Bharatpur

GENERAL INTRODUCTION :

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 place was named as Bharatpur after the name of Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama, whose other brother Laxman was worshipped as the family deity of the Bharatpur. The legends say the rulers Laxman's name is engraved on the state arms and the seals. Bharatpur is also known as 'LOHAGARH'. It is bound on the north by 'Gurgaon' district of Haryana, on the east by Mathura and Agra districts of Uttar Pradesh, on the south by Dholpur and Karauli, on the southern west by Jaipur and on the west by Alwar, all in Rajasthan. There is a forest called 'GHANA' means dense forest within a distance of about 5 Km. from District Head Quarter which remains green during the rainy season. Bharatpur Ghana's plan was prepared in 1896 by the State Engineer for driving and confining the wild cattle in the dense forest with 250 species of migratory birds during the monsoon season and 'winter' season, which is famous all over India and world for being a great sanctuary of birds.

The history of Bharatpur dates back to the epic age, when the Matsya Kingdom flourished here in the 5th century BC The matsya were allies of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata war. According to tradition the name of Bharatpur is traced to Bharat, the brother of lord Rama of Ayodhya whose other brother Laxman was given the high place of family deity of the ruling family of Bharatpur. His name also appears in the state seals and coat-of-arms.

Bharatpur is also called the Eastern gateway of Rajasthan. Maharaja Suraj Mal. Apart from being a brave General was also a great builder. He built numerous forts and palaces across the kingdom including the Pleasure Palace complex at Deeg. Bharatpur is today known the world over for its Keoladeo Ghana National Park.

HOW TO REACH :

Air: The nearest airport is Kheria, Agra (60 km, 1 hour 30 minutes)

Train: The best option to Bharatpur is the Golden Temple Mail and Dehradun Express

Road: There is a good 6-lane highway till Mathura; however, the connecting road to Bharatpur has some rough patches. And has a good connectivity throughout Rajasthan

SHOPPING & AROUND :

Bharatpur is famous throughout the world mainly as a National Park. There are not many Bharatpur shopping destinations. However, tourists visiting Bharatpur can still find buying small stuff to take back as souvenirs.

Shopping places in Bharatpur, Rajasthan are known for a number of items. Some of the famous shopping items of Bharatpur are:

Jewelry (of precious and semi-precious stones)

Antiques

Marble carvings

Brass work

Jaipur textiles (especially bandhej/tie and dye print)

RESTAURANTS :

Ravia Poolside and Rooftop Restaurant: A popular restaurant of Bharatpur city, situated in the Swaraj Resorts, Opp to the world famous Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary offers its guests with many delicious American, Indian, Continental and International cuisines in a very reasonable price. Location : Swaraj Resorts, Opp. Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, NH-11, Bharatpur 321001. Rajasthan.

Gulmohar Restaurant at The bagh Resort: This restaurant located on the Old Agra Achnera Road of Bharatpur city is a well known because of its superb service. This multi cuisined restaurant has a Royal touch and offers various Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines to its visitors. Location :Old Agra Achnera Road Pakka Bagh Village, Bharatpur 321001, Rajasthan.

Atithi Restaurant: You can visit Atithi Restaurant, which is located adjacent to the saras Circle for delicious Indian Food in Bharatpur city in a very reasonable price. Location : Near Saras Circle, Bharatpur, Rajasthan.

Hotel Sunbird Restaurant: On the way to the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, lies the Hotel Snbird Restaurant and is popular for its spicey Indian food. Must taste the Paranthas and the tomato soup. Address-Bird Sanctuary Road, Bharatpur 321001, Rajasthan.

Hotel Udai Vilas Palace: Famous restaurant of the Bharatpur city offers Chinese, Indian and Continental food to its guessts. This palace restaurant located on the Fatehpur Sikri Road is well known for its superb service. Location : Fatehpur Sikari Road, Bharatpur, Rajasthan.