Getting Around Bharatpur
Bharatpur is a compact city in Rajasthan, and most visitors find that the practical options for moving around are auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and the occasional bus. There is no metro or tram network in the city, so getting around relies on road transport and, for longer journeys, the railway station.
Auto Rickshaws
Auto rickshaws are the most preferred mode of local transport in Bharatpur. They are available from both the bus station and the railway station, and they serve almost all the attractions in town. Fares are not metered, so you should agree on a price with the driver before boarding.
- Shared auto rickshaws are the cheapest option for popular places in the city.
- Private auto rickshaws cost more but give you the vehicle to yourself.
- Because there are no meters, always negotiate the fare in advance.
Cycle Rickshaws
Cycle rickshaws are popular with tourists and are cheaper than autos. They are slower, which makes them well suited to short distances within town rather than long cross-city trips.
Buses and Public Transport
Local buses in Bharatpur are few in number and therefore often overcrowded. They are cheap and popular with locals for travel within and around the city. Beyond these local buses, there is no metro or tram system to rely on, so buses and rickshaws cover most day-to-day movement.
Arriving by Train
Bharatpur Junction is an important railway junction and a convenient way to reach the city. Many trains between Delhi and Kota, and all trains between Jaipur and Agra, stop in Bharatpur. The journey from Delhi takes a few hours depending on the train type, while the trip from Agra is much shorter. Bharatpur is well connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Agra, Mumbai, Kolkata and most other important cities of India.
Arriving by Road
If you are coming by road, the approach depends on your direction:
- From Delhi or Mathura, take NH44 or the route towards Mathura, which lies a short distance from Bharatpur on State Highway 1.
- From Jaipur or Agra, National Highway 21, a four-lane highway, connects Bharatpur with both cities. The drive from Jaipur takes a few hours, while Agra is much closer.
Arriving by Plane
Bharatpur does not have its own international airport. The nearest international airports are in Delhi and Jaipur. From either airport, you would continue your journey to Bharatpur by train or by road, using the rail and highway connections described above.
Walking
Walking works best for short hops between nearby sights and for getting around within a particular area of town. For longer trips across the city or out to attractions such as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Lohagarh Fort, the Government Museum, Deeg Fort and the various temples, plan on using a cycle rickshaw or auto rickshaw instead.
Practical Tips
- Agree on the fare before you board an auto rickshaw, since meters are not used.
- Choose a cycle rickshaw for short, leisurely trips and an auto for longer or faster ones.
- Expect local buses to be crowded; they are cheap but limited in number.
- For onward travel to Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Mathura and beyond, Bharatpur Junction is your main gateway.