Tag

popular

Browsing

Nestled in the southern part of Rajasthan, Banswara is a hidden gem that awaits discovery. With its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, this picturesque town offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking an offbeat destination. Let’s embark on a virtual journey to explore the enchanting charms of Banswara.

1. Anand Sagar Lake: A Tranquil Oasis
Start your exploration with Anand Sagar Lake, also known as Bai Talab. This artificial lake, created by Rani Lanchi Bai, offers a serene setting surrounded by sacred Kalpa Vriksha trees. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside and witness the cenotaphs of the state’s rulers, known as chattris, scattered nearby.

2. Abudlla Pir: A Spiritual Retreat
Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Abudlla Pir, a popular shrine dedicated to the Bohra Muslim saint Abdul Rasul, also known as Abdullah Pir. Pay your respects and witness the annual ‘URS’ celebration, where people from the Bohra community gather to commemorate the saint.

3. Andeshwar Parshwanathji: A Jain Pilgrimage
Discover the ancient Andeshwar Parshwanathji Jain temple situated on a small hill in Kushalgarh Tehsil. This sacred site houses rare Shilalekhs from the 10th century and two Digambara Jain Parshwanatha temples, providing a serene sanctuary for spiritual seekers.

4. Ram Kund: A Mythical Hideaway
Unveil the mystique of Ram Kund, also known as ‘Phati Khan,’ a place where Lord Ram is said to have stayed during his exile. Admire the beautiful surroundings of hills and experience the cool waters of the pool, which remain refreshing throughout the year.

5. Vithala Deo Temple: A Symbol of Devotion
A short distance from Banswara lies the Vithala Deo Temple, a remarkable red structure dedicated to Lord Krishna. Marvel at the intricate architecture and immerse yourself in the divine aura of this sacred place.

6. Dialab Lake: Serenity Amidst Lotus Blooms
Visit Dialab Lake, where the former rulers’ summer residence stands gracefully on its banks. Experience the tranquility as you witness the serene beauty of lotus flowers covering a significant part of the lake.

7. Kagadi Pikup Weir: A Picturesque Retreat
Explore Kagadi Pikup Weir, located on Ratlam Road, offering enchanting fountains, gardens, and water bodies. Delight in the mesmerizing view of Kagdi Lake as you embrace the peaceful atmosphere surrounding this captivating spot.

8. Mahi Dam: Islands of Natural Beauty
Discover the islands scattered along the Mahi River, flowing through the region. Banswara, often referred to as ‘the city of hundred islands’ in ancient texts, showcases the engineering marvel of various dams and canals constructed under the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project.

9. Paraheda: A Sacred Pilgrimage
Journey to Paraheda, a renowned Shiva temple located in Garhi Tehsil. Built by King Mandlik in the 12th century, this temple provides a sensational view and serves as a significant pilgrimage site for devotees.

10. Raj Mandir: Majestic Grandeur
Witness the architectural splendor of Raj Mandir, also known as the City Palace, perched atop a hill overlooking the town. This 16th-century palace, belonging to the royal family, showcases the captivating allure of old Rajput architecture.

11. Talwara: Temples and Stone Carvings
Explore Talwara, renowned for its ancient temples, including the Sun Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Jain Temple of Sambharnath, Lord Amaliya Ganesh, Maha Laxmi Temple, and Dwarkadhish Temple. Marvel at the skillful craftsmanship of the Sompura Sculpture artists carving stones along the roadside.

12. Tripura Sundari Temple: A Divine Abode
Pay homage to Goddess Tripura Sundari at the famous Tartai Mata temple. Admire the beautiful idol crafted from black stone, depicting the goddess riding a tiger with 18 hands carrying various symbols. This temple is considered one of the ‘Shakti Peeths’ of Hindu mythology.

13. Madhareshwar Temple: Serenity in a Natural Cave
Explore the famous Madhareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated inside a natural cave atop a hill in the eastern part of the city. Revel in the breathtaking views and find solace in the serene surroundings of this sacred place.

14. Samai Mata Bhandariya: A Hilltop Picnic Spot
Embark on an adventure to Samai Mata, located atop a hill accessible by climbing around 400 steps. Enjoy a peaceful picnic spot surrounded by nature’s bounty, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

15. Mangarh Dham: A Place of Faith and Sacrifice
Visit Mangarh Dham, a place of deep reverence and patriotism. It is the hill where Govind Guru, a popular saint among the Bhil community, inspired them to fight for freedom. Experience the historical significance and pay tribute to the Gurubhakt Bhils who sacrificed their lives while fighting against the British army.

16. Cheech: Temples and Heritage
Explore the village of Cheech, known for its ancient Lord Brahma temple. Witness the intricately carved statue of Lord Brahma and soak in the spiritual aura of this sacred site.

17. Singpura: Rustic Escape
Escape to the charming village of Singpura, located just 10 kilometers away from Banswara. Surrounded by a beautiful lake, hillocks, forests, and lush greenery, Singpura offers a unique and offbeat holiday experience in close proximity to nature.

18. Jua Falls: Nature’s Serenade
Discover the untouched beauty of Jua Falls, a hidden gem in Banswara. Visit during the rainy season to witness this naturally forming waterfall in its full glory, providing a serene atmosphere to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature.

19. Arthuna: A Glimpse into History
Step back in time at Arthuna, where clusters of ruined Hindu and Jain temples from the 11th to 15th centuries transport you to a bygone era. Marvel at the beautifully carved conjugated statue of Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesh, and explore the surrounding villages with their intricately sculpted Nilkanth Mahadev Temples.

20. Sai Baba Temple: A Place of Devotion
Pay homage to Shri Sai Baba at the renowned Sai Baba Temple in Banswara. Admire the marble idol of Shri Sai Baba and find solace in the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred place.

Banswara, with its rich history, captivating temples, serene lakes, and natural wonders, offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Explore the hidden gems, immerse yourself in the local culture, and witness the divine beauty of this enchanting town. Whether you seek spiritual solace, historical intrigue, or a tranquil escape amidst nature, Banswara has something to offer for every traveler. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey to Banswara, where timeless traditions.

WORLD’S MOST FASCINATING BIRD RESERVE

The history of Bharatpur dates back to 5th century BC, when the Matsya kingdom flourished here. The Matsyas were allies of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata war. Legends say that the origin of the name Bharatpur is traced to Bharat, younger brother of Lord Ram. Laxman, the other brother, was given the most prestigious position as that of the family deity of the ruling family of Bharatpur. His name also appears in the state seals and coat-of-arms.

In the early 18th century, Maharaja Suraj Mal captured the fort of Bharatpur by vanquishing Khemkaran, the rival chieftain and laid the foundation for Bharatpur. The valiant Maharaja was very keen to expand the cities and is credited with building the numerous forts and palaces that dot the kingdom, including the Pleasure Palace Complex at Deeg.

Bharatpur is also home to one of the world’s best-known bird watching destinations, Keoladeo Ghana National Park (KNP). 250 years ago, the then ruler built embankments that allowed flooding of this land, turning it into a marsh. Named after the dense jungle that surrounded an old Shiva Temple, this 29 square kilometre man-made wetland is renowned for migratory birds – ducks, geese, waders, raptors, flycatchers and more. In winter, avid birders and ornithologists flock to the park to observe and study the feathered beauties. With more than 370 recorded species, KNP used to also host the Siberian crane. It is a World Heritage Site.

THE LAND OF THE RED STONE

Situated in the eastern part of Rajasthan, Dholpur became a separate district in 1982 comprising four tehsils of Bharatpur – namely Dholpur, Rajakhera, Bari and Baseri. Carved out of Bharatpur district, Dholpur is surrounded by Agra on the north, Morena district of Madhya Pradesh on the south and Karauli on the west.
Ever since its existence, Dholpur remains one of the most fascinating regions in the state that has witnessed the oldest civilizations, and is extremely rich in cultural heritage. It used to be the seat of the Dholpur princely state before Independence, and today is a city of diverse culture and historical grandeur.
The red sandstone from Dholpur is famous throughout the country and was famously used in the construction of the Red Fort in Delhi.

The history of this princely state is known to date back to Buddha’s time. Several centuries ago, Dholpur was a part of the Mauryan Empire and came under the rule of various rulers all along the Mughal period. Around the 8th to the 10th century, Dholpur was known to be ruled by the Chauhans.Until 1194, it continued to be under the rule of Mohammed Gauri.
Dholpur was initially known as Dhawalpuri named after the ruler Raja Dhawal Deo, also known as Dholan Deo Tomar who established the city in 700 AD (though some historians have dated the formation to 1005 AD.) Later, it came to be known as Dholpur.