Bharatpur is located in the Braj Region, in the Eastern Gate of Rajasthan. Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a major tourist attraction and has bagged the recognition of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. The national park is an abode to Palaearctic migratory waterfowl and a large number of residential species. Other than Keoladeo, other tourist spots include Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur Palace and Government Museum.
Also known as Lohagarh, Maharaja Suraj Mal established Bharatpur in 1733, which has now become one of the favoured destinations in Rajasthan. The Braj Festival, celebrated after Holi, the Handcrafted chowries with ivory, sandalwood or silver handles are among the popular elements in Bharatpur.
Itinerary
Day 1. Reach Bharatpur
After checking in to your hotel freshen up, and after getting some rest and lunch visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park.
- The national park was previously known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, it is an important breeding and feeding ground for about 370 species of birds.
- Keoladeo Park is also a significant breeding spot for the rare Siberian crane.
- Painted storks, basking python, nilgai, deer, etc. are among the family of fauna at the park.
- There are well-defined treks at Keoladeo that can be covered by walking, cycling or even on rickshaws.
- The rickshaw pullers over there surprisingly serve as efficient guides for bird watching activities.
Return back to your hotel room, grab your dinner and get a sound sleep. Prepare yourself for the local sightings at Bharatpur.
Day 2. Bharatpur Local Sightseeing
Get up early to begin your long day after breakfast.
- Lohagarh Fort
As the name suggests, the Lohagarh Fort stood like an iron pillar, resisting several British attacks, before it was captured by Arthur Wellesley. The build of the fort is not so extravagant like the others, but emits the rays of triumph and strength. The Lohagarh fort encloses fascinating monuments inside it such as Mahal Khas, Kothi Khas, Moti Mahal, and Kishori Mahal.
- Deeg
Located at the north side of Bharatpur, Deeg is a magnificent garden town. Ordained with exuberant palaces, fountains, gardens, the main attraction is the fort surrounded by gateways and moats that were filled with water to protect from enemies.
- Kaman
It is a place for pilgrimage in the north of Bharatpur, called Kamaban by the locals. Kaman is a part of Brij area, where the famous Hindu God, Lord Krishna resided during his early years. In the month of Bhadwa, several Vaishnavites visit the place as a part of Banyatara. The Chaurasi Khamba (84 pillars) is the primary attraction.
- Laxman Mandir
The temple is dedicated to the devoted younger brother of Lord Ram, Lakshman. The Rajasthani architecture and the spectacular pink stonework are the primary ingredients of attraction for the visitors.
- Bharatpur Palace and Museum
The Bharatpur Palace was built by more than one Maharaja in multiple stages. The architecture is an elegant architectural fusion of Rajputs and Mughals.
The museum inside the palace known as kamra Khas which has priceless collections of local art and craft, stone sculptures, royal antiques and scriptures.
- Ganga Mandir
Dedicated to Ganga Maharaj, the beautiful temple is nestled at the heart of Bharatpur city. Maharaja Balwant Singh initiated the construction of the temple in the mid 19th century.
Day 3. Ranthambore National Park
Check out from your hotel and head towards Ranthambore National Park, which is at a distance of 232 km.
Check-in to the hotel/resort near the national park.
It is an ideal tourist destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, as well as the history buffs. Ranthambore National Park is rich in flora and fauna, but the Royal Bengal Tigers are the predominant attraction for the tourists. Visit the ruins of Ranthambore Fort, Trinetra Ganesh temple and Padam lake near Zone 3 inside the national park. Booking for a Ranthambore Jeep Safari is the best option to enjoy the entire Ranthambore National Park trip.
Day 4. Return from Ranthambore