Alwar

Quick Facts
Area 5,066 square km.
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, Urdu, English, Sindhi
Best Time To Visit: July-March

Bharatpur In 1733 AD, Raja Badan Singh 's adopted son, Suraj Mal had shown signs of promise, when he captured the fort of Bharatpur from Khemkaran, the rival chief, whom he killed and thus laid the foundation of Bharatpur City. Maharaja Suraj Mal displayed immense courage and carved a niche for himself in the midst of political disorder.

Gathering around him fiercely martial Jat peasants, he went from one success to another. He accompanied Emperor Muhammed Shah against Ali Muhammed Ruhela and in 1748 AD, at the battle of Bagru he led the Jaipur vanguard against the Marathas. He also defeated the commander-in-chief of the Mughal emperor.

Despite being a very religious man he was secular. 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, which is also called the Eastern gateway of Rajasthan, was found by Maharaja Suraj mal in 1733 AD.

Raja Badan Singh's adopted son, Suraj Mal had shown signs of promise, when he captured the fort of Bharatpur from Khemkaran, the rival chief, whom he killed and thus laid the foundation of Bharatpur City. Maharaja Suraj Mal displayed immense courage and carved a niche for himself in the midst of political disorder. Gathering around him fiercely martial Jat peasants, he went from one success to another.

He accompanied Emperor Mohammed Shah against Ali Mohammed Ruhela and in 1748 AD, at the battle of Bagru he led the Jaipur vanguard against the Marathas. He also defeated the commander- in -Chief of the Mughal emperor. 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.

What to See:

» Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary » Deeg Palace

» Government Museum » Lohargarh Fort

» Bharatpur Palace

Where to Stay:

» The Bagh Resort » Kadamb Kunj

» Laxmi Vilas Palace » Udai Vilas Palace

» Birder's Inn

Festivals:
» Braj Mahotsav

Shopping:
Though Bharatpur is mainly known for its world famous Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the shopping in Bharatpur can also be a pleasant experience. Your shopping in Bharatpur is going to be a great experience as the markets are studded with everything that makes Rajasthan famous for. The best places where you can have a real good shopping experience are Mathura Gate, Laxmi Mandir, Chaurburja Bazaar and Ganga Mandir. Situated 32 km away from Bharatpur, Deeg also makes an interesting place to shop for.

Accessibility:
By Air - Agra (54 km from Bharatpur) is the nearest airport.
By Rail - Regular train services link Bharatpur with all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
by surface - There is a well-connected network of buses that ply to and fro from Bharatpur connecting it to major towns and cities in north India.

Suggested Itineraries : Bharatpur Wildlife Tours | Taj With Historical Rajasthan