Getting There
Only 60 km from Agra (and 24 km from Fatehpur Sikri) along the Agra-Jaipur highway, Bharatpur is easily be covered in a day's excursion by car (about Rs 800). Though the city can also be approached by train from Delhi and a number of other places in India, being on the Western Railways' main Delhi-Bombay trunk line.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park is at the outer fringe of the city and covers a large tract of marshland and open dry forest. Cycle-rickshaws are one of the best modes of moving inside the park and most of the rickshaw pullers are also good guides in pointing out various avian species and picking best spots for their viewing and photography. The best time to visit the sanctuary is early morning around dawn and late afternoon, before sunset.
Deeg, 32 km, was the summer retreat of the rulers of Bharatpur and has beautiful palaces and a fort, of which one of the most interesting is the Jal Mahal. Deeg can only be approached by road.
Agra
The Flower of the Mughal empire-in-ascendance, Agra is, also, home to that immortal epitome of love, Taj Mahal. Though the city retained regal favor for just three generations, it was embellished with the best of the dynasty's architectural legacy. The over 300 years old Taj, however, is its most compulsive feature and attracts the largest number of tourists from all over the world. Also within the city's ambit lies Fatehpur Sikri, virtually an expression of philosophy and creed of a liberal emperor. In keeping with its status of the most sought-after destination, Agra today boasts of world-class hotels with excellent facilities and services. The city is also amongst the most accessible. Swan Tours also organizes day excursion tour packages to Agra.
Getting To Agra
BY AIR - Though Agra is connected by an Indian Air-lines/Alliance Air's flight from Delhi (35 min, four times a week), which continues onward to Khajuraho and Varanasi, train is the most convenient mode of access. At Agra, Kheria airport is located 6 km from the downtown Sadar Bazaar (20 min, taxi Rs 100, auto-rickshaw Rs 50).
BY RAIL - The all air-conditioned Shatabdi Express (Delhi-Bhopal-Delhi), leaving New Delhi at 0600 hrs every day, takes just two hours to Agra Cantt railway station (close to downtown). Another convenient option is the Taj Express (leaves H. Nizamuddin Station, 0715/0947 hrs), which also provides non-air-conditioned second class seating. Both trains return to Delhi in the evening/ night (Shatabdi 2018/2250, Taj Express 1835/ 2145) making even a day excursion to Agra possible.
Agra Cantt railway station is less than 2 km from downtown and provides pre-paid taxi and auto-rickshaw hire facility at No. 1 platform. Full-day, half-day hire, booking for city sightseeing tours, etc is also possible here.
BY ROAD - For those planning on a road journey, Agra is only 200 km from Delhi, via Faridabad, Hodal/ Palwal, and Mathura. The national highway is four-lane double carriageway for most of the way and needs a journey time of less than four hours. Also newly opened Yamuna expressway from Delhi offers a great drive and the distance could be covered in 2.5 hours. Good midway facilities are available at Haryana Tourism's Dabchick complex at Hodal (92 km) or at Country Inn, Kosi (99 km). Regular tours with, both, air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned deluxe coaches are also operated by Swan Tours, one of the leading Travel Agents in Delhi, India.
Agra Bharatpur Tour Packages
Agra Bharatpur tour package is a unique tour combining history, heritage with a world class bird sanctuary, Agra Bharatpur tour can be combined with Delhi or Jaipur. This Bharatpur tour package includes the local transfers, sightseeing and accommodation in quality hotels in Agra and Bharatpur and can be customized by Swan Tours as an extension to Golden Triangle Tour Packages.