Birders Paradise Bharatpur

The Eastern Gate of Bharatpur, is situated in the Braj Region and is famous for being home to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Keoladeo National Park. Known for its wintering ground of Palaearctic migratory waterfowl and a large population of non-migratory resident breeding birds, Keoladeo National Park, formerly Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is the major tourist attraction of the city. Bharatpur was settled in 1733 by Maharaja Suraj Mal. Bharatpur is famous for the Keoladeo National Park, home to over 370 species and birds. It is one of the most popular bird feeding and breeding grounds. This National Park, locally known as Ghana, has been a winter home for the Siberian Crane, a species on the border of disappearance (considered an endangered bird today).

Bird safari makes for the most surreal experience at Bharatpur sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary spread over 29 sq km with well laid-out forest trails and can be easily covered on foot, a rickshaw, or a cycle. However, other vehicles are not permitted inside the sanctuary premises.

Lohagarh Fort: The Lohagarh Fort is an of its kind monument. 'Lohagad' means 'fort of iron,' and the fort, as its name suggests, is almost impenetrable. Deep moats protect it on all sides, and it was widely believed in earlier times that the regiment could fall "only when a crocodile swallowed up all the water in the trench."

Three palaces are inside the mighty fort: Mahal Khas, Kamra Palace, and the Palace of Badan Singh. Some magnificent monuments in the fort also include the Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas, and Kothi Khas. The Nehru Park is between the museum and the main entrance, known as the Ashtadhatu Gate. It is a delightful place to sit and enjoy the breeze. The Nahargarh fort makes it quite glaring that the Jats did not believe in carelessness and negligence. Hence, while other weaker defenses gave way quickly, the Lohargarh always stood firm to provide the town of Bharatpur with the security it needed. If this is not reason enough to go and view the fort, what is?

Dholpur Palace: Dholpur Palace, better known as Raj Niwas Palace, is an impressive heritage palace of the 19th century. Lately converted into a heritage hotel, the royal court has 40 rooms segregated into three different categories depending on the guests' needs. The palace is a perfect weekend getaway destination, surrounded by beautiful peacock gardens.

Brij Festival, Bharatpur: Brij festival or Brij Mahotsav is a commonly celebrated festival in the Brij region of Bharatpur, three days before Holi celebrations. Celebrated in March, the pump and vigour of this occasion are for the devotion of Lord Krishna. The city's true essence can be observed during this time as people of all ethnic cultures come together to celebrate the eternal dedication to Lord Krishna. An exclusive feature of this festival is the Rasila dance. On that auspicious day, people dip in the holy water of the Banganga river, which is believed to be a very purification process.

Shopping in Bharatpur: Although Bharatpur is famous for its national park, there are many shops around the city to fill the shopaholic in you. Well-liked items include complex carved jewellery of precious and semi-precious stones, handicrafts, marble carvings, brass work, antiques, and Jaipur textiles.

The colourful Jaipur handlooms, particularly bandhej materials for saree and suit, are so charming that you can't help but purchase a few sets. The kundans, treasured and semi-precious stones studded jewellery represents the ageless alt="locate"i art and culture. Apart from these apparel and fabrics, Bharatpur also offers antiques and intricately done marble and brass carvings that never fail to astonish their beauty.