PALI

Places of Interest

There are many tourist places in Pali district which  attract local peoples as well as foreigners. People from different cities of India come to Pali to visit Ranakpur, Jawai Dam, Parshuram Mahadev Temple, Jadan Aashram etc. Some of the famous tourist places are as follows :

Tehsil - Pali

Navalakha Temple :

Built in 10th century, this Parshwanath temple is located in Pali city. This temple is famous for its architecture.

Lakhotia Garden :

It is situated in the heart of Pali city and surrounded by a  pond,  lakhotia ( Also known as city tank). One beautiful temple of Lord Shiva is also situated in the middle of garden.

Somnath Mandir:

It is famous for its historical background and ShilpArt. It is  situated in the middle of  pali city. It was constructed by then King of Gujrat  Kumarpal Solanki in the Vikram samvat 1209. It is the temple of Lord Shiva. In the premises of temple there are many small temple of other Devi Devta. 

Bangur Museum :

It is situated in the Pali city at old bus stand. Many old historical and artistic  items like dresses, coins, arms etc. are kept here. 

Shanidham Aashram :

It is situated in Pali tehsil of Pali district and hardly 10 km from Pali. (Click on hyperlink for more information) 

Parshwanath Temple (Manpura Bhakri, Pali) :

As per local resources this temple is about 300 years old. Here fairs are being held on Pausha Shukla Dasami and Kartik Purnima every year.

Tehsil - Rohat

Peer Dulheshah :

An old renouned place of Muslim pilgrims situated near village Chotila.

Jaanrai Temple and Kubaji Samadhi, Jhitra :

An old and beautiful temple of Radha-Krishna on the banks of village pond.

Rao Shiho Samadhi :

situated near village Bithu, visited by almost everyone. Rao Shiho was the founder of the clan Rathore.

Khutani Khetalaji Bheru Temple :

Situated in village Khutani, this temple is widely worshiped by people of Marwar and Godwar.

Tehsil - Desuri

Godwar Festival :

It is organized jointly by the District Administration, Pali and Rajasthan Tourism.

Main attractions :

Jeep Safari : From Shilpi (Ranakpur) to Khumbhalgarh Sarangwas Boating: In Natural Lake

Classical Dance Performance:

Fire Dance & Siddhi Dhamal Horse & Camel Safari Vargowda ceremonial procession (By Sonana Khetliya ji Trust) Horse race, Tug of war, different acrobatics by Marwari Horses'Best of Rajasthan' folk performances by renowned folk artists of Rajasthan

Fireworks display:

Bhajan, Keertan (by Sonana Khetliya Trust) Rock Climbing Ghair Dance Performances by different groups of Ghair ( from different parts of Rajasthan) Godwar Shree, Turban tying competitions

Ranakpur Jain Temples :

It is famous for its magnificent Jain temple built during the reign of Rana Kumbha of Mewar in 15th Century. Ranakpur temple complex is known for its Architectural and natural beauty. It has 24 halls containing 1440 pillers, each one is different from other and each covered with intricate, yet delicate, carvings. The Central temple dedicated to the Jain Thirthankara Adinath ji, is called Chaumukha ( four-faced).

How to reach : One can easily reach at Sadari by bus from all over Rajasthan. At Sadari, local taxi and jeeps are available to reach at Ranakpur.   

Nimbo Ka Nath :

It is situated between between Falna - Sanderav route. Myth goes that pandavas stayed here with mother kunti during the exil. Kunti used to worship shiva at this place. Pandvas also established Navdurga at this place.     

How to reach : One can easily reach at Falna by bus or train. At Falna local taxi and jeeps are available to reach this place. 

Parshuram Mahadev Temple :

It is in  Desuri tehsil, on the top of one of the hill of aravali.  There is a natural cavern on the hill where a natural Shivling is the attraction of the devotee of lord  Shiva. the Myth goes that  the great ascethic, parshuram of ramayan era practised penarce in this cavern. Fairs are also organised here twice a year. It is hardly 14 km from Sadari Town.  

How to reach : One can easily reach at Sadari by bus from all over Rajasthan. At Sadari, local taxi and jeeps are available to reach at pond.  Now from Pond there is 2 km walking distance through hilly narrow path to reach at top, and then from top there is around 400 narrow steps to reach at natural cavern. 

Tehsil - Sumerpur

Jawai  Dam :

One of the biggest dam of western Rajasthan. it is situated in sumerpur tehsil of pali district.  it has a capacity of 6000 millian qubic feet. It is the main water supply source of jodhpur and pali districts. Besides this, many villages of Jalore and Pali are irrigated through this Dam.

Tehsil - Marwar Junction

Jadan Aashram :

It is situated in Marwar Junction tehsil of Pali district and hardly 20 km from Pali. (Click on hyperlink for more information) 

Tehsil - Jaitaran

Ma Durga Temple, Nimaj  :

Nimaj boasts of a temple built in 9th century AD. It was dedicated to goddess Ma Durga. It also covers a unique art gallery showcasing some masterpieces of sculptural art, adorned within natural surroundings.  ​

NAGAUR

Places of Interest

Nagaur Fort - Sandy fort, centrally located, 2nd century old, witnessed many battles, lofty  walls & spacious campus, having many palaces & temples inside. 
Tarkeen Dargah - Most renowned after the Ajmer Dargah, sacred place for Muslims & Sufis. 
Jain Temple in Glass - Lofty structure of glass, sacred place for the Jain community. 
Saiji ka Tanka - Samadhi of a renowned saint, inspires the liberation of the soul with simplicity & truthfulness, a symbol of communal harmony.
Other Places - Cenotaph of Amar Singh Rathore, Bansiwala Temple, Nath Ji ki Chhatri, Barli​

Khinvsar Fort - Situated 42 km away from Nagaur on the National Highway No. 65 towards Jodhpur, 500 years old fort in the middle of the Thar Desert, turned into a hotel furnished with modern facilities. Mugal Emperor Aurangzeb used to stay here, Khinvsar town has 25 small temples, black deer roaming in herds are a very popular tourist attraction.​

Dadhimati Temple - Also known as Goth-Manglod temple, 40 km away from Nagaur, the oldest temple of the district constructed during the Gupta Dynasty (4th Century), Kul Devi of Dadhich Brahimins.​

Meera Bai Temple - Also known as the Charbhuja temple 400 years old evidences how total surrender helps attain godly qualities; how deep faith converts poison to 'Amrit'.

Bhanwal Matta Temple - 25 km away from Merta City, carries a very interesting story that when thieves were found to be under threat of life they remembered mother by heart, mother appeared for their rescue, temple was got constructed under obligation, the thieves who escaped vowed never to commit theft again, mother takes two  a half cups of wine from a true seeker.  ​

Kuchaman Fort - One of the oldest & most inaccessible forts of Rajasthan, situated on top of a straight hill, unique water harvesting system, Jodhpur rulers used to mint their gold & silver currency here, affords a  beautiful view of the city, fort converted into a hotel has a strong attraction for  tourists.     ​

Makarana - A treasure trove of marble; examplifies how stones can be shaped & made use of marble mining is the  main-stay of living for the locals, worth seeing how stone brings quality in life, this marble used in the construction of the Taj Mahal, Victoria Memorial & other buildings in white stone.​

KOTA

Places of Interest

Magic Along the Mighty Chambal:

Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River lies Kota - an amazing juxtaposition of the majestic medieval age and modern industrialisation temples its untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples dating back over several centuries retain the past glory, the present day edifices and heavy industries have made it the industrial heart land of Rajasthan. 

The commanding fort stands overlooking the modern Chambal Valley Project with its many dams- Kota Barrage,Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar and Jawahar Sagar. An old palace,dating back to the time when Kota was under the control of Hada Chieftaincy-Hadoti faces the Kota Barrage. The Durbar Hall is ornate with beautiful mirror work and has ebony and ivory doors. Exquisite miniatures of the Kota school are housed within the Hall. Other noteworthy edifices of the bygone era are the Brij Raj Bhawan Palace,Jag Mandir-and island Palace, a splendid haveli (mansion) with beautiful frescoes and the royal cenotaphs. 

Prime Sites

Chambal Garden 

A beautifully landscaped garden at the Amar Niwas. Its lush surroundings make it a popular picnic spot offering enjoyable boar rides. 

Maharao Madho Singh Museum 

Situated in the old palace, the museum has a superb collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school,exquisite sculptures,frescoes and armoury. The museum also houses a rich repository of artistic items used by the Kota rulers. 

The Government Museum 

Housed in the Brijvilas Palace near the Kishore Sagar, the museum displays a rich collection of rare coins,manuscripts and a representative selection of Hadoti sculpture.Especially noteworthy is an exquisitely sculptured statue brought here from Baroli.

Timings: 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. Entry Fee: Rs.2/- Closed on every Friday and Government holidays. Photography is prohibited. A prior permission has to be obtained from the Director of Archaeology and Museums,Jaipur. 

Jag Mandir 

Amid the picturesque artificial lake of Kishore Sagar constructed in 1346 AD by Prince Dher Deh of Bundi, stands the enchanting little palace of Jag Mandir. The azure waters around the red-sandstone monument enhances its beauty.Boat-rides can be enjoyed in the lake. The Keshar Bagh famous for its royal cenotaphs lies in the vicinity. 

Haveli of Devtaji 

The beautiful Haveli of Devta Shridharji is located in the middle of the busy market. The haveli is noted for its splendid frescoes and rooms ornate with lovely wall paintings. 

Kota Barrage 

A part of the irrigation canal system on the Chambal River,this beautiful setting is ideal for outings and evening strolls. 

Other Places worth visiting

• Kansua temple with a four faced Shiva Lingam,
• Bhitria Kund
• Adhar Shila
• Budh Singh Bafna haveli
• Yatayat Park.
• Haryali Water Park
• Godavari Dham Mandir 

JODHPUR

Places of Interest

Mehrangarh Fort:- Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. Mehrangarh Fort, spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 meters, presents a majestic view on city horizon. It was built on advice of a saint in 1459 to establish an impregnable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, elaborately adorned windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are well preserved.​

Jaswant Thada:- Close to the fort complex, lies Jaswant Thada. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs, stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, would bring forward the reverence they still hold for their brave kings​

Umaid Bhawan Palace:- The romantic looking Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built with the purpose of giving employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace.Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies​

Government Museum 

This museum has a rich collection of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle of the Umaid public gardens.

Rai-ka-Bag Palace

This palace is situated near Raika Bag palace railway station. It was constructed in 1663 by Hadiji, queen of king jaswant Singh-I. King Jaswant Singh-II liked this palace very much. He mostly stayed in the octagonal bunglow of this palace. In 1883 when Swami Dayanand Saraswati came to Jodhpur, his sermons were arranged for the public in the public ground of this palace. Even Jaswant Singh used to listen to Swami Dayanand in this palace only. Now income tax office functions in this palace.

Umed Garden

Umed garden covers an area of 82 acres. developed by Maharaja Umed Singh, it has green lawns, towering Ashoka trees, roses and seasonal flowers, museum, fountains, library and a zoo.In 1978 'Walk-in Aviary' was constructed there one could see different types of birds, local, African and Australian parrots, ducks, rabbits etc; in their natural environment. There are large cages for bears, foxes, deers, lions leopard etc. It is place frequented by children and adults with equal interest.

Raj Ranchhodji Temple

It was made by queen Jadechi Rajkanwar after the death of her husband, king Jaswant Singh. Major Part of the temple is made of red sandstone, carved with beautiful filigree work. The heart of the temple has the statue of Ranchhodji made of black marble.It has green, yellow and blue glassess fixed on its main door.

Achal Nath Shivalaya

Achal Nath Shivalaya was constructed by Nanak Devi, queen of Rao Ganga. The construction was completed on 21st May 1531. A large water reservoir called Bawari was made near the Shivlinga which is known as Ganga Bawari. The Garbh Griha, Mandap and Kirtan Bhawan of the temple are made of carved Chhitar stone.

Siddhnath Temple

Siddhnath Shiv temple is located between Takhat Sagar hills. On the road going from the right of filter house on Jodhpur-Chopasani Road, on crossing the stairs made by cutting rocks, one can reach Siddhnath temple. Many years ago it was an absolutely deserted place. And because of that, a hermit Veetragi Narain Swami started staying here. He was a highly worshipped and respected saint, known in the nearby areas. Once a handicapped saint named Gaurishanker, later known as Nepali Baba, came to this place. He had only four fingers in each of his hand and foot. He made a big temple by cutting stones, which is now known as Siddhnath.

Ganesh Temple

The area which is called Ratanada was named after a dog called Rata. About 150 years ago a teacher Radidas in a place called Gorunda saw a statue of Vinayakji in the hills of Ratanada. The statue is eight feet high and five feet wide.

Around Jodhpur​

Mandor:-  Towards the north of Jodhpur is the ancient capital of Marwar, Mandor. It is just 8 Kms from the city. Main attractions of the place are hall of Heroes where sixteen huge figures which have been carved out of a single rock, the shrine of 330 million Gods and the royal cenotaphs. This area is of immense historical importance but what makes it worthy of a visit is the Hall of Heroes. Sixteen gigantic figures carved out of a single rock depicting popular Hindu and folk deities stand there in bright colours and are well maintained. But one can not miss the caves in crags and the sprawling gardens, which are now shelter place for monkeys and peacocks. Greenery of the place makes Mandor, in true sense, an oasis.​

Ossian:- 65 Kms from Jodhpur, lies ruins of an ancient city called Ossian. This city is famous for Brahmanical and Jain temples, which belong to 8th and 11th century. Surya or Sun temple and the Sachiya temples are famous for their beauty. The shikhar of Sachiya temple is clustered by two rows of turrets, an ambulatory and a large assembly hall with an elaborate ceiling. This town which was once a great trading centre is an oasis and houses an abundance of peacocks. The largest of the 16 Jain and Brahmanical temples is dedicated to Mahavira, the last of the Jain tirthankars. In the same area the Surya temple has fascinating images of Durga, Surya and Ganesh. The sculptural intricacy of the Osian temples rival that of any of the famous temples of the country, be it the Sun Temple of Konark, or the Hoysala temples of Karnataka.

Balsammand Lake & Palace:- Many a times you must have dreamt of staying in a huge, royal palace on the sea-shore or on the banks of river or if not both at least a palace facing the water reservoir. There is such a place at Mandor in Rajasthan .The 19th Century sandstone palace built on a hillock facing Balsammand lake is one of such places that's definitely going to win your heart. The palace was created by Maharajah Sur Singhji, as a summer pavilion. It is very finely carved with latticed windows that allow the soft, cool breeze to blow into the interiors of the palace. The embankments of the lake, in front of the palace, have domed structure that offers fabulous views of the lake encircled by hills. An artificial cascading waterfall, brings water down from the reservoir to the gardens. Mandor, is a part of Jodhpur but it enjoys the calmness by being far from the city crowd.

The rooms and suites, the entire ambience here makes one feel as if you are staying in a royal palace. One can even enjoy a walk through the trees, the rose beds, pools covered with lilies and the groves of mango, plum, banana, pomegranate and so on. One will also get to see the peacocks, blue bulls, jackals and hundreds of flying foxes (fruit bats) in the trees.​

Kaylana Lake:- Located 8 kms. West of Jodhpur, Kaylana lake was constructed in 1872 by Pratap Singh. It is spread over 84 square kilometers' area. Earlier this area had palaces and gardens made by two rulers of Jodhpur-Bhim Singh and Takhat Singh. These were destroyed to make Kaylana lake. Near the lake is a Dak Bungalow of PHED. Boating facilities have also been made available for tourists here.​

Guda Bishnoi:- This village is inhabit ated by the Bishnoi community. They are staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life. Villages are marked by Khejri trees and deers which thrive. ​

Jaswant Sagar Dam:- In 1892, Maharaja Jaswant Singh constructed Jaswant Sagar in Pichiyak village between Bilara and Bhavi of Jodhpur district.The Water from this dam is used for irrigating the greenest part of Jodhpur receives water from this dam. Boating facilities have also been made available for tourists here..