Bharatpur, an impregnable fortified city is today famous for the nearby Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. Once the shooting preserve of royalty, it is perhaps the most spectacular water-bird sanctuary in India.
 

Transport And Communication

Air : The nearest airport, Agra is 54 kms with flight connections to Delhi, Khajuraho, and Varanasi.

Rail : Bharatpur is on Mumbai-Delhi sector of Western Railways.

Road : Bharatpur is well connected by good motorable roads to Agra (54 km), Delhi (186 km), Fatehpur Sikri (20 km), Jaipur (174 km), Mathura (36 km) and Sariska (130 km).

For local sightseeing, Tonga's and cycle-rickshaws are available. Vehicles are not allowed inside the sanctuary. One can either go by cycle rickshaw or foot.

Places of Interest

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - 3 Km. Also known as the Keoladeo Ghana Sanctuary, it is famous for rare avian species. Stretching over a 29 sq. km. marshy area it is an ideal terrain for migratory birds. Some 353 species live and breed within the park, some of which are egrets, darters, cormorants, grey herons, sarus crane, Siberian crane, rosy headed pelican etc. There are also a number of spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, wild boar, python and porcupine.

Jeepable roads that form a network through the marshland and boats that can be painted through weeds make for easy viewing of the birds. All visitors are required to obtain a permit from the Warden or Ranger at the entrance of the park.

Entry Fees at the Sanctuary
Foreigners Rs.200/-
Indians Rs.25/-
Students (Indian) Rs.5/-
Car - Rs.50/-
Bus - Rs.100/-

Fees For Photography
Still Camera: Rs.25/-
Video Camera: Rs.200/-
Movie Camera (Foreign Company): Rs.5000/-
Movie Camera (Indian Company): Rs.3000/-

Bharatpur Fort -This magnificent 18th century fort built by Raja Suraj Mal was also known as Loha Gadh and proved to be impregnable. Some of the monuments worth a visit within the fort are Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas.

Government Museum - The museum in the fort houses sculptures, inscriptions and exhibits of art and culture of the region.

Bharatpur Palace - This royal monument is a brilliant blend of Mughal and a Rajput architecture. There is also a museum in the central wing with a few exhibits dating to the 2nd century AD. Timing to visit Palace is 0800 hrs. to 1200 hrs. and 1300 hrs. to 1800 hrs.

Excursions
Deeg (32 km) : Renowned for its forts, palaces and beautiful Mughal gardens this used to be the royal summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur, Deeg is 35 km from Mathura, 75 km from Alwar and 152 km from Delhi