thrillophilia-logo
INR
Login

Bharatpur

Experiential journeys will make you a storyteller
About Bharatpur

Bharatpur is a city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan that comprises around 65 wards. It is 180 Km away from New Delhi, the capital of India and 178 Km from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. It is a part of India’s National Capital Region and was the erstwhile capital of the princely state of Bharatpur.

Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover, you will certainly enjoy everything that Bharatpur has to offer. The city has a peaceful atmosphere and is surrounded by natural splendour all around. The amazing landscapes around Bharatpur are truly awe-inspiring.

The main attraction of Bharatpur is of course the bird sanctuary that is home to more than 230 different species of birds. Then there is the magnificent Lohagarh fort, built in the 18th century and located right in the heart of the city. For spiritual travellers, there are places like the Chawad Devi Temple, Laxman Mandir, and Bankey Bihari Temple. Bharatpur Palace and museum holds several attractions for history enthusiasts.

Having so many man-made and natural attractions, there is never a shortage of things to do in this city. Here you can take part in adventure activities like rappelling, zip-lining, rifle shooting, archery, pipe walking, horizontal ladder, plane walking, Burma bridge, heebie jeebie, and quake walking. There are instructors present at these activity sites who can guide you along the way.

Bharatpur is characterised by a local steppe climate with very little rainfall throughout the year. The average temperature lies around 25.7 degrees Celsius. The average rainfall in a year is around 664 mm. Winters are a bit chilly with the temperature often going below 10 degrees Celsius. In the summer, it can get quite hot, with maximum temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

Read More

Bharatpur FAQ's

What are the best places to visit in Bharatpur?

1. Government Museum: The Government Museum in Bharatpur reflects the local culture and holds several artefacts depicting the traditions, history, and art of Bharatpur. The chief attractions here include miniature paintings, weapons, coins, metallic objects, terracotta items, inscriptions, and stone sculptures.

There is an art gallery open to the public where you can find miniature paintings on litho and mica papers, and peepal tree leaves. If you wish to know more about the history and culture of Bharatpur, you can spend a few hours here.

Location: Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur, India.
Timing: 9 AM to 5 PM.
Entry Fee: Rs 20 per person.

2. Bharatpur Palace and Museum: 
Bharatpur palace presents an imposing and elegant structure and remains one of the top tourist spots in the city. It is an honest reflection of the heritage and culture of this old city. If you want to get a unique insight into the lifestyle of this Rajasthani city, you should definitely visit this place.

The architecture of this palace is a beautiful blend of Rajput and Mughal styles, creating a monument that is like no other. The interiors are quite glamorous, with decorated walls and richly patterned flooring. The Kamra Khas museum inside the palace is known for housing several antique pieces.

Location: Bharatpur Palace.
Timing: 9 AM to 5:30 PM.

3. Bankey Bihari Temple: 
A haven for Hindu pilgrims, the Bankey Bihari Temple in Bharatpur is a place for quiet reflection where you can revive your life. A serene and auspicious atmosphere prevails in the temple, with the sound of songs combined with the silence of the surroundings. This is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and as such it holds many idols that celebrate his virtue and power.

Location: Lohagarh Fort, Gopalgarh.
Timing: 8 AM to 5 PM.
Entry Fee: Rs 20 per person.

4. Keoladeo National Park: 
This national park features a complex network of woodlands, dry savanna grasslands, and shallow freshwater swamps. You can see more than 230 different bird species at this park. With the arrival of monsoon every year, nesting activity begins in the marshes.

Birds like spoonbills, cormorants, darters, ibises, herons, egrets, and storks build thousands of nests every year provided there is normal rainfall. It can be a fascinating experience to observe bird behaviour during this time. From the onset of September, the winter migrant birds like geese, poachards, wigeon, gadwall, and pintail start arriving.

Location: Agra-Jaipur Highway, Bharatpur.
Timing: 6 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee: Rs 75 per person.

5. Lohagarh Fort: 
Lohagarh Fort, also known as the Iron Fort is one of the most famous tourist spots in Rajasthan. This majestic fort got its name due to its seemingly impenetrable quality.

The Jat ruler Maharaja Suraj Mal built this fort in the 18th century and since then it has stood tall, a symbol of austerity, with an air of undisturbed strength all around it. Inside this fort, you can also find the museum where several artefacts including ancient weapons of war are kept at the display.

Location: Gopalgarh, Bharatpur.
Timing: 10 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee: Rs 20 per person.

6. Laxman Mandir: 
Laxman Mandir is a temple in Bharatpur that features imposing idols of Hindu deities, grand arches, beautifully decorated walls, and intricately carved doors. Inside this temple, there is a treasure trove of culture and history.

You can also find here statues of Lord Laxman and his consort Urmila along with smaller statues of Ram, Bharat, Shatrughan, and Hanuman. The remarkable thing about these statues is that they consist of 8 different metals combined together. This temple is a great testament to Rajasthani culture and history.

Location: Tara Mahendra Colony, Bharatpur.
Timing: 7 AM to 7 PM.

7. Dholpur Palace: 
A jewel in the city of Bharatpur, Dholpur Palace presents a magnificent sight. This palace, also known as Raj Niwas Palace, was constructed in the 19th century using red sandstone. Even from farther distance, this majestic palace will catch your eye.

The architecture of the building is quite fascinating and makes for a good backdrop to photographs. The red sandstone halls of the palace have been witness to several royalties and eminent personalities throughout the ages. You can also get food and refreshments inside the palace.

Location: Nihal Ganj, Dholpur.
Timing: 6 AM to 7 PM.

8. Ganga Mandir: 
Ganga Mandir was built in the year 1845 by Maharaja Balwant Singh. Inside the temple, there is a beautiful idol of the goddess Ganga. The architecture is a confluence of Mughal, Rajput, and South Indian styles.

On the walls and pillars of this two-storeyed structure, you will find intricate carvings. The deity of the goddess is made of pristine white marble and is believed to be seated on a giant crocodile. You can also find here a four-foot idol of King Bhagirath, along with statues of Shiva and Parvati.

Location: Pai Bagh, Bharatpur.
Timing: 5 AM to 9 PM.

9. Sitaram Temple: 
If you are in search of solitude and peace, you should go visit Sitaram Temple, which is a small but idyllic place. It is a holy spot housing a lingam of Lord Shiva which according to legend, rose from the earth 200 years ago.

In the shrine, your meditations can only be disturbed by the playing of monkeys and the call of birds. The temple features some stunning architecture and is surrounded by nature all around, making it the ideal place for some peaceful reflection.

Location: Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur.
Timing: 8 AM to 5 PM.

10. Deeg Fort: 
The Deeg Fort was built by the Jat ruler Suraj Mal in the 18th century. The Mughal influence is quite evident in the construction of this fort. Inside the fort, there are four gardens separated by a walkway running through the middle.

This square-shaped fort has fortifications that rise at a height of 20m from the ground. You will also get to see nine hundred fountains inside this fort. The main building inside the fort is called Gopal Bhavan from where you can catch a splendid view of the gardens.

Location: 32 Km from Bharatpur.
Timing: 9 AM to 6 PM.

What are the famous things to do in Bharatpur?

1. Hike through the Keoladeo Ghana National Park: The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a major tourist destination in Bharatpur. Here you can see several wildlife species endemic to this region. In the winter season several migratory birds from Afghanistan, China and Russia migrate to this place to avoid the cold.

For a tourist who is a fan of wildlife photography, visiting this national park is a dream come true. Another wondrous experience is the boat ride you can take on the lake in the midst of the sanctuary that lets you appreciate the sheer beauty of your surroundings.

Location:
Agra-Jaipur Highway, Bharatpur.
Timing: 6 AM to 6 PM.
Price: Rs 75 per person.

2. Explore the nearby museums: 
There are several museums in Bharatpur where you can get a sound idea about the culture and history of this region. Some of the oldest palaces in the city have been converted into heritage hotels and many of them have museum sections.

Here, you can find artefacts from hundreds of years ago including jewellery, utensils, as well as weapons used in battles. The guides at the museum can tell you more about the history of each artefact that can be fascinating to hear.

Location: Government Museum, Mahal of Bharatpur King, Faujdar house, Lohagarh Fort.

3. Take an excursion to Deeg: 
If you want to take a quick day trip from Bharatpur, Deeg is the place to go to. This place is famous for the magnificent palace complex that serves as a reminder of its illustrious past. In Deeg, you should visit Suraj Mal's Palace where the complex holds large tanks and princely mansions.

Towards the eastern side of the palace, you will find several royal artefacts, from hand-operated fans and elephant-foot stools made out of porcelain. This garden town also features several flower beds and lawns that make for a great walk on a winter's day.

Location: 32 Km from Bharatpur.
Timing: 9 AM to 6 PM.

4. Celebrate Festivals: 
Rajasthan is known for its colourful festivals featuring local music and dancing. Bharatpur is no different and festivals like Gangaur and Brij Mahotsav are particularly enjoyed by tourists. The Brij Festival takes place a few days before Holi and features spontaneous dance and music.

Gangaur is celebrated for 18 days straight and starts on Holi. After 18 days, there is a grand procession that tries to emulate the marriage procession of Lord Shiva and Parvati. In this procession, an idol of Gauri is paraded through the city streets in a silver and gold palanquin.

Location: Bharatpur.

5. Visit the Rope Castle Adventure Park: 
In this adventure park, you can take part in rope-based adventure activities like climbing, rappelling, zip-lining, Burma bridge, etc. You can also test out your archery skills at the archery range.

It is a great place to spend some time with your family and friends taking part in thrilling activities whilst being surrounded by lush green vegetation all around. If you are up for more challenges, you can try out Pipe Walk, Quake Walk, and Heebie jeebie.

Location: Near the Bird Sanctuary, Close to Kiran Villa Hotel.
Timing: 7 AM to 7:30 PM.
Price: Rs 200(approx) per game.

6. Do Some Shopping: 
You can find several items and exotic souvenirs in the markets of Bharatpur. One can easily spot shops selling decor items made of brass and marble that depict the Indian culture.

You can also buy some traditional Rajasthani textile items featuring a slew of colours that add character to your home decor. Bharatpur is also famous for its jewellery and clothing that feature the vibrant colours of this region. You will get Kundan jewellery in the shops here, featuring unique designs and traditional patterns.

Location: Various locations.

7. Taste the local cuisine: 
The local cuisine of Bharatpur features a touch of heritage. Rajasthani cuisine has some delicious dishes both for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. You can try out dishes like Afghani Chicken, Paneer Tikka, Chicken Tikka, Aloo Sabzi, Rabri, Kachori, and Rajasthani Thali.

The Rajasthani Thali is very famous around these regions and includes various dishes put together to make a perfect meal. To taste the amazing cuisine of Rajasthan, you can visit restaurants like Laxmi Vilas Palace Restaurant, Hotel Sunbird Restaurant, Ravia Multi-cuisine Restaurant, Gulmohar Restaurant, etc.

Location: Various locations.

What is Bharatpur famous for?

Bharatpur is most famous for the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Keoladeo National Park. Other famous attractions in the city are the Lohagarh Fort, the Government Museum, Laxman Mandir etc. This city is full of historical places which include forts and palaces. Religious pilgrims will also find several temples in this region dedicated to Hindu deities.

How to reach Bharatpur?

- By Air: The closest airports to  Bharatpur are Jaipur International Airport and the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. If you are travelling by air, you can arrive at either of these airports and take a private taxi or a bus from there.

- By Train: Travelling by train is a good option as you can get down at Bharatpur Junction which is 5 Km away from the Bird Sanctuary.

- By Road: The city is also connected by roadway to all the main cities in Rajasthan, as well as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. You can reach the city by taking cabs from Jaipur, Delhi and Agra.

What is the best time to visit Bharatpur?

The period between October and March is the best time to visit Bharatpur. This is the time when the migratory birds from various countries like Russia, China, and Afghanistan migrate to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and you might miss out on seeing some of them if you don’t visit during this period.

What to buy in Bharatpur?

Bharatpur is mainly famous for its historical monuments and the Bird Sanctuary, but if you are a shopaholic, there are several shops around the city where you can get everything you need. Here you can buy things like Jaipur textiles, antiques, brass work, marble carvings, handicrafts, and carved jewellery featuring semi-precious and precious stones.

Is Bharatpur worth a visit?

Yes, Bharatpur is certainly a place that's worth visiting. It holds the UNESCO world heritage site Keoladeo National Park. Apart from this, it has several historical sights and museums that are worth visiting. While here, you can also take part in festivals and rope-based adventure activities.

How far is Bharatpur from Jaipur?

Bharatpur lies 186 km away from Jaipur. If you are travelling by road, it would take you around 3 hours to recover the distance between both the places.

What is Keoladeo National Park famous for?

Keoladeo National Park once used to be a duck-hunting reserve for the Maharajas of the old. Today it is a UNESCO world heritage site where several aquatic birds from Siberia, China, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan can be seen during the winter season.

Apart from 375 different species of birds, you can also see a wide range of other life forms this reserve that consists of woodland swamps, woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands covering an area of 2873 hectares. You will also find several rare bird species here such as the critically endangered Siberian crane, the Imperial eagle, and the Greater Spotted Eagle.

What is the best time to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary?

Although you can visit the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary anytime you like, generally, the winter months are more favourable for tourists. This is because migratory birds visit this sanctuary between October and February, and if you visit during this time, you can get to see all of them.

What are the best places to stay in Bharatpur?

1. The Birder’s Inn: Located close to the Lohagad fort, The Birder’s Inn has a garden, an outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant. The rooms have balconies and guests have the option of using the sun terrace as well.

2. Pride Kadamb Kunj Resort Bharatpur: This luxury resort has a bar cum restaurant, a garden, and a shared lounge. Evening entertainment programs are quite common and the property has an indoor pool as well.

3. The Bagh Bharatpur: The Bagh lies near the Lohagad fort and offers 4-star facilities like a bar, a fitness centre, private parking and a restaurant. You can also try your hands on various indoor games like table tennis and billiards here.

4. Laxmi Vilas Palace Hotel: This is a luxury resort built inside the Laxmi Vilas Palace that offers sumptuous lunch and dinners. You can live in Maharaja suites or family rooms while enjoying all the modern amenities.

What are the famous temples to visit in Bharatpur?

1. Ganga Temple: The Ganga temple features a unique architecture that is a combination of several styles. Inside this temple, you will find a stunning marble idol of goddess Ganga as well as a statue of King Bhagiratha.

2. Laxman Temple: This temple features magnificent architecture and is dedicated to Lord Laxman. This 400-year old temple is built entirely out of white marble and sandstone. Thousands of followers attend the aarti here every morning and evening.

3. Bankey Bihari Temple: The Bankey Bihari temple in Bharatpur has a Brij style architecture and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Inside the temple, there are captivating idols of Lord Krishna and Radha. The idols are decked with beautiful clothes and jewellery all over.

4. Chawad Devi Temple: A peaceful ambience prevails around the Chawad Devi temple that stands as a testament to local culture, tradition, and history. It is best visited early in the morning when there are not many people around.

Bharatpur Reviews

Traveller image gallery
review-img
Dr Ashutosh Srivastava
Reviewed: 21 Jul 2021
5.0/5
My friends and I stayed here for around 5 days and all of us loved this property. It is huge and is very beautiful. The surroundings are pretty nice and the resort also has a polite management team and staff. Their food is amazing, and we even enjoyed complimentary breakfast every day here. Our book... Read More
review-img
Anjaneya Kocchar
Reviewed: 15 Jul 2021
5.0/5
Nice resort for weekend stay. I liked the ambiance, room décor, food and pool. I personally didn’t experience the spa session, my wife had a really relaxing experience there. Overall a good package in this budget.
review-img
Kanaka Singh
Reviewed: 15 Dec 2018
4.0/5
Away from the chaos of the city life, this was a relaxing stay. The trip was economical. The management was impressive. I really liked the food they offered. The staff was very attentive and professional. Chandra Mahal was beautiful, especially in the evening. The Pawana lake added to the beauty of ... Read More
Kanaka Singh
Kanaka Singh
Kanaka Singh
Kanaka Singh
Kanaka Singh
review-img
Chandraayan Bharadwaj
Reviewed: 26 Feb 2020
5.0/5
Lucky day!!! As it was a sunny day. From the binocular, we can see clearly the birds. Lots of beautiful birds you would find there. We saw a few animals too... This tour was simply amazing with a good driver-cum-guide
review-img
Meena Prajapat
Reviewed: 16 Jan 2020
5.0/5
Thrillophilia really makes us easy on everything whenever we decide or make any plan this company has many options for packages that at an affordable price and also easy booking plus the company arranged the best for us. Eg on this Bharatpur Birds Sanctuary the company arranged good driver and trans... Read More
review-img
Apsara Jain
Reviewed: 10 Dec 2018
5.0/5
Had a good time on this tour. The amenities were well looked after and this place was close to Agra and Alwar. The experience was nice.

Why Choose Thrillophilia