas.
Museum : A rich collection of artefacts, exquisitely carved sculptures and ancient inscriptions can be admired in the Government Museum located in the Palaces. All these items speak volumes about the rich heritage, art and crafts of the region.
Shopping in Bharatpur :
Shopping places in Bharatpur, Rajasthan are known for a number of items. Some of the famous shopping items of Bharatpur are : Jewelry (of precious and semi-precious stones), Brass work, Jaipur textiles (especially bandhej/tie and dye print), Antiques, Marble carvings.
Accommodation in Bharatpur : Most tourists plan daylong trips to Bharatpur. However, there is good accommodation available at the Bharatpur Forest Lodge, Forest Guesthouse and Saras Tourist Bungalow. All the three have multi-cuisine restaurants. Accommodation is also available at the Circuit House, Hotel Golbagh Palace, Shanti Kutir, and the Tourist Lodge near the sanctuary's Mathura gate.
How to reach Bharatpur :
By Air : The nearest airport to reach Bharatpur city in India is located a Jaipur Sanganer Airport. Sanganer Airport of Jaipur is at a distance of about 135 Kms. far from Bharatpur City.
By Rail : Pink City, Chetak and Shatabdi Express are the regular Trains that provides the best Rail services to the tourists from Delhi and Jaipur. Although the Bharatpur City is well connected with other major cities of Rajasthan as well as from the other major states of India.
By Road : Bharatpur city in the state of Rajasthan in India is well connected by Road from almost all the major cities of India.
