Interesting Destinations Enroute Agra to Jaipur

by Nisha Parmar SEO Executive

While on a Golden Triangle Tour Package , There are some off beat destinations which are worth a visit , It is advisable to leave early from Agra to enjoy the soft morning light and peace at Fatehpur Sikri. Continuing to Bharatpur, do not miss the fine views back to Fatehpur's walls. Soon after, the pink posts announce the Rajasthan state border.

Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur—One of world's most important bird sanctuaries. Originally a freshwater swamp, this was where the Maharaja of Bharatpur dug out the lake and, from 1902, entertained the British with splendid duck shoots. Today, a sunrise trip on the lake is magical, silent but for the flutter of waking Chinese coots, large painted storks and some of the other 350 species of visiting birds—sharp eyes may espy the rare Siberian crane between November and March.

Antelopes, fishing cats and porcupines live in the surrounding park, where pythons sunbathe in the noonday sun. The information centre has a big wall-plan, lists of wildlife to spot and excellent ornithologists to hire as guides (their acute observation transforms a visit). To see the park, either take the dawn boat onto the lake, hire a bicycle rickshaw (with bicyclist) to go up the paths between the water, hire a bicycle, or take a picnic and follow the trails. Best months to visit are November,December and January (October and February are also good); bring binoculars (none for hire), hat, walking shoes and bird books; well worth staying overnight for evening animal and morning bird sightings and to see Stanley and Belinda Breedan's film shown 6.30 most evenings at Shanti Kutir Rest House (which is also the nicest place to stay inside the sanctuary). Keen walkers can set off with binoculars, water and sandwiches to go cross country to Fatehpur Sikri—if the return walk seems too much, arrange a taxi pick-up.

Bharatpur—The walled Jat stronghold retains a certain decayed splendour at its eighteenth-century Lohargarh Fort where one of the three palaces is now a museum. Good for spotting sculptures and rulers' knick-knacks as you ramble up and down steps to the various rooftops and peer down into courtyards where locals inhabit apartments once occupied by princesses. If you are staying at Golbargh Palace, once a royal guest-house, the manager may take you to another one at Baretha (25 kilometres/16 miles south.)

Deeg—The Bharatpur maharajas came to this glorious palace (1750) for the summer, enjoying the cool air of the tanks either side. Their magnificent apartments, still partly furnished and partly frescoed, overlook sunken water-gardens where 500 fountains once splashed coloured water during royal fireworks displays. The marble swing and walls inlaid with pietra dura were looted from the Mughals. Visitors feel they are nosing around a still-used home.

For more information on Golden Triangle Tours contact Swan Tours, One of the leading Travel Agents in Delhi .