Bharatpur and Fatehpur Sikri

Wasn't planning anything much for the New Year, quite usual. Then suddenly I was off to Bharatpur, a 3 hours drive from Delhi or 176km on 30th morning. Bharatpur is famous for the Keoladev Ghana Bird Sanctuary ("Keoladeo" is derived from the name of an ancient Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva in the sanctuary's central zone while the Hindi term 'Ghana' implies dense, thick areas of forest cover) spread across 29 sq km. and in its heydays, had 300 species of birds. No hotel reservations but a couple of leads. A bit of fog on the way, a glorious sunrise, clean cold crisp air and bright yellow fields with mustard in bloom. Reached Bharatpur at 10am and found a room at The Laxmi Vilas Palace, built in 1887 for Raja Raghunath Singh, the younger brother of the then ruler of Bharatpur, Maharaja Ram Singh. An eclectic and lively fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture, the palace was earlier called Raghunath Niwas though locals always preferred to call it Kakaji ki kothi. Lovely property, great rooms. Fatehpur Sikri We were advised that it was too late to go into the Sanctuary so we had a late breakfast and set off to see Fatehpur Sikri, some 20-25 minutes drive. Once there we were accosted and harrassed by guides and "students" who were willing be guides for a nominal fee. Avoiding them, we parked and took an electric bus to the fort. Being a holiday, it was crowded. Had fun shooting photos - some 200 of them. Wonder why I always feel disappointed whenever I visit a famous monument - maybe my expectation levels are too high and the administrative mess always leave me frustrated.