Created by a Maharaja, the town is a haven for all bird lovers. It is particularly famous for the Keoladeo National Park, which is one of the finest bird parks in the country. The site was once a duck-hunting ground for the Maharajas of the State; today it is a world heritage site. The park houses several varieties of birds that include the migratory Siberian Crane. With its long and glorious history, the town also houses some of the finest temples and majestic forts. A tour around the region would surely keep you enchanted.

• Keoladeo National Park or Bharatpur National Park: The Park is one of the most spectacular avifauna sanctuaries in the country and some of the rarest and the most endangered birds can be spotted here. It is home to over 375 species of birds and also attracts several migratory birds, including the rare Siberian Crane. Other popular species include cormorants, darter, purple and grey heron, egrets, open-billed, white necked and black necked stork, white ibis, spoonbill and night heron. Apart from birds, a number of wildlife species can also be spotted here including the Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena, Blackbuck and Wild Boar. A wide variety of reptiles and pythons can also be seen in the Park. Take a cycle ride across the Park to explore the wilderness or explore it by a boat ride across the lake.

• Lohagarh Fort: An impregnable fort in the town built by its Jat rulers, it houses a number of interesting monuments and structures within. These include Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas. Moti Mahal and towers like Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj were erected to commemorate the victory over the Mughals and the British army.

• Bharatpur Palace & Government Museum: A noted monument, the palace blends Mughal and Rajput styles of architecture. It is ornately decorated and has elaborately designed patterned floor tiles. A part of the palace has been constructed into a museum that displays a host of antiquities, exquisite sculptures and ancient inscriptions.

• Ganga Mandir: This temple was constructed out of funds collected from employees of the state. The temple is a two-storey structure built entirely of sandstone and has floors that are painted black and white.

• Laxman Mandir: The temple is dedicated to Laxman and has intricately carved doorways, ceilings, pillars, walls and arches.

• Ram Bagh: The oldest Mughal garden built by Babur, it is located close to the Taj Mahal. It is marked by pathways, canals and cascading water over terraces.

Bharatpur does not have any typical local cuisine, though the cuisine available here is distinctly Rajasthani. The Falcon Guest House is a good place to try out Indian delicacies. Local flavors can be sampled at the RTDC’s Saras Hotel. The ITDC’s Forest Lodge within the park offers lunch buffets at reasonable rates, along with a choice of Indian, continental and Mughlai menus. The roadside food stalls serve a host of local snacks, including some Rajasthani food. A good option would be to have your meals in the hotels where you stay. Udai Vilas Palace provides a choice of Indian, Rajasthani, Continental, Chinese and Mughlai fares. Kadamb Kunj Resort also has its in-house restaurant that serves Chinese, Indian and continental food.

Bharat does not have much to offer when it comes to shopping. But, Mathura Gate and Chaurburja Bazaar do have a line of shops, which offer you some souvenirs and articles to take back home. Rajasthani textiles, brass work, antiques and marble carvings make interesting memorabilia. Beautiful lacquer bangles laden with precious and semi-precious stones are also popular articles with women.