4 days from Agra
Bharatpur is one the finest bird watching locations in the world.
Here you have the opportunity to view an outstanding range of water
birds and raptors. Notable species amongst the throngs of nesting
Painted Storks, White Ibises, Darters and Royal Spoonbills are specialties
such as the threatened Siberian Crane, Palla’s Sea Eagle,
Black-necked Stork and the elusive Spotted Creeper. Other interesting
wildlife includes the rare Blackbuck, Small-clawed otter, Fishing
Cat, Jungle Cat and Indian Python.
You have the option to stay at the forest Lodge inside the park
or at the more luxurious Laxmi Vilas Palace (illustrated below),
which is just a short drive from Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. This
is stunning monument to Rajput and Mugal architecture, originally
built for the younger brother to the Maharajah Ram Singh. The
building has now been converted into a hotel, with magnificent
suites and bedrooms, maintained in style in keeping with the surroundings,
each room having en-suite facilities. There is a charming courtyard
area, together with rooftop terrace, where meals may be taken
al fresco. With the evenings being warm and sultry, the breeze
on the terrace provides a welcome relief.
Bharatpur Forest Lodge meanwhile, although not aesthetically
pleasing, is at an excellent location inside Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
(Keoladeo Ghana National Park). It provides comfortable air-conditioned
accommodation with en-suite facilities. All 17 rooms have balconies,
which overlook the lodge’s gardens and also border the park.
The advantage of staying here is that the entrance to the Bird
sanctuary is on your doorstep, within a walk able distance; hence
you may come and go at your leisure. Please also bear in mind
however that this is a government-run properly, with standards
of service and food to match!
Bharatpur - The 'Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan', was founded
by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733 AD, it was once an impregnable well
fortified city, carved out of the region formerly known as Mewat.
The trio of Bharatpur, Deeg and Dholpur has played an important
part in the history of Rajasthan.The city and the fort have been
believed to be founded by Rustam, a Jat of Sogariya clan.
Keoladeo National Park, A paradise for the avian world, and the
pilgrimage for the bird lovers, it was known as the best duck
shooting resort in the British empire.
Lohagarh Fort or Iron Fort, true to its name stood solidly in
front of many British attacks, and frustrated them to ends. It faced
the British onslaught four times and after a long siege they had to
withdraw, but Lord Lake, however was successful in capturing it in
1804.
The Palace, It is a fine blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture,
built in various phases by different Maharajas. The magnificent
apartments are richly decorated with patterned floor tiles with
exquisite intricate designs.
Access by Air:
The nearest airport is Agra (60) km).
Access by Rail:
The nearest railhead is Bharatpur (2km)
Access by Road:
Bharatpur is located 56 kms from Agra and 200 kms from Jaipur on the
Jaipur-Agra highway. |