Also known as the eastern gateway to the culturally rich state of Rajasthan, Bharatpur is renowed for it's World Heritage-listed bird sanctuary; the Keoladeo Ghana National Park (5 kms to the south of the city centre). The sanctuary is home to several rare, local as well as migratory birds including the Siberian cranes. In the 17 th and 18 th centuries, the town was an important Jat strong hold. The Bharatpur Palace is another major attraction for the tourists visiting here. It houses several ancient exhibits dating back to the 15th century. The Lohargarh or 'Iron Fort', is also worth a visit.

An earthern dam called the Ajan Dam was constructed in 1760, to protect Bharatpur from the constant floods during monsoon and the arid lands after monsoon. The Keoladeo lake was born out of the depression created by extraction of soil for the dam covered with shallow lakes and stunted forest growth and grasslands.