Bharatpur is located in the Braj region of state Rajasthan, around 38 km from Mathura. Bharatpur is famous for the Keoladeo National Park, which habitats over 370 species of animals and birds. It is recognized as one of the most popular bird feeding and breeding grounds. In 1982 the park was marked as a National Park, and later in 1985, it came on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. This National Park, locally known as Ghana, has been a winter home for the Siberian Crane; a species on the verge of extinction (considered an endangered bird today).
Bharatpur is drenched by its culture and folklore can be heard from miles. Ruled once by a myriad of rulers, from Jats to Nizams, to the British imperialists, Bharatpur has its own regal history, enshrined in places such as Lohagarh Fort. An exotic offbeat destination that serves tourists with authentic Rajasthani traditions, religious occasions mark the devotion of the state people. Also known as Lohagarh, it is a part of the golden tourism triangle of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, this place attracts a considerable number of national and international tourist every year. Bharat is also a part of the NCR (National Capital Region).
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1 . Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary :
Now known as the Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur National Park is a famous avifauna sanctuary and a bird-watching paradise listed among UNESCO's World Heritage sites. The 29 km reserve is locally known as Ghana and is a mosaic of dry grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps, and wetlands. These diverse habitats are home to 366 bird species, 379 floral species, 50 species of fish, 13 species of snakes, 5 species of lizards, 7 amphibian species,7 turtle species, and a variety of other invertebrates. Every year thousands of migratory waterfowl visit the park for winter breeding.
The sanctuary is one of the richest bird areas in the world. It is a human-made establishment known for nesting of its resident birds and visiting migratory birds including water birds. What is interesting note is that this place was once the waterfowl hunting ground for the royalty and the British, but was converted into an asylum for birds and other wildlife as well in the year 1971. You can take a Jeep Ride or Rickshaw Safari to spot exotic birds and a few animals that inhabit the jungle as well. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is easily a bird lover's paradise, and photographers will find this place to be delightful as well.
2. Lohagarh Fort :
Located at Bharatpur in Rajasthan, the Lohagarh Fort indeed stands true to its name and has survived solidly and battled the attacks of military forces as well as the ravages of time for centuries. The fort was constructed by the Bharatpur Jat rulers. Maharaja Suraj Mal used all his power and wealth to a good cause and built numerous forts and palaces across his kingdom, one of them being the famous Lohagarh Fort. The monument is an architectural marvel that has especially captured the interests of architecture students and historians.
The Lohagarh Fort is one of its kind monument. 'Lohagad' means 'fort of iron', and the fort, as its name suggests, is virtually impenetrable. It is protected by deep moats on all sides, and it was widely believed in earlier times that the fort could fall "only when a crocodile swallowed up all the water in the moat." Originally built in the 1730s, most of the fort today is occupied by government offices and a museum. What strikes the tourist immediately about the architecture of the fort is the lack of pretense; it is simple as far as carvings, paintings, and other frills go. There's almost no room for unnecessary ornamentation with its emphasis being on security and security only. Simply put, the fort is modest and functional.
3 . Banke Bihari Temple :
Considered to be one of the holiest towns in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Vrindavan houses a beautiful temple that is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir, established by Swami Haridas, a guru of the famous singer, Tansen shelters the image of Lord Krishna in the "Tribhanga" posture. This temple was constructed in 1864 and worships Lord Krishna in the form of a child or more accurately called "Nand Gopal". Situated in close proximity to the Radhavallabh temple, Banke Bihari temple constitutes one of the 7 temples of Thakur of Vrindavan. Banke translates into "bent in three places" and Bihari means "Supreme Enjoyer" and therefore the image of Lord Krishna is seen to be bent in three places.
The prominent saint and musician, Haridas Swamiji, not only nurtured great talents such as Tansen but was also considered to be the reincarnation of Lalit 'Sakhi' or female friend of Lord Krishna. Originally worshipped under the name of Kunj-Bihari, the image of Bihariji installed in the Shri Banke Bihari Mandir is considered to be one granted to Swami Haridas by the celestial couple Shyama-Shyam themselves. It is said that the Lord appeared in person with his divine consort and left-back a black charming image before disappearing after submitting to the desires of the devotees.
4 . Bharatpur Palace & Museum :
Although Bharatpur is famous for its national park, there are various shops around the city to satiate the shopaholic in you. Popular items include intricately carved jewelry of precious and semi-precious stones, handicrafts, marble carvings, brass work, antiques, and Jaipur textiles.
The colorful Jaipur handlooms, especially bandhej materials for saree and suit are so attractive that you can't help but purchase a few sets. The kundans, precious, and semi-precious stones studded jewelry represents the ageless Rajasthani art and culture. Apart from these apparel and fabrics, Bharatpur also offers antiques and intricately done marble and brass carvings which never fail to astonish with their beauty.
6 . Ganga Mandir :
One of the most beautiful temples of Bharatpur, the Ganga Mandir is considered to be a great architectural piece, and owing to its central location within the city many tourists are able to appreciate its beauty.
It is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and is a beautiful blend of Rajputana, Mughal, and South Indian architecture. The walls and pillars have intricate carvings and this temple is definitely worth a watch.
