If you are looking for a destination that combines history, culture and nature, then you should consider visiting Lohagarh Fort in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. This fort is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also one of the most invincible forts in India. Built by the Jat rulers in the 18th century, Lohagarh Fort has witnessed many battles and events that shaped the history of Rajasthan and India. In this article, we will take you on a tour of this magnificent fort and show you why it is worth a visit.
History of Lohagarh Fort
Lohagarh Fort, which means Iron Fort, was named so because of its strength and durability. The fort was built by Maharaja Suraj Mal, the most famous Jat ruler of Bharatpur, who expanded his kingdom and challenged the Mughal and British empires. The fort was designed to withstand enemy attacks and natural calamities, and it proved its worth many times.
One of the most notable events that took place at Lohagarh Fort was the Battle of Bharatpur in 1805, when the British forces led by Lord Lake tried to capture the fort but failed miserably. The fort was defended by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the son of Suraj Mal, who used his guerilla tactics and artillery to repel the invaders. The British suffered heavy casualties and had to retreat after three months of siege. This was one of the rare occasions when the British were defeated by an Indian ruler.
Lohagarh Fort also played a role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, when it became a refuge for many rebels and freedom fighters. The fort was finally captured by the British in 1858, after they used heavy cannons to breach its walls. However, the fort still stands as a symbol of courage and resistance against foreign domination.
Lohagarh Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, under the group Hill Forts of Rajasthan. It is one of the six forts that represent the Rajput military architecture and culture.
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Architecture of Lohagarh Fort
Lohagarh Fort is a marvel of engineering and architecture. It is surrounded by deep moats filled with water, which made it difficult for enemies to approach or scale its walls. The fort has two main entrances: the Ashtadhatu Gate (eight-metalled gate) to the north and the Chowburja Gate (four-pillared gate) to the south. The Ashtadhatu Gate is adorned with a huge metal statue of an elephant, while the Chowburja Gate has a beautiful lotus-shaped fountain.
Inside the fort, there are several palaces, towers and temples that showcase the Jat style of art and architecture. Some of the notable monuments are:
Kishori Mahal: This is the oldest palace in the fort, built by Maharaja Suraj Mal. It has a simple but elegant structure with arched windows and pillars.
Mahal Khas: This is the most ornate palace in the fort, built by Maharaja Baldev Singh. It has intricate carvings and paintings on its walls and ceilings.
Kamra Mahal: This is the palace where Maharaja Ranjit Singh lived and fought against the British. It has a museum that displays various weapons and armours used by the Jat rulers.
Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj: These are two towers that were built by Maharaja Suraj Mal to commemorate his victories over the Mughals and the British. They offer panoramic views of the fort and the city.
Moti Mahal: This is a palace that was built by Maharaja Suraj Mal for his wife Moti Bai. It has a beautiful garden with fountains and flowers.
Best Time to Visit Lohagarh Fort
The best time to visit Lohagarh Fort is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C during this period. This is also the peak season for tourism, as many festivals and events take place in Bharatpur and Rajasthan.
Some of the festivals and events that you can enjoy during this time are:
Brij Festival: This is a festival that celebrates the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. It takes place in February or March and involves colourful dances, songs and rituals.
Gangaur Festival: This is a festival that celebrates the marital bliss of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It takes place in March or April and involves women dressing up in traditional attire and worshipping the deities.
Teej Festival: This is a festival that celebrates the arrival of monsoon. It takes place in July or August and involves women swinging on decorated swings and applying henna on their hands.
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Some tips and precautions for visiting Lohagarh Fort are:
1. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will have to walk a lot inside the fort.
2. Carry water bottles, as it can get hot and dry during the day.
3. Respect the rules and regulations of the fort and the museum, such as not touching or damaging any artefact or monument.
4. Avoid visiting the fort during summers (April to June) and monsoons (July to September), as it can get very hot, humid and rainy.
How to Reach Lohagarh Fort
Lohagarh Fort is easily accessible from different modes of transport, such as air, rail and road. Here are some of the options:
By Air: The nearest airport to Lohagarh Fort is Agra Airport, which is about 55 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from there to reach the fort.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Lohagarh Fort is Bharatpur Railway Station, which is about 5 km away. You can take a taxi, an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw from there to reach the fort.
By Road: Lohagarh Fort is well-connected by road to other cities in Rajasthan and India. You can take a bus or a car from Jaipur (180 km), Delhi (200 km), Agra (55 km) or Mathura (39 km) to reach the fort.
Hotels Near Lohagarh Fort
There are many hotels near Lohagarh Fort that offer comfortable accommodation and quality service. Here are some of them:
The Birder’s Inn: This is a hotel that is located near Keoladeo National Park. It has cosy rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant that serves delicious food, a garden that attracts birds and a library that has books on wildlife.
Iora Guest House: This is a guest house that is located near Lohagarh Fort. It has spacious rooms with basic facilities, a terrace that offers scenic views, a kitchen that allows self-cooking and a friendly staff that provides helpful tips.
Jungle Lodge: This is a lodge that is located near Keoladeo National Park. It has rustic rooms with natural decor, a dining area that serves local cuisine, a lawn that hosts bonfires and cultural shows and a guide that organizes birdwatching tours.
IbisHouse Farm Stay: This is a farm stay that is located near Lohagarh Fort. It has elegant rooms with wooden furniture, an outdoor pool that invites relaxation, a farm that grows organic vegetables and fruits and an activity center that offers games and sports.
Hotel Sunbird: This is a hotel that is located near Keoladeo National Park. It has comfortable rooms with colourful interiors, a restaurant that offers multi-cuisine dishes, a rooftop lounge that overlooks the park and a travel desk that arranges sightseeing trips.
Other Places to Visit in Bharatpur
Lohagarh Fort is not the only attraction in Bharatpur. There are many other places to visit in Bharatpur that offer more attractions and experiences for tourists. Some of them are:
Keoladeo National Park:
This is a national park that is famous for its bird sanctuary. It is home to over 350 species of birds, including migratory ones. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Site. You can enjoy birdwatching, boating, cycling and walking in this park.
Bharatpur Palace:
This is a palace that was built by the Jat and Mughal rulers. It has a fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture and a museum that displays royal costumes and jewellery. You can admire the beauty and grandeur of this palace and learn about its history and culture.
Deeg Palace:
This is a palace that was built by Maharaja Suraj Mal as a summer retreat. It has a stunning garden with fountains, canals and pavilions. You can witness the sound and light show that depicts the glory of the Jat dynasty and enjoy the scenic views of this palace.
Laxman Temple:
This is a temple that is dedicated to Lord Laxman, the brother of Lord Rama. It is one of the oldest temples in Bharatpur and has a beautiful idol of Laxman and his wife Urmila. You can offer your prayers and seek blessings at this temple.
Ganga Temple:
This is a temple that is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the river goddess. It is one of the most beautiful temples in Bharatpur and has a marble idol of Ganga. You can worship the goddess and appreciate the architecture of this temple.
Lohagarh Fort is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves history, culture and nature. It is a fort that showcases the bravery and resilience of the Jat rulers and their people. It is a fort that offers a variety of attractions and experiences for tourists. It is a fort that will make you fall in love with Bharatpur and Rajasthan.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Lohagarh Fort and Bharatpur today. You will not regret it!
