Places to See in Bharatpur
BHARATPUR PALACE
It is a fine fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture and was built in various
phases by different maharajas. The magnificent apartments are richly decorated
with patterned floor tiles having exquisite and intricate designs. The museum
occupies the main central wing displaying collections dating back to the
2nd century which demonstrates the art and skill of the region.
GOVERNMENT MUSEUM
It is a fine fusion of Mughals and Rajput architecture and was built in
various phases by different maharajas. The magnificent apartments are richly
decorated with patterned floor tiles having exquisite and intricate designs.
The building Kamra Khas, within the fort, has been converted into
a museum displaying a rich collection of antiquities, exquisite sculptures
and some ancient inscription.
The museum occupies the main central wing displaying collections dating
back to the 2nd century, which demonstrates the art and skill of the region.
The sculptures speak volumes about the art and culture that flourished here
in those timers and help in tracing the inscriptions are of immense historical
value and help in tracing the royal lineage and local life.
GANGA MANDIR (TEMPLE)
Maharaja Balwant Singh started the construction of this big temple in 1845.
The construction was carried out by a unique method, where all persons employed
in the service of the state, were asked to donate one months salary
of their service or any raise in pay towards the shrine. The temple is a
beautiful piece of architecture.
LAXMAN MANDIR
This temple is famous for beautiful stone work with elaborate carvings from
doorways to ceilings, pillars, walls and arches. The temple is dedicated
to Laxman, brother of lord Rama.
KEOLADEO GHANA NATIONAL PARK
This bird paradise acquired its name Keoladeo because of the existence
of the Keoladeo temple of Lord Shiva. After the name of this temple the
lake is called Ghana Keoladeo. Ghana being the vernacular synonym
for dense forest. It was known as the best duck shooting resort during the
British reign, but was declared a reserve for birds in 1956 and later upgraded
to a National Park. UNESCO has listed it as a world heritage site.
The geographical location is ideal, as it is on the main north-south avian
route of India. Although small in size (only 29 sq. kms), it has over 375
species of beautiful birds, and more than 132 of these breeds inside the
Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Almost every year, new species are added to
the list. The Bird Sanctuary not only attracts birds from all over India,
but also from far off Europe, Siberia, China and Tibet.
Before the monsoons, hundreds of these exotic birds roost and nest here,
and building activities start on the babool and Kadam
trees of the park. Water flowing through the Ajan Bandh starts filling the
various ponds and lakes of the Park. When assured of enough food, hundreds
of large, medium and little cormorants, darters, purple and grey herons,
various species of egret, white-necked as well as black-necked storks, white
ibis, spoonbills, night herons and other birds get busy courting and mating
.The trees are overloaded with nests- a single tree houses approximately
fifty to sixty nests-belonging to different species of birds looking after
their young ones.
Saras cranes, the tallest flight birds, nest in exposed and open areas;
both partners share the duty of hatching; while changing incubating duties,
they come together, raise their neck and give out shrill trumpeting calls
in unison, fanning their feathers at the same time same time. The newborn
chicks are only 10cm. In size but grow up to one meter in height within
a year.