In this place, at another time one would find 'Bans' or bamboo groves as far as the eye could see. That's how it got its name Banswara. Inhabited by tribals, with Bhils constituting half of the total population, Banswara comprises fertile plains in the western and central portions and as you move eastward, the scattered ranges of the Aravalis stand like pieces on a giant chessboard.
Bounded by Udaipur and Chittaurgarh, the district presently comprises the territories of former Banswara state - once founded by Maharawal Jagmal Singh and the chieftainship of Kushalgarh.
When you come to Banswara, you'll see a classic example of an ancient town in ruins surrounded by a stonewall. However, a palace of the former rulers still stands guard overlooking the ruins below.
Mango, Dates, Mahua trees grow in abundance along with teak forests on the slopes of the Aravali hills. Banswara has a rich wildlife. Four horned antelopes roam free along with chinkara and the ronj. If you are lucky you'll cross paths with a rare panther. Down-to-earth squirrels, snakes and lizards graze your feet. Up in the sky the avian families take wing. Black drongos, grey shrikes, green bee-eater, parrots, jungle crows, woodpeckers, and the common myna fly free. Grey jungle fowls, red spin fowls and the grey partridges are generally spotted in the remote parts of the forest.
Places of interest:-
Kagdi-Pik-up Wear: Part of Mahi Bajaj Sagar project is a small Dam with beautiful natural surroundings. Beautiful fountain Garden, Children Park, Mahadeo Joshi Samadhi Sthal and Sai-Baba temple nearby are other added attractions. SAI BABA temple at the top of hill overlooking Kagdi Lake is also worth visiting.
City Palace: It is an example of old Rajput architecture still owned by royal family, can be visited only on invitation.
Anand Sagar Lake or Bai Talab: An artificial lake on the eastern side of the town constructed by Lachhi Bai of Idar the queen of Maharawal Jagmal. Beautiful chhatris of rulers of the state and an array of holy trees called 'Kalpa Vriksha' famous for fulfilling desires of visitors lie close by.
Dialab Lake: A beautiful lake covered with lotus flowers. On the bank of the lake is Badal Mahal, the summer resort of former rulers.
Abdulla Pir: A popular shrine of a Bohra Muslim Saint, attracting a large number of Bohra Muslims from all over during the annual Urs festival.
Madareshwar: A temple of Lord Shiva set amid natural beauty. Other temples in the city include Dwarkadhish Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple and Vaneshwar mahadeo Temple, Kali Kalyani Dham and Padoli Rathore are other spirtitual centres near the town which attract thousands of people from all over the country every year.
EXCURSIONS
Arthuna (55kms): The ruins of cIuster of Shaivite and Jain temples dating back to the 11th 12th and 15th centuries are found in this village. The Mandleshwar Temple, built in 1080 A.D. by Chamunda Raja Parmara Chief is noteworthy. Arthuna is famous for its special Shivratri and Holi Celebrations.
Mahi Dam (18 kms): Under the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project, various dams and canals have been built over the Mahi River amid beautiful surroundings. The Mahi River has a number of islands at intervals and hence Banswara is at times referred to as 'the city of hundred islands'. The Mahi Dam and the Kagdi Pikup have a picturesque fountain garden, surely worth a visit.
Talwara (15 kms) : A historic city with ruins of some ancient monuments and temples famous for their beautifully carved idols in local black stone. The famous temples of Talwara include Laxmi Narain Temple, Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple and Jain temple of Sambhav Nath. Sompura artists also belong to this place, known for stone carvings. Number of shops on the road side where one can find the fantastic collection of stone idols.
Tripura Sundari (19 kms): An ancient temple of the goddess Tripura Sundari, commonly known as Turtia Mata. The idol of the goddess riding on a tiger is a magnificent one in black stone with 18 hands, each carrying some symbol. The temple is said to be one of the Shakti Peeth of Hindus.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO REACH BANSWARA
Air: Nearest airport is Udaipur 160 kms.
Rail: Nearest Railways Station is Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh, (80 kms). It is connected with all the major cities of the country.
Road: Well connected by Ratlam in MP, Dahod in Gujrat, Udaipur, Chittorgarh in Rajasthan. Both state and private transport run in this district.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Rainfall: 92 cms
Best Season; Oct-March
Clothing: Summer: Light Tropical
Winter: Light Woollen
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English
Bounded by Udaipur and Chittaurgarh, the district presently comprises the territories of former Banswara state - once founded by Maharawal Jagmal Singh and the chieftainship of Kushalgarh.
When you come to Banswara, you'll see a classic example of an ancient town in ruins surrounded by a stonewall. However, a palace of the former rulers still stands guard overlooking the ruins below.
Mango, Dates, Mahua trees grow in abundance along with teak forests on the slopes of the Aravali hills. Banswara has a rich wildlife. Four horned antelopes roam free along with chinkara and the ronj. If you are lucky you'll cross paths with a rare panther. Down-to-earth squirrels, snakes and lizards graze your feet. Up in the sky the avian families take wing. Black drongos, grey shrikes, green bee-eater, parrots, jungle crows, woodpeckers, and the common myna fly free. Grey jungle fowls, red spin fowls and the grey partridges are generally spotted in the remote parts of the forest.
Places of interest:-
Kagdi-Pik-up Wear: Part of Mahi Bajaj Sagar project is a small Dam with beautiful natural surroundings. Beautiful fountain Garden, Children Park, Mahadeo Joshi Samadhi Sthal and Sai-Baba temple nearby are other added attractions. SAI BABA temple at the top of hill overlooking Kagdi Lake is also worth visiting.
City Palace: It is an example of old Rajput architecture still owned by royal family, can be visited only on invitation.
Anand Sagar Lake or Bai Talab: An artificial lake on the eastern side of the town constructed by Lachhi Bai of Idar the queen of Maharawal Jagmal. Beautiful chhatris of rulers of the state and an array of holy trees called 'Kalpa Vriksha' famous for fulfilling desires of visitors lie close by.
Dialab Lake: A beautiful lake covered with lotus flowers. On the bank of the lake is Badal Mahal, the summer resort of former rulers.
Abdulla Pir: A popular shrine of a Bohra Muslim Saint, attracting a large number of Bohra Muslims from all over during the annual Urs festival.
Madareshwar: A temple of Lord Shiva set amid natural beauty. Other temples in the city include Dwarkadhish Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple and Vaneshwar mahadeo Temple, Kali Kalyani Dham and Padoli Rathore are other spirtitual centres near the town which attract thousands of people from all over the country every year.
EXCURSIONS
Arthuna (55kms): The ruins of cIuster of Shaivite and Jain temples dating back to the 11th 12th and 15th centuries are found in this village. The Mandleshwar Temple, built in 1080 A.D. by Chamunda Raja Parmara Chief is noteworthy. Arthuna is famous for its special Shivratri and Holi Celebrations.
Mahi Dam (18 kms): Under the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project, various dams and canals have been built over the Mahi River amid beautiful surroundings. The Mahi River has a number of islands at intervals and hence Banswara is at times referred to as 'the city of hundred islands'. The Mahi Dam and the Kagdi Pikup have a picturesque fountain garden, surely worth a visit.
Talwara (15 kms) : A historic city with ruins of some ancient monuments and temples famous for their beautifully carved idols in local black stone. The famous temples of Talwara include Laxmi Narain Temple, Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple and Jain temple of Sambhav Nath. Sompura artists also belong to this place, known for stone carvings. Number of shops on the road side where one can find the fantastic collection of stone idols.
Tripura Sundari (19 kms): An ancient temple of the goddess Tripura Sundari, commonly known as Turtia Mata. The idol of the goddess riding on a tiger is a magnificent one in black stone with 18 hands, each carrying some symbol. The temple is said to be one of the Shakti Peeth of Hindus.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO REACH BANSWARA
Air: Nearest airport is Udaipur 160 kms.
Rail: Nearest Railways Station is Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh, (80 kms). It is connected with all the major cities of the country.
Road: Well connected by Ratlam in MP, Dahod in Gujrat, Udaipur, Chittorgarh in Rajasthan. Both state and private transport run in this district.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Rainfall: 92 cms
Best Season; Oct-March
Clothing: Summer: Light Tropical
Winter: Light Woollen
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English