Located about 55 km by road from Agra on the Jaipur highway, the town of Bharatpur is an eastern gateway to Rajasthan. The Bharatpur Palace houses a large number of exhibits dating back to the early 15th century. Bharatpur, however, is famous for its proximity to the Keoladeo Ghana National Park which has the largest concentration and variety of birdlife in all of Asia. This 29 sq. km sanctuary is also the breeding ground for the rare Siberian Cranes.

The very name of the Fort 'Lohagarh'—Iron Fort—suggests the amazing history it has behind it. It is so called because it remained invincible during a number of attacks by Britishers. It was able to sustain itself with a powerful resistance due to the ingenious defensive works, conceived- and designed by Maharaja Suraj Mat, the founder of Bharatpur in early 18th century. Today it still stands erect and impregnable, permeating an aura of strength and magnificence. Some of the monuments worth seeing within the fort are Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas.

There is another building within the fort. The museum houses a rich collection of items of this region. There are exquisite sculptures, some of finely chiselled revealing an epitome of skill and a grace so stunning—almost a symphony in stone. These sculptures speak volumes of the art of a bygone era and a culture typical of this area. There are also some ancient inscriptions.

Many parts of the fort still stand in all their glory. A few of the eight bastions of the fort stand sentinel to time. There is the Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj worth a visit. These were built by Suraj Mat to commemorate his victories over the Mughals and British respectively. The coronation ceremony of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur used to take place at the Jawahar Burj.

The royal monument is a brilliant blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. The magnificent apartments within, where royalty- lived, have patterned floor tiles with beautiful, intricate designs. There is also a museum in the central wing with a few exhibits dating to the 2nd century A.D.

Once royal hunting preserve of the princely family of Bharatpur, today, it is one of the most breathtaking waterbird sanctuaries in India. - Migratory birds flock here in September/October on the marshes and low lying trees. They breed here till'January/ February. There are thorny babul trees, their taps above the water, holding the nests of thousands of birds that come here. The outstanding species are the open billed stork, painted stork, egret, pelican, ibis, cormorant, darter or snake-bird, spoonbill and grey heron. There are exotic migrants from Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet as well as Greyleg Geese from Siberia, Siberian Cranes from the Arctic, Barheaded Geese from China. -

32 km. It used to be the royal summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur. Served as the second capital of the region, it is dotted with a number of palaces and gardens.

Air : Agra 56 km is the nearest airport.

Rail:Regular rail services connect Bharatpur with several cities.

Road:A network of bus services links Bharatpur with several cities within and around the State.

05644

State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur B. Narayan Gate, Bharatpur. Tel 22441, 23140

GPO, Gandhi Park Tel 23586

Bharatpur Club

Rajasthan Tourist Office, Hotel Saras (RTDC), Agra Road Tel 22542

Approved Guides for the National Park can be hired from the Rajasthan Tourist Office, Hotel Saras (RTDC) Tel 22542 and Dy Chief Wildlife Warden, Forest Rest House Tel 22777

Mini Bus is operated by Forest Rest House. Please contact the Dy Chief Wildlife Warden; Forest Rest House Tel 22777 '