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.

Lohagarh Fort
The colossal iron edifice was built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Suraj Mal. It miraculously withstood the ravages of time and even sustained the numerous British attacks. The fort consists of three palaces namely - Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas.

Government Museum
This museum is the repository of traditional artefacts, delicately carved sculptures and ancient inscriptions that speak a lot about the region's cultural heritage.

The Palace
The magnificent imperial building reflects the fusion of Mughal and Rajpat architectural styles with majestic apartments and exquisitely designed floor tiles exhibiting fascinating patterns. The ancient exhibits displayed in the museum at the centre of the palace inspire awe of the beholder.

Keoladeo National Park
In the past it was the royal hunting preserve of the Bharatpur princes but now it has become one of the famous bird sanctuaries that is the abode of about 400 varied species of birds including water birds, exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Siberian cranes from the Arctic, Greyleg Geese from Siberia and Bareheaded Geese from China.

Places of Worship
Ganga Mandir, Laxmi Mandir , Jama Masjid ,St. Luke's Church and Gurudwara.

By Air
Agra Airport is the nearest airport that has flights for Delhi, Bombay, Varanasi and Lucknow

By Rail
Agra, Bharatpur is also connected to Mathura, Sawai Madhopur and Kota by the main Delhi - Bombay line.

By Road
Bharatpur is well connected by road with Agra, Delhi, Mathura and Jaipur. There are regular bus services that operate for all major cities.