Set in a region rich in history, Bharatpur is abound with the old forts and palaces of the Jat kings. Bharatpur is renowned for its world heritage listed bird sanctuary, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Once an unprocurable well fortified city, carved out of the region formerly known as Mewar, it is the Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan. It was founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733 AD. The Northern Border of the district touches district Gurgaon of the state of Haryana.


Location
Located on the national highway that connects Agra to Jaipur, it lies in the state of Rajasthan, and is a 55km journey from Agra. Bharatpur is easily accessible from major cities in North India.

Climate
During summers from April to June, the temperature ranges from 38°C to 45°C. In winter season, after Christmas, temperatures starts falling below 10°C. The place can be visited all round the year.


Major Attractions
Keoladeo National Park - Far from the madding crowd of Bharatpur, lies the Koeladeo Park, considered to be one of the world's outstanding heronries. Covering an area of just 12 square miles, it is an interlocking ecosystem of woodlands, swamps, wet prairies and dry savannah and was earlier the hunting ground for the Rajas of Bharatpur. The Park houses over 370 varieties of birds, of which more than 115 species are migrants flying in from Central Asia, Siberia and Western China during the winter months. Within such a small radius, perhaps no other bird sanctuary in the world has so many variant species giving its visitors a unique bird watching extravaganza.

Migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central Asia and Tibet as well as Siberian cranes from the Arctic, Greyleg geese from Siberia and barheaded geese from China, come here in July/Aug to spend the winters in the warm climate.

Lohargarh Fort - The fort was constructed primarily by Maharaja Suraj Mall to withstand the attacks of the British powers during the 18th century. The fort encloses three palaces within its precincts - Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas. The most astounding fact about the fort is that it was never seized despite several attacks by the Britishers.

Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj Towers - Two imposing towers still stand erect within the ramparts of the Lohargarh fort out of a total of eight in numbers. Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj are of special interest to the peoples having brave hearts, for these towers were built by Maharaja Suraj Mal as a sign to commemorate his victories over the Mughals and British. Earlier, the coronation ceremony of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur used to be held at Jawahar Burj tower.

Bharatpur Palace - The marvellous Bharatpur Palace houses a rich repository of a large number of ancient exhibits that date back to the early 15th century, and still stands guard to the remnants of the royal past. It is a magnificent structure with a perfect blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture .

Gopal Bhawan - This beautifully designed building complex of the 1760's, with exquisitely laid gardens at its entrance and the rear, overlooks the Gopal Sagar. The bhawan is flanked by smaller pavilions, Sawan and Bhadon to its sides. The front gardens face a raised terrace with an arch of lustrous marble installed on a pedestal in the form of swing. This decorated swing is a war trophy brought in by the famous Jat King Raja Suraj Mal from the Mughal court in Delhi.


Nearby Attractions
Deeg - Deeg, with its exquisite complex of recreation palaces, lies 22 miles north of Bharatpur. Created by Raja Badan Singh with additions by Raja Surajmal in 18th century this was an idyllic refuge from the battles which the erstwhile rulers constantly waged. Once the summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur, it served as the second capital of the region. Developed with grand fortification amidst beautiful gardens this place is a real pleasure. The scintillating fountains and meticulously planned palaces add to the beauty of this retreat of the princes of Bharatpur.