Bharatpur has been one of the most popular travel destinations for bird watchers around the globe. If both history and the tranquillity of nature attract you, then Bharatpur is a must-visit place for you. Your trip to Rajasthan can’t complete without visiting Bharatpur.
It is one of the oldest cities in India, and as per Mahabharata, the kingdom of Matsya, one of the allies of Pandavas in the war, flourished here in the 5th century BC.
Are you planning a Bharatpur trip? Well, then, you must check out the detailed information here. This article will share all the information you should know about Bharatpur. Check it out now!
Bharatpur – History, Geography & Attractive Places
Location and Geography
Where is Bharatpur? Bharatpur, a district of Rajasthan, is geographically located between 76degree 53′ 17’E and 26 degrees 22′ and 27 degrees 83′ N. The place is 180 KM from the capital city, Delhi, in the Braj region. It is bordered by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana and the cities of Dholpur, Karauli, Jaipur, Alwar, and Gurgaon.
Three seasonal rivers, Gambhir, Ban Ganga, and Rooparel, flows through the city of Bharatpur. The place has an estimated total population of around 28 lakhs. And, as per the 2011 census data, the total population was 2,861,513.
History of Bharatpur
Bharatpur is one of India’s most well-known tourist sites. It is situated in Rajasthan, and this place is also popular as the ‘Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan.’ Maharaja Suraj Mal has founded this ancient city in the year 1733. The city derives its name from Bharathan, the brother of the Hindu god Sri Ram. Lakshmana, another brother of Rama, is also worshipped by the people as the family deity of Bharatpur. Bharatpur, also known as ‘Loha Ghar’, is a gateway to the popular tourist destinations of Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur.
How to Reach Bharatpur?
Bharatpur is well connected with the whole state of Rajasthan through public and private transport systems. You can reach Bharatpur from any part of India in the following ways,
By Air: The closest airport to Bharatpur is Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 56km from the main city. Once you reach the Agra airport, you can take a cab and taxi services to Bharatpur.
By Train: Bharatpur is well connected with the rest of the country through railways. The place falls under the Delhi-Mumbai broad gauge line and is easy to reach from places like Agra, Sawai Madhopur and Kota.
By Bus: If you want, you can reach Bharatpur by bus as well. Bus services run from all the other cities of the state. A bus network is available from Mathura, Agra, and Gurgaon in Uttar Pradesh.
When To Visit Bharatpur?
If you consider a trip to Bharatpur, Rajasthan, remember that the ideal months to visit are October to March. During this time, you can also visit the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park), located nearby, to experience amazing vistas of migratory birds.
Attractive Places in Bharatpur
Here, we will discuss some unique tourist attractions in Bharatpur that you should add to your plan. Let’s look at the list of some of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the region.
1. Keoladeo National Park – A sanctuary for birds
Bharatpur National Park, a bird watcher’s paradise, is world-famous. The park is a natural sanctuary with about 375 bird species. Winters are the best time for you to visit the place. Bar-headed and grey-legged geese and migratory birds such as waterfowl are also found. Apart from these, other species such as Pin-tailed, Common Teals, Ruddy Shelduck, Maldows, Widgeons, Shovelers, Common Shelduck, Red Crossed Pokemon, and Got Walls are also found in abundance in this wild land.
- Location: Agra- Jaipur Highway, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 302001
- Entry Fee: INR 50
2. Government Museum Bharatpur
Bharatpur’s Government Museum is a popular tourist destination, and it can be found within Lohgarh Fort. This museum houses a magnificent collection of Bharatpur’s historical treasures. This place used to be the administrative block of the rulers of Bharatpur. Kachari Kalan, the administration block, was converted into a museum in 1944. Room Khas on the first floor of this building was later added to the museum. Maharaja Balwant Singh built these structures in the nineteenth century.
The museum exhibits a unique collection of Jat rulers’ antique sculptures, paintings, coins, inscriptions, animal specimens, decorative art pieces, and weapons. The art gallery of this museum features miniature paintings on litho paper, mica, and peepal leaves. This museum is about 4 kilometers from Bharatpur’s main bus and railway stations.
Location: Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur – 321001
Entry Fee: Free entry
3. Bharatpur Palace and Museum
Bharatpur Palace, the royal family of Bharatpur’s palace, is a stunning combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture. This palace was built with contributions from all of Bharatpur’s rulers. With arched floors and ornate decorations, the palace is elegantly ornamented. It’s a large palace with stunning Mughal and Rajput architecture. The building is entirely composed of white marble. Now, a heritage hotel has been constructed inside the palace, where visitors may admire the magnificent architecture and enjoy royal hospitality.
Kamra Khas, a museum depicting Bharatpur’s art and culture, is located within the grounds of Bharatpur Palace. It houses 581 stone sculptures, 861 local arts and crafts objects, and old scriptures. The Maharajas built the palace in phases, a beautiful combination of Mughal and Rajput styles. The palace’s various apartments are decorated in a range of exquisite styles.
- Location: Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India – 321001
- Entry Fee: Free
4. Bankey Bihari Temple
The Banke Bihari Temple, located in the center of Bharatpur, is one of India’s most famous temples. The Hindu god Krishna is honored in this gorgeous temple. The construction of this temple, which is stretched across a large land area, is influenced by Vrindavan’s famous Banke Bihari temple. The idols of Lord Krishna and his spouse, Radha, are housed in the temple’s main hall.
These idols are embellished with beautiful embellishments. Lord Krishna’s childhood is shown on the route leading to the hall. The temple’s walls and ceiling are covered with images of numerous deities. The Braj architectural style influences this temple’s design.
- Location: Lohagarh Fort, Gopalgarh, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 321001
- Entry Fee: INR 50
5. Lohagarh Fort
The Lohagarh Fort is a significant tourist attraction in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, located on an artificial island in the city’s center. Every year, many tourists visit this fort because of its attractiveness and majesty. The strong clay exterior walls of the Lohagarh Fort are the fort’s most resilient feature, absorbing all of the Mughal and British soldiers’ firing without issue. The fort’s walls are nearly 7 kilometers long, and construction took eight years.
This fort has been attacked numerous times, but it stands proudly now. The Mughals and the British lacked the power to breach the fort’s walls. This fort complex contains several structures, most constructed as a symbol of victory. The fort features a fascinating museum as part of its important structures, which will appeal to history aficionados.
- Location: Lohagarh Fort, Gopalgarh, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 321001
- Entry Fee: Free entry
6. Laxman Mandir
Bharatpur’s Laxman Temple, which is said to be 400 years old, is a prominent pilgrimage destination. This temple architecture resembles the Rajasthani style of aesthetics. This temple’s entrances, ceilings, pillars, walls, and arches are all adorned with magnificent plateau work. The temple is dedicated to Lakshman, the Hindu god Rama’s brother, in Bharatpur city. According to mythology, a sage named “Naga Baba” established this shrine.
This temple is close to another Lakshman temple. This temple, also dedicated to Lakshmana, was constructed in 1870 during the reign of Maharaja Baldev Singh. The temple is made up of sandstone and marble. The Ashtadhatu idols of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Urmila, Bharat, Shatrughan, and Hanuman are popular in the temple. Both temples are easily reachable from any location in the city.
- Location: Tara Mahendra Colony, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 321001
- Entry Fee: Free entry
7. Ganga Mandir
Bharatpur’s Ganga Mandir is a well-known temple. Maharaja Balwant Singh began building this temple in 1845, which took around 90 years to complete. Maharaja Balwant Singh’s fifth successor, Maharaja Brijendra Singh, installed the idol of Goddess Ganga in this temple after the completion of the construction. It is reported that all state employees contributed one month’s salary to constructing this temple.
This temple’s architecture combines Mughal, Rajput, and Dravidian architectural styles. This temple’s walls and pillars are covered with enthralling and lovely carvings. The idols of Lord Krishna, Lakshmi Narayan, and Shiva Parvati are the temple’s principal attractions. On the occasions of Gangasaptami and Ganga Dussehra, many worshippers flock here.
- Location: Pai Bagh, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 321001
- Entry Fee: Free entry
8. Deeg – The Water Palace
You’ve probably heard of the Italian city of Venice. In the center of the lake, there is a beautiful city. This city is similar to India’s world-famous Jal Mahal, located near Deeg in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. Jal Mahal is noted for its exceptional engineering, in addition to its attractiveness and magnificent architecture.
People are drawn to the Jal Mahal of Deeg not only because of its beauty but also because of its history. The palace of Deeg is likewise surrounded by water on two sides: Gopal Sagar on one side and Roop Sagar on the other. The Jal Mahal is a complex of buildings with six total structures. Hardev Bhawan, Gopal Bhawan, Suraj Bhawan, Nand Bhawan, Kishan Bhawan, and Keshav Bhawan are the names of the buildings.
- Location: Deeg Mahal ke pas, Deeg, Rajasthan 321203
- Entry Fee: INR 20
9. Dholpur Palace
The beautiful Dholpur Palace, also popular as Raj Niwas Palace, is one of the top locations to visit in Bharatpur. It was constructed of red sandstone in the early nineteenth century. The complicated architecture gives the structure depth and purpose and makes it attractive.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience to walk through the red sandstone hallways. You can spend an hour here to pass the time during your visit to Bharatpur. The Dholpur Palace is magnificent in the evening when the setting sun imparts a magical character.
- Location: Nihal Ganj, Dholpur, Rajasthan 328001
- Entry Fee: INR 50
10. Gopal Bhawan
Gopal Bhavan was built in 1760 and is an elegantly crafted structure. At the building’s entrance, there is a lovely garden. Gopal Sagar is located in the back of the building and is bordered by two small mandapas, Sawan and Bhadon. A raised terrace with a marble arch sits in front of the garden.
The Jat king Maharaja Surajmal brought this arch from the Mughals as a battle symbol and set it on a pedestal. Gopal Bhavan has a banquet facility on its premises. A rare collection of antiques, souvenirs, and Victorian furniture may be found in this area. A little submerged tank surrounded by lovely fountains can be seen from the top of the room.
- Location: Deeg Palace, Deeg, Rajasthan 321203
- Entry Fee: INR 20
11. Band Bartha
The Bandh Baretha Wildlife Reserve is an old wildlife reserve. It is 65 kilometers away from the city of Bharatpur. In this reserve, tourists can see panthers, chitals, sambars, blue bulls, wild boars, and brocks, among other amazing animal species. Apart from that, over 200 different bird species are available in the wildlife reserve.
In this reserve, there is a dam built across the river Kakund. Maharaja Jaswant Singh initiated the construction of this place in 1866. However, during Maharaja Ram Singh’s reign, the dam’s construction was completed in 1897-1888. The reserve also features a historic place belonging to the Bharatpur royal family.
- Location: Bayana – Jaipur Road, Rajasthan – 321405
- Entry Fee: Free entry
12. Chabad Devi Temple
Chabad Devi Temple is a beautiful tourist attraction in Bharatpur. The temple manifests the region’s local customs, traditions, culture, and history. The place is rarely crowded; thus, you can immerse yourself in isolation while regaining its vitality. It’s a fantastic experience to visit the temple early in the morning.
- Location: Sanjay Nagar, Vikas Nagar, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 321001
- Entry Fee: Free
13. Seetharama Temple
The Seetharama Temple is modest but beautiful. It’s a lovely spot to recharge your energies with some therapeutic quiet. This temple, located deep within the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a delightful site near nature’s richness.
The only things that may interrupt your meditations in the shrine are the sounds of birds and monkeys. Nearby, there is another temple devoted to Lord Shiva. According to legend, the lingam in the temple came from the soil 300 years ago, making it a particularly sacred location.
- Location: Main Bazar Rd, Bada Bazar, Tara Mahendra Colony, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 321001
- Entry Fee: Free entry
13. Kaman
Even though few people are familiar with the Kaman subdivision of Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district, religious people, particularly Vaishnavas, consider it a spiritually significant location. Lord Krishna spent his boyhood at Braj Bhoomi, and some of Kaman appears to be from there. Because of the abundance of tulsi plants in Kaman, it is also known as Aadi Vrindavan.
A particular forest journey is held in the month of Bhadon, where Vaishnavas from around the country participate. During the rainy season, a fair named Parikrama Mela is also held in the Eagle Palace here.
- Location: Bharatpur, Rajasthan 321022
- Entry Fee: Free entry
Events and festivals in and around Bharatpur
1. Winter festival
The festival aims to provide children and tourists with an enjoyable way to learn about the state’s rich heritage and art. Cultural events will be held. The festival has become a magnificent event, with performers competing in various dance forms and singing beautiful folk tunes. Folk dances such as Ghoomar, Gher, and Kalbelia dance and concerts by well-known folk artists can be enjoyed.
2. Kalbelia Dance Festival
As the name suggests, dancing and singing are essential in the Kalbelia dance festival. Tattoos of various kinds are applied to the bodies of dancers. Local performers can also do acrobatics during the festival, which adds to the thrill. People here also have a fantastic chance to showcase their art forms to the rest of the world.
3. Teej Festival
Teej Festival is a festival that takes place in Teej. In the festival, the men of their tribe accompany the gorgeous women of Rajasthan in their dance. It’s highly interesting to watch men dance together while playing instruments like the pungi, Khumalo, and dholak, and their spectacular dance performance fills the mind with joy.
Conclusion
Bharatpur is a combination of many beautiful places. This is a prominent city in Rajasthan well-known worldwide for its numerous tourist attractions. Thus, next time you plan a trip to Rajasthan, plan your Bharatpur itinerary by including this place in your next vacation.
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