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Bharatpur (Keoladeo Ghana)
National Park: The Bharatpur National Park is also known by the
name of Keoladeo Ghana. The name Keoladeo is derived from a Hindu
temple dedicated to Lord Shiva situated in the center of the park.
The word Ghana means dense and refers to the thick forest that used
to cover the park area at one point of time. The park houses
approximately 375 species of exotic birds, both resident as well as
migratory. Out of those, almost 132 breeds inhabit the sanctuary.
The migratory birds arrive not only from different parts of India,
rather, from places as far as Europe, Siberia, China, Tibet, etc.
Bharatpur also serves as a habitat to animals like Sambar, Cheetal,
Nilgai, Boar, etc.
Bharatpur Palace and Government Museum: The Bharatpur Palace
owes its formation to a number of Maharajas. This beautiful piece of
architecture is a blend of the Mughal and Rajput styles. The palace
houses a number of apartments, decorated with elaborately designed
patterned floor tiles. The main central wing of the palace has now
been converted into a museum. The museum exhibits rich collection of
artifacts dating back to as far as the 2nd century. On display, is
an array of antiquities, exquisite sculptures, ancient inscriptions,
etc.
Ganga Mandir (Temple): Ganga Mandir is an architectural
wonder. Built by Maharaja Balwant Singh in 1845, this temple has a
unique story attached to it. It is believed that all the people
employed in the service of the state were asked to donate one
month's salary or any increment in their salary for the temple. The
temple was constructed out of this money only.
Laxman Mandir (Temple): Laxman Mandir is dedicated to the
younger brother of Lord Rama, Laxman. The doorways, ceilings,
pillars, walls and arches of the temple are carved with intricate
stonework.
Lohargarh Fort (Iron Fort): The focal point behind the
construction of the Lohagarh Fort was strength and defense. The fort
withstood many attacks by the British. They fort is known not for
beauty, rather, for the power and brilliance it exudes. It is unlike
any other fort in the state of Rajasthan. Surrounding the fort is a
moat, which acted as a form of defense against the enemy attacks.
The fort has an Ashtadhatu (eight-metal) gate, adorned with huge
elephant paintings. Other attractions of the fort include Kishori
Mahal, Mahal Khas, Moti Mahal, Kothi Khas, Jawahar Burj, Fateh Burj,
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