Bharatpur fit logically into our itinerary because it was midway on our journey and, ideally, a picturesque place to relax. Located within the Braj region, Bharatpur falls on NH 44 and is also well connected by train.
As dusk spread its shadows, we checked into our heritage resort. We were given a traditional welcome at the entrance: Rajasthani folk music, ceremonial aarti and tilak and a cool native sherbet. Sprawling acres of lush greenery, century-old trees, vintage architecture: the royal grandeur of the bygone era and the tiredness of the journey vanished. We dumped our luggage, set out to immerse ourselves in the blissful nature and indulge in bird watching.
A muster of peafowl greeted us in the courtyard. They moved about gracefully and even modelled candidly for our camera captures. The orchard echoed with the chirping of avian wonders. It was fun spotting a few familiar ones: a variety of parakeets, owls, chipmunks, sparrows, and pigeons. As the night descended, the birds settled in their nest.
We moved to satiate the rumbling in the stomach and taste the regional delicacies of delicious Rajasthani dishes like ker sangri, daal baati churma, besan ke gatte, laal maas, etc prepared in a ritualistic, authentic way. Stomach full and bodies exhausted, we fell asleep quickly.
The calm and serene environment came alive with the cacophony of birds long before the crack of dawn, compelling us to leave our beds and venture outdoors, immerse ourselves in nature, unplug and unwind, embrace the natural world and reawaken a sense of wonder for Mother Earth. The birds flitter around chirping happily; one feels elated and finds solace. The experience cannot be described in words. After our hectic trip, it was a pleasure to commune with nature and lounge around.
If you are passionate about history, architecture, and cultural heritage, visit the Lohagarh Fort (built by Maharaja Suraj Mal, it is a reminder of Rajasthan’s resilient spirit) and Bharatpur Palace, which is a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture and houses a museum showcasing rare artefacts, weapons, and manuscripts that reflect the region’s rich heritage.
If you are an ornithologist or a birdwatcher or a birder, Keoladeo National Park, formerly Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit place. Spanning 29 sq km, this former royal hunting reserve, renowned as one of the world’s most important bird breeding and feeding grounds, hosts over 400 species of birds, with peak visitation during winter when thousands of migratory birds, including cranes and pelicans, arrive.
Bharatpur is a must-visit place for a nature enthusiast and a history aficionado.
Suruchi Kalra Choudhary
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