55km west of Agra lies the city of Bharatpur. Wildlife lovers will adore the amazing Keoladeo National Park - a major bird sanctuary with hundreds of species of our feathered friends. It's also a history buff's delight, thanks to the 18th-century Lohagarh Fort, the Ganga Mandir and Laxman Mandir temples with their carved statues of Hindu gods.
The former duck hunting reserve of the Maharajas, Keoladeo National Park is home to over 380 species of birds, and plays host to many more, especially in the winter months. Previously known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a great place for spotting Golden Jackals, Striped Hyenas, Fishing Cats, Sambar and wild boar. During the winter you might even see an Indian Python basking in the sun!
Also known as the Iron Fort, Lohagarh Fort is one of the many forts built by the Maharaja Suraj Mal and the strongest ever constructed fort in Indian history. As the fort was inaccessible, it was perfect to withstand the British forces attacks in 1805. Many monuments and towers in the fort commemorate victories over the British army and the Mughals.
Visit Bharatpur on our North India Wilderness Tour or as part of your own bespoke North India holiday.