BIKANER

Places of Interest

Deshnok-KarniMata Temple :- 30 Km south from Bikaner on the road of Jodhpur, stands a little town-DESHNOK , is known for the shrine of Karni Mata, who is worshiped as an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She blessed Rao Bika, the founder of Bikaner in establishing his kingdom and since then she was also worshiped as the tutelary deity of the erstwhile Bikaner dynasty. The temple is unique as the rats called Kabas, are venerated here and the shrine is a sanctuary for them. It is believed that these Kabas carry souls of future Charans/bards (children of the goddess)  who inhabit the town of Deshnok. These Kabas are held sacred and they move freely in the temple precincts. It is considered highly auspicious. It is considered highly auspicious to sight a white Kaba.

The temple has fascinating huge silver gates and marble carvings. The most attractive feature of temple are the rodents who scamper freely within the premises and if one touches your feet its considered auspicious. They are regarded  sacred and devotees buy prasad (feeding) to offer to them.​

JUNAGARH:- Built in 1593 A.D. the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within. These palaces, made in red sandstone (Dulmera) and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of countryards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The imposing fort has 986 long wall with 37 bastions and two entrances. It is approached through the Karan Poal which is the main entrance. Among the palaces of interest are  Anop mahal, Ganga niwas and Rang mahal or palace of pleasure. The Anoop Mahal is famous for its gold leaf painting. Har Mandir- a majestic chapel where the royal family worshiped there Gods and Goddesses. Chandra mahal or moon palace has exquisite paintings on the lime plaster walls and Phool mahal or the Flower palace is decorated with inset mirror work. The gigantic columns , arches and graceful screen grace the palaces. Karan Mahal  was built to commemorate a notable victory over the Mughal Aurangzeb.The other important parts are Durbar Hall, Gaj mandir, Sheesh Mahal or mirror chamber etc. ​

Bhandaser Jain Temple:- The 15 century Temple,is the oldest and distinct monument of bikaner dedicated to Sumati Nath Ji,the 5th Tirthankar  of the Jain Religion.The temple is decorated with rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings..The beautiful temple was erected near Laxminath temple in 1540A.D.Pure ghee (butter oil) and coconuts were reported to have been used  in laying the foundation. Carved in red sand stone and white marble - its famous for carvings ,wall paintings , structural beauty and artistically designed statues.

BHILWARA

Places of Interest

Mandakini Temple:-

The town situated in the South East of Bhilwara. It is close to the borders of the District Bundi. The ancient name of Bijoliya was Vindhyavali. It is walled with two gates (North and South) and picturesquely situated on a plateau called the UPARMAL. Objects of historical interests are three Saivite temples , probably of the tenth century . A reservoir called the Mandakini Baori with steps, five Jain temples dedicated to Parswnath. The remains of a palace and two rock inscriptions deserve mention. The Jain temples, situated about 1.5 Km. of the south east were built by Mahajan Lala in the time of the Chauhan Raja Someshwar of Ajmer in 1170 AD. One of them is considered scared containing a complete small model of a temple inside . The rock inscriptions are both dated 1170 AD.​

Ramdwara, Shahpura:-

Capital of the erstwhile state of Shahpura ,the town houses the headuarters of the sub division, tehsil, panchayat samiti of the same name. It is about 58 Kms. from district headquarters.The rulers of the erstwhile chiefship of Shahpura belonged to the Sisodia clan of Rajputs. Shahpura is a place of pilgrimage for the followers of the Ram Snehi's sect .Founded by the hindus in 1804 .They have a shrine in the town known as Ram Dwara.The chief priest of Ram Dwara is the head of the sect. Pilgrims from all over the world visit the shrine through out the year . Ram Snehi is an Internation hindu sect. An annual fair Phool Dol Ka Mela is held here on Phagun Sukla 15( march-april) for five days. About one lac people attend the fair. It is also famous for PHAD painitings.​

MANDALGARH:- The place ,situated at a distance of 54 Kms. towards South-East of Bhilwara. It is sub division,tehsil and panchayat samiti of same name.The place is of historical importance because it was the scene of many a fierce battle during the mediaeval times,according to the muslim historians.The place was taken twice by Mahmud Khilji of Malwa in the middle of the fifteenth century , and subsequently appears to have belonged alternately to the Ranas of Mewar and the Mughal Emperors. In or about 1650 A.D. Shah Jahan granted it in Jagir to Raja Roop Singh of kishanGarh,who partially built a palace here , but Rana Raj Singh retook it in 1660.A.D. Twenty years later captured the palace and in 1700 A.D. made it over to Jhujar Singh Chief of Pisangan (now in Ajmer district ) from whom it wasrecovered by Rana Amar Singh in 1706A.D., and it since then remained in the uninterruped possession of his successors. To the North-West is a fort about half a mile in length with a low rampart wall and bastions encircling the crest of the hill on which it stands .The fort is said to have been constructed by a chief of the Balnote Clan of Rajputs ( a branch of Solankis). There is an old temple Jaleshwar by name (1619 v.s.) The fort also houses a temple dedicated to Shiva

Asind (Sawai Bhoj Temple)

This is tehsil and Panchayat samiti. The town is also known for temples situated on the left bank of the Khari, built by Sawai Bhoj. During the princely rule , it was an estate comprising seventy two villages , held by one of the first class nobles of the Mewar State, who had the title of Rawat.

BHARATPUR

Places of Interest

Bird Sanctuary- Keoladeo National Park-A paradise for the avian world, and the pilgrimage for the bird lovers, it was known as the best duck shooting resort in the British empire. But was declared a reserve for birds in 1956 and later upgraded to National Park. UNESCO has listed it as a world heritage site. The geographical location is ideal as it is on the main North - South avian route of India. Although small in size, 29 sq. km. only, it boasts to house more than 375 species of beautiful birds, and more than 132 of them breed inside the Keoladeo Ghana National Park and nearly every year new ones are added to the list. The sanctuary not only attracts birds from India but also from places like Europe, Siberia, China and Tibet. Before mansoon hundreds of these exotic birds roost and nest building activities start on the babool and kadam trees of the park. Water coming through the Ajan Bandh starts filling the various ponds and lakes of the Park. When assured of enough food, hundreds of large, medium and little cormorant, darter, purple and Grey heron, various species of egret, painted, open-billed, white necked and black necked stork, white ibis, spoonbill, night heron and other birds get busy in courting and mating. The trees are over flowed with nests, one can observe a tree housing nests upto fifties and sixties in number belonging to different species of birds looking after their loving young ones. The nests on the trees look like pearl necklaces.

Gracious Saras cranes, the tallest flight birds nest in exposed and open area, both partners share the duty of hatching, while chanting incubating duties, they come together, raise their neckand give out shrill trumpetic calls in unison and at the same time fan their feathers. The newly born chicks are only 10 cm. in size but grows upto one meter in height within a year.

As the monsoons arrive birds from every part of the country start pouring into the park. Migratory water-fowls, including the pride of Keoladeo Siberian Cranes form the indispensable part of Park. The water-fowls visit the park in millions during the month of October. The most noticeable water-fowl coming to the park are barheaded and greyleg geese. The ducks spotted here are pintail, common teal, ruddy shelduck, mallard, widgeon, shoveler,common shelduck, red crested pochard, gadwall etc. predatory birds like imperial eagle, steppe and tawny eagle spotted eagle, marsh harrier and laggar falcon are attracted towards the park completing the avian food chain of the ecosystem. Some of them like short-toed eagle, lesser spotted eagle and shikra are the residents of Park.

About 11 sq. km. area of the park is covered with water the remaining portion is rich with Kingfisher, Red Vented and white cheeked Bulbuls, Babblers, Quails, Partridges, Sunbirds, Sparrows and Parakeets which live in bushes and burrows. The year round activity of the winged beauties has made the park a pilgrimage for bird lovers and an omithologists delight.

The animal populace also show their presence although they are thoroughly dominated by feathers, wings and beaks. The animals include the Black Buck, Sambhar - the largest Indian Antelope, Spotted deer, and Nigais. Pythons can also be observed at some places lazing in the sun.

Vehicles are only permitted upto Shanti Kutir inside the park. The Electra Van of forest department can be engaged in the sanctuary, although the best way to explore the park is on foot or bicycles which are available on hire. Cycle rickshaws can also be hired.

DEEG (Excursion) North of Bharatpur is this beautiful garden town, the gardens have been laid with great care and precision, the sparkling fountains and meticulous palaces add to he beauty of this idyllic retreat of the princes of Bharatpur. The tourist enjoy the charming settings of this agricultural town, along with the well preserved palace pavilions and gardens. 

Some very interesting buildings can be observed like:

GOPAL BHAVAN:

Completed in 1760, an imaginatively designed building complex with beautifully laid gardens at its entrance and the rear overlooks the Gopal Sagar which is flanked with smaller pavilions Sawan and Bhadon. The formal gardens face a raised terrace with an arch of lustrous marble installed on a pedestal in the form of swing. This exquisite swing is a war trophy brought in by the famous Jat king Raja Suraj Mal from the Mughal court in Delhi. The spacious and well proportioned Banquet Hall has a double row of graceful pillars. The rear of the chamber is further divided by a charming sunken pool with fountains. The Banquet hall houses a rich collection of curios, souvenirs and Victorian furniture. Staircases wind upstairs to the upper floors. One room contains a solid black marble bed from Delhi.

BENGAL CHAMBER

It houses the dining room, and has sloping arches, with comfortable cushions along the outer edges forming the seating area. The walls of the royal Chess Room has trellis design and are painted in soft red.

SURAJ BHAVAN

To the east of the main building, this palace has balconies overhanging the water. The entire palace in marble is like an airy pavilion with fine ornamentation within the apartments.

NAND BHAVAN

It is a larage audience hall. KRISHNA BHAVAN, and the ingeniously designed water works of KESHAV BHAVAN, with open twelve pillared pavilion are of great interest.

PURANA MAHAL

It is the oldest palace, planned as a spacious rectangle encircled by compartments and chamber, it has a collection of some very fine Rajput and Mughal schools.

DEEG FORT

The fort stands majestically over a slightly elevated point, built by Raga Suraj Mal. The fort is surrounded by impressive moats, armpits and gateways, the interiors are mostly in ruins now, but the watch tower still stands in the ruins keeping an eye over the City and Palace; over it is placed a gun captured from Agra fort.​

Museum:- The Government Museum, Bharatpur is located inside the historic Lohagarh Fort which is about 4 Km. away from the main bus stand and railway station. The Kachahri Kalan and Kamara Khas buildings built during the reign of Maharaja Balwant Singh in first half of 19th century A.D. In 1939, sculptures and other objects were collected from various places of the region and initially displayed in Public Library under the patronage of H.H Maharaja Sawai Brijendra Singh. These were shifted to the present building of Kachahri Kalan in 1944 A.D. and it was formally opened to public on 11th Nov, 1944. Later on the Kamara Khas building was added to it. It has rare and distinguished collection of sculptures, inscriptions, coins, arms and weapons and decorative art objects. The museum has in its possession above 4000 antiquities. The buildings which house the museum in itself are marvellous examples of artistic beauty.

Timings : 09.45 AM to 5.15 PM

Entry Fee :

Indians                 RS. 5/-

Indian Students     RS. 2/-

Foreigners            Rs. 50/

Foreign Students   Rs. 25/

(Closed on Monday)​

Iron Fort:-The Iron Fort, also called as The Lohagarh Fort, true to its name stood solidly in front of many British attacks, and frustrated them to ends. It faced the British onslaught four times and after a long siege they had to withdraw, but Lord Lake, however was successful in capturing it in 1805. It is very different from the other forts in state, there is no flamboyance associated to fort but it generates an aura of strength and magnificence. The fort is surrounded with moat which was previously filled with water to ward off the enemy attacks. The sandy ramparts were strengthened by sandy battlements, thus the enemy guns proved of no avail. Some interesting monuments in the fort are Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas. Moti Mahal and towers like Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj were erected to commemorate the victory over the Mughals and the British army . The Gateway has paintings of huge elephants.​

The Palace:- It is a fine blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, built in various phases by different Maharajas. The magnificent apartments are richly decorated with patterned floor tiles with exquisite intricate designs. The museum occupies the main central wing depicting collections dating back to 2nd century, which reflect the art and skill of the region.​

BARAN

Places of Interest

Sitabari Temple is an ideal picnic spot, situated about 45Km from Baran in Kelwara kasba on National Highway road connecting Shivpuri-Gwalior. This is a holyHoly Kund at Sitabari worship place. It is well known in the area that 'Sita mata' has lived in this place after being left-out by Bhagwan Ram. This place is also known as the birth-place of Lav & Kush. There are several Kunds in Sitabari namely Balmiki Kund, Sita Kund, Laxman Kund, Surya Kund, Lav-Kush Kund. Sita-Kuti is also situated in the forest area near the temple. The tribal Sahariya fair is held at this place in the May/June every year.​

Kakoni is situated about 85 Km. from Baran district Headquarters in the Chhipabarod Tehsil. It is surrounded by the Mukundra mountain ranges and on the Shivling at Kakoni (Click to Enlarge)bank of Parwan river. It is said that the temples at Kakoni are built in 8th century. These are the remains of the 'Vaishnav', 'Shiv' and 'Jain' temples. About 60% statues of the Kakoni temples are kept in the Museums at Kota and Jhalawar districts. Archaeological department has announced the place as secure since 1970.  ​

Ramgarh-Bhand Devra temples are situated aboutBhand Devra Temple (Click to Enlarge) Bhand Devra Temple (Click to Enlarge)40 Km. from Baran. The Shiv Mandir of Ramgarh was built in 10th century and are based on the Khujraho style. Due to the Maithun Statues, the place is named as Bhand Devra. This temple is situated on the bank of pond and is now under the Archaeological department. This temple is known as Rajasthan's mini Khujraho. On the top of the Ramgarh hill, Kisnai and Annapurna Devi temples are situated in the natural cave. About 750 stairs were constructed by Jhala Jalim Singh for reaching the temple on the hill top. The main speciality of this temple is that one Devi is worshiped with Meva and another is with Mas-Madira. At the time of Parshad, curtain is raised between the two Devis. Fair is also organised during Kartik Purnima.

Bilasgarh is situated about 45 Km. from Baran inKanyadeah  Kanyadeah Kishanganj tehsil. Connecting road is from village 'faldi' between Kishanganj and Bhanwargarh. Bilasgarh was the big city during the Khechi kingdom which was destroyed to ruins by the order of Aurangazeb. The daughter of the king Khechi was very beautiful and for her Aurangazeb has send his force which has ruined the city Bilasgarh. The princess ends her life in the 'Bilasi' river, the spot is now known as Kanyadeah. The ruins of the Bilasgarh is still situated in the lonely place inside dense forest area.​

Shergarh Fort in AtruThe historic Shergarh fort is situated about 65Shergarh Fort in Atru Km. from Baran district hqts. in Atru tehsil. Sitting atop a hillock on the bank of Parban river, the fort of Shergarh looks impregnable. The fort stands a little detached from the walled township, which boasts of its ancient Brahmanical and Jain temples. A stone edict of 790 AD proves the antiquity of the place, which was once knows as Koshvardhan. The fort is one of the best forts in Rajasthan in the present time.​

Shahabad Fort is the one of the best and strongest fort amongst the forts in Hadoti area. It is situated about 80 km. from Baran. The fort was constructed by the Chauhan Vanshi Dhandhel Rajput Mukutmani Dev in the century 1521 (Samvat 1577). This is situated in the dense forest area on the high mountain ranges. The fort is surrounded by Kundakoh valley on two sides. Third and fourth sides are surrounded by Ponds and high rocks respectively. The Topkhana(artillery), Barudkhana and some temples in the forts are still secure. It is said that the fort had 18 Cannons(Topes) in the past and one of the cannon was 19 feet.​

Manihara Mahadev Mandir is about 3 kms. from Baran city. The mandir has a famous and ancient Mahadevji and Hamumanji temples. Till now only 591 years brief history is known about the temple. This place is surrounded by green trees and a pond with full of natural beauty. The place has a religious importance for the people of the area. A fair is organised at the temple on Shivratri festival every year. District administration has authorised Sarvjanik Sanstha Dharmada, Baran as a caretaker for the place.

BANSWARA

Places of Interest

A temple of Goddess Tripura Sundari, commonly known as Turtia Maata. It has a beautiful idol of black stone having 18 hands, each carrying some symbol, while the Goddess is seen riding a tiger. It is believed that this temple was built before Samrat Kanishka, who rule here. The exact date of its construction is not yet known. It is said to be one of the "Shakti Peeths" of the Hindus having charismatic divine power.​

Banswara is also well known for the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project and for numerous dams and canals situated at beautiful sites. The Mahi river has a number of islands inside the Mahi Dam catchment area and thus Banswara is also known as the 'City of Hundred Islands'.​

ALWAR

Places of Interest

The Alwar fort, built on a hill, about 1960 feet above the sea level, stands majestically 1000 feet above the city of Alwar. The fort was built by Hasan Khan Mewati in 1550 A.D. It passed from the Mughals, to the Marathas, to the Jats, till it was finally captured by the Kachhwaha Rajputs. The fort, from nort to south is about 5 kms. long and is about 1.5 kms. wide. There are six entrances to the fort which are, Chand Pol, Suraj Pal (named after Raja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur), Jai Pol, Kishan Pol, Andheri Gate and Laxman Pol. It is said that PratapSingh, the founder of Alwar state used Laxman Pol for entering the fort forth first time. Ametalled road in th past connected the city with Laxman Pol.​

The Sariska Tiger Reserve is just 40 kms. from Alwar and about 110 kms. from Jaipur. The landscape of Sariska is dominated b thickly forested hill slopes with vertical cliffs. The terrain is basicall undulating with some wide plateau lands separating the valleys. This game sanctuary southwest of Alwar was once the personal hunting ground of the Maharajas of Alwar. I become a sanctuary in 1955 and aws later taken up under Project Tiger in 1979. It covers an area of 320 sq.miles. The forested hills of Sariska are among the best places to view tigers in India. Leopared, Hyena, Somebar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chansingha, Sp.of Monkey, Birds are other attractions.​

Enroute to Sariska, 12 Kms. South west of Alwar is the water places of Siliserh with a lake surrounded by low, wooded hills, Now a Rajathan Tourism (RTDC) Hotel. The lake was built in 1845 A.D. by constructing an earthern dam between two hills to store the water of a small tributary of river Ruparel. When full, the total water spread covers an area of about 10 sq. kms. Adorned with domed cenotaphs, Siliserh lake is picturesquely set amidst the forested slopes of Aravalli hills. The open terraces of theSiliserth Palace provide a breathtaking view of the water spread of the lake and its surrounding environment. This tetefully built old palace is now converted into a tourist hotel and is managed by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. The basement of this four storied palace leads to the water level of the lake. A boat trip in the lake, particularly during winter season, is a rewarding experience

AJMER

Places of Interest

Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the North-West of Ajmer.Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle.Brahma is supposed to have performed sacrifice at this lake on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the Kartik month), hallowing the place. Sacred to Brahma, Pushkar boasts of its temple dedicated to him, which is the only one of its kind in the world. A dip in the waters of Pushkar and worship at his temple ensure salvation. So thousands flock to Pushkar to observe the ritual on kartik Purnima, or on any of the four days preceding it.​

 

SALEMABAD (NIMBARK PEETH)​:-Bhati chief of Khejarli Shri Sheoji and Gopal Singh Ji Bhati founded this Peeth in 1520 (1463 A.D.) following instructions of his holiness Shri Nimbarkacharya Peethadhishwara Shri Parashu Ram-Devacharya Ji. The temple has been so designed that the Deity is visible for Darshan the moment one enters the main gate.the Sanctum Sanctorum has been built in a way that the moonlight of the moon of Sharad Poornima touches the lotus feet of the idol of the Lord at 12.00 pm.In to Jagmohan of the main temple the pillars of marble are exquisitely ornamental and their middle part is transparent. This wide spreading castle like temple is built on 42 thousand square feet land.​

DARGAH:- Ajmer the city where the Dargah of the Great Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti stands, is a sacred centre of pilgrimage. Hallowed by the memories of the great seer, Ajmer has earned the epithet of “ Madinatul Hind or the Madina of India”. Devotees of all sects and faiths come here as the saint’s blessings are infallible for all.Each year, the followers of the master congregate here from all parts of the world on the occasion of the annual festival of Urs to pay their obeisance to seek the Saint’s blessings for fulfillment of wishes.​

​ANA SAGAR​:-It is an artificial lake named after Anaji Chauhan. The catchments were built with the help of local populace. The 'Baradari' pavilions was built by Shah Jahan, to facilitate his long stays in Ajmer. the Baradari and the adjoining parks are the lungs of city and favourite outing spot.​