The 55-km long journey by road from Agra drives you to the town of Bharatpur the eastern gateway to Rajasthan. Bharatpur is popular forits bird sanctuary near the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, which is the finest in Asia with a rich avian variety. Every year, the rare Siberiancranes come to spend the winter in the warmer climate of Bharatpur. Of the remnants of the royal past remain the marvellous Bharatpur Palace housing a rich repository of a large number of ancient exhibits that dateback to the early 15th century.

The massive iron structure built in the early 18th century. With its impregnable defences, it sustained itself even after a number of British attacks. The fort was conceived and designed by Maharaja Suraj Mal, the founder of Bharatpur. The fort has three palaces with in its precincts - Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas

A few of the eight imposing towers still stand erect within the glorious ramparts of the fort. Especially two of them - Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj are of special interest. These were built by Maharaja Suraj Malto commemorate his victories over the Mughals and British respectively. The coronation ceremony of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur was also held at the Jawahar Burj.

This royal edifice is a fusion of the Mughal and Rajput architectural styles with magnificent apartments and intricately designed floor tiles having interesting patterns. One can marvel at the ancient exhibits displayed in the museum in the central pan of the palace.

Arich collection of artefacts, exquisitely carved sculptures and ancient inscriptions can be admired in the Government Museum located in the palace.All these items speak volumes about the rich heritage and art and crafts of the region.

Once the royal hunting reserve of the princes of Bharatpur, it is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world, inundated with over 400 species of water birds. Exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet as well as Siberian cranes from the Arctic,greyleg geese from Siberia and barheaded geese from China, come here in July/August to spend the winters in the warmer climate and they breed till October/ November.

Colonies of cormorants, spoon bills, storks, egrets, herons, pelicans, ebisand grey herons can be spotted all over the park. The raised pathscamou flaged by Babul trees make their viewing easier.