Located 184 km from India's capital, Bharatpur stands as the gateway to eastern Rajasthan. This tourism hotspot first gained its reputation through the Keoladeo National Park, and then through the historical, architectural, and cultural legacy left behind by the region's maharajas.

History

The territories surrounding Bharatpur have been inhabited since antiquity due to their proximity to the Brij region, which is closely linked to the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The first references to Bharatpur date back to the 17th century, when the Sinsinwar clan founded a princely state in the area. Gokula, a Zamindar in the region, led a rebellion against Emperor Aurangzeb, but the Mughals and their generals managed to suppress this revolt.

However, following Aurangzeb's death and the decline of the Mughal empire, the Jat clan rebuilt itself at Bharatpur and erected various palaces and forts. The territory was briefly occupied by the Marathas from the late 18th century until the early 19th century. This was followed by the British invasion, marked by numerous battles between the English princely state and Bharatpur. In 1805, the city became a vassal state. Since then, Bharatpur witnessed a succession of kings while preserving its sovereignty until independence, after which it joined the Union of India.

It was notably Maharaja Suraj Mal (1726–1763) who undertook the construction of Keoladeo National Park.

Today

Bharatpur is a popular destination in Rajasthan. On a trip to Bharatpur, one is easily charmed by the scenic beauty of the place—a landscape that speaks volumes about the rich past of the region's maharajas. Sunrises and sunsets here are equally enchanting.

Beyond the picturesque beauty, cultural richness, and royal heritage of the city, another attraction captivates visitors. This is the Keoladeo National Park, a must-see during a stay in Bharatpur. In this corner of paradise, nature enthusiasts have the privilege of observing numerous endangered species. Encounters with flora and fauna promise exciting discoveries. In total, the sanctuary is home to 364 bird species, 13 varieties of snakes, five species of lizards, seven amphibian species, 50 fish species, seven turtle species, and many other vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Due to its high tourist traffic, the park benefits from quality protection and maintenance. Regular safaris delight visitors.

Beyond Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur houses historical sites worth visiting. These include Lohagarh Fort, the Bharatpur Palace, the Government Museum, Deeg, and Ganga Mandir. If you plan to visit Bharatpur, plan your itinerary to enjoy dinner and discover the flavors of local cuisine at a city restaurant. In this city of royal heritage, gastronomy holds an important place. The availability of ingredients and the warrior lifestyle of former inhabitants influenced the local cuisine, which remains finely prepared. Today, dal, bati, and churma are among the signature Rajasthani dishes in the city.

It's worth noting that the main language spoken in Bharatpur is Hindi. However, dialects may vary, starting with Brij Bhasha, which originated in the city and neighboring areas such as Mathura and Agra. Rajasthani is also a common dialect. English is spoken by a minority.

Climate

Summer in Bharatpur extends from March to June. Summer temperatures range from 37°C to 45°C—conditions that can be overwhelming for tourists. The monsoon season begins in July and extends through September. The city experiences a significant increase in precipitation during this period, which refreshes the atmosphere. The average temperature during the monsoon season is 27°C. Winter begins in November and lasts until February. Temperatures are quite comfortable during this season, ranging around 27°C during the day and 7°C in the evening. Consequently, this is the best time of year to plan a stay in Bharatpur.

The nearest airport handling international flights is in Delhi, approximately 184 km away. Indira Gandhi International Airport is well-connected with all major Indian cities, making access convenient. On arrival, tourists can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Bharatpur. Additionally, located 45 km away, Agra's Kheria Airport is the closest domestic terminal to the city. It's also a good option for easily reaching Bharatpur.

Regarding rail transport, Bharatpur has a railway station connected with various cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur, and many others.

Due to its relatively small size, Bharatpur can be covered on foot for keen walkers, or by auto-rickshaw, which offers excellent value in terms of convenience.

What to Do in Bharatpur?

• Explore Keoladeo National Park
• Visit Lohagarh Fort
• Schedule a trip to the Government Museum
• Taste Rajasthani cuisine
• Take an auto-rickshaw tour, etc.