Bharatpur offers a glimpse into the regal and vibrant side of Rajasthan. Bharatpur, once a heavily fortified and impregnable city, is now regarded as the ‘Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan’ and is an important tourist destination. With its diverse flora and fauna, Bharatpur is a must-see in Rajasthan for travellers. See all the beautiful Bharatpur tourist places that make the trip worthwhile.
How to reach Bharatpur?
By air: Bharatpur is located 216 kilometres away from the Delhi International Airport and 187 kilometres away from the Jaipur International Airport. In order to reach Bharatpur, tourists can either take a bus or a private taxi from either airport.
By train: The Bharatpur Junction Railway station is the deboarding point if tourists are travelling by train. The station is part of the West Central Railway zone (WCR) and is well-connected to major Indian cities.
By road: A well-developed road network links Bharatpur with all of Rajasthan and its neighbouring states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana. There are buses and taxis available from Agra (56 km), Delhi (184 km), and Jaipur (176 km) for tourists.
13 Bharatpur tourist places to leave you awestruck
Lohagarh Fort
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One of the most important attractions in Bharatpur is the Lohagarh Fort, also known as Iron Fort. A Jat ruler called Maharaja Suraj Mal built it in the early 18th century, and it gets its name from its unassailable defence quality. Each year, hundreds of tourists visit the grounds of the fort due to its austere and imposing appearance.
A museum is also located in the fort’s arena – the Government Museum. Visiting the museum is a great way to learn about Bharatpur’s art of war. During your visit, you can also view war-related artefacts that were used in the past as a form of defence. Furthermore, the fort commands a great view of the region, so a visit there is a visual delight as well.
Bharatpur National Park
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As one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, the Bharatpur National Park is a bird-watching paradise and avifauna sanctuary. There is a mosaic of woodlands, dry grasslands, woodland swamps, and wetlands within the 29 km reserve, which is known locally as Ghana. The habitats are home to 379 floral species, 366 bird species, 50 fish species, 13 snake species, 7 amphibian species, 7 turtle species, 5 lizard species, and a variety of other invertebrates. In addition to being a bird lover’s paradise, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is also a photographer’s dream.
Bharatpur Palace and Museum
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Among the best places to visit in Bharatpur is the Bharatpur Palace, a majestic structure that seamlessly merges Mughal and Rajput architecture. With its rich flooring pattern and decorated walls, the palace looks glamorous. There are over 861 local arts and crafts ware, 581 stone sculptures, and ancient scriptures depicting the history, culture, and traditions of typical Bharatpur in the Kamra Khas museum located inside this palace.
Bankey Bihari Temple
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A delightful temple inside the Lohagarh Fort, the Bankey Bihari temple in Bharatpur, was built under Mughal rule. It’s a beautiful spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
A tranquil and auspicious atmosphere is created by the peace and quiet surrounding the temple, as well as the soothing gongs that resonate through the still air inside. Several idols honouring Lord Krishna’s power and virtue can be found in the temple.
Laxman Mandir
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This magnificent temple is home to embellished walls, intricately carved doors, and grandiose arches, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bharatpur. Throughout the halls of this temple are traces of history and culture. Dedicated to Lord Laxman, brother of Lord Ram, the temple exemplifies his brotherly qualities. Hanuman, Shatrughan, and Bharat are among the smaller statues, along with the statue of Lord Laxman and his wife, Urmila.
The unique combination of metals used in the construction of these statues, called Ashtadhatu, makes them particularly renowned. You will be able to experience Rajasthan’s culture in a unique way by visiting this beautiful Rajasthani-style temple.
Ganga Mandir
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This temple is considered to be a magnificent architectural piece of Bharatpur, and its central location in the city makes it easy for tourists from all over the world to appreciate its beauty. In homage to Goddess Ganga, the structure combines Rajputana, Mughal, and South Indian architectural styles. This temple has intricate carvings on its walls and pillars, and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Dholpur Palace
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A magnificent heritage palace of the 19th century, Dholpur Palace is also known as Raj Niwas Palace. With its red sandstone structure, it instantly catches the eye from far away. As of recently, the palace has been transformed into a heritage hotel. A total of 40 rooms are available, divided into three categories based on the needs of guests. With beautiful peacock gardens surrounding the palace, it is an ideal destination for weekend getaways.
How to reach: Trains from Bharatpur to Agra Fort are the cheapest way to get to Dholpur. Cabs from Bharatpur to Dholpur take around 2 hours, which is the fastest way to reach Dholpur.
Bandh Baretha
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A tiny village 44 km from Bharatpur, Band Baretha was built by Raja Ram Singh. Previously known as Shri Prasastha and Shreepast, Band Baretha is known for its namesake dam along the Kukand River. As the biggest dam in Bharatpur, the dam provides water to several villages near Bharatpur.
Its manifold monuments reflect the influence and heritage of the town’s long Mughal past. Among the most popular historical attractions in Bandh Baretha are the Old Fort and BarahKhambonki Chhatri.
How to reach: To reach Band Baretha, you can take a train to the Bandh Bareta station. If you prefer to travel by road, you can also drive or board a bus operated by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation.
Deeg
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As a small but interesting town, Deeg is home to splendid palaces, majestic fortifications, pretty gardens, and beautiful fountains. It is an important part of Bharatpur sightseeing. One must see the intricately crafted architecture of the Deeg Fort, also known as the Jal Mahal. Deeg once served as the summer headquarters of the rulers of Bharatpur, but today it is renowned for its religious significance, historic opulence, and annual fairs and festivals.
How to reach: Buses, taxis, or cabs are all options to travel from Bharatpur to Deeg.
Chawad Devi Temple
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Chawad Devi Temple offers the best view of the history, traditions, and culture of Bharatpur in a beautiful way. For those seeking some solitude and rejuvenation, this Temple is the ideal place. Due to its rarity of crowding, this temple offers visitors a great deal of peace and tranquillity. Visiting this temple early in the morning is the best time to experience its quiet serenity.
Seetharam Temple
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Seetharam Temple is a visual and spiritual treat, no matter how small it might be. This temple reeks of peace from all four corners and is perfect for those seeking solitude and serenity. Meditation can be practised without hindrances at Seetharam Temple, a perfect combination of natural and man-made marvels. Here, birdsong and monkey squeaks are the only sounds heard.
Brij Festival
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In the Brij region of Bharatpur, the Brij festival is widely celebrated three days before Holi. This event is celebrated in March to show devotion to Lord Krishna. During this time, when people of all ethnicities gather to celebrate the eternal devotion to Krishna, the city’s true essence is demonstrated.
Rasila dance is one of the unique features of this festival. It is believed that people purify their bodies by taking a dip in the Banganga river on that auspicious day.
Jawahar Burj
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During the Jat era, Jawahar Burj served as a coronation site and victory tower. It is situated within the Lohagarh fort’s ramparts. Beautiful frescoes adorn the place, but they are in a state of deterioration.
In this place, there are three mandapas, one of which is decorated with paintings of epic scenes. Various carvings and frescoes decorate the royal bathhouse. Maharaja portraits with animal trophies decorate part of the place.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Bharatpur?
A wonderful time to visit Bharatpur is between October and March when the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is full of migratory birds, and the Brij festival takes place.
What are the most famous temples in Bharatpur?
There are several temples to visit in Bharatpur, such as the Bankey Bihari Temple, the Seetharam Temple, and the Ganga Mandir.
How many days are required for visiting Bharatpur?
It takes approximately 2-3 days to visit all the major attractions in Bharatpur, including a safari in the Keoladeo National Park.