Location: 160-km From Udaipur,
Rajasthan
Founded By: Maharawal Jagmal Singh
Tourist Attractions: Mahi Dam, Bai
Talab, Chinch
Best Time To Visit: October -March |
Tourism in
Banswara
THE TRIBAL COUNTRY
Home to the tribals with Bhils constituting
half of the total population, Banswara has
its name derived from 'Bans' or bamboo
trees, which once grew here in abundance.
The erstwhile state was founded by Maharaja
Jagmal Singh. Bounded by Udaipur and
Chittorgarh, the district presently
comprises of the territories of former
Banswara State and the Chieftainship of
Kushalgarh. While the Central and western
portion of the district are fertile plains,
the scattered ranges of the Aravallis form
the eastern region.
The ancient town is surrounded by a
stonewall, which are now in ruins. A palace
of former rulers of Banswara stands
overlooking the town.
The teak forests are found on the slopes of
the Aravalli hills. Mango, Khajur and Mahua
trees are also a part of the vegetation of
the district. Banswara has a rich wildlife
variety including squirrels, lizards,
snakes, chinkara, Ronj and four horned
antelope. Panthers can be seen rarely. The
avian variety includes the black drongo,
gray shrike, green bee-eater, parrot, jungle
crow, wood pecker and common myna. Grey
jungle fowl, red spir fowl and grey
partridge are generally spotted in the
remote parts of the forest.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
DAMS AND LAKES
Mahi Dam (18 km): 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 Kedge Pickup have a
picturesque fountain garden, surely worth a
visit.
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 'Chattris'
(cenotaphs) 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.
TEMPLES
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
spiritual centres near the town, which
attract thousands of people from all over
the country, every year.
EXCURSIONS
CITIES
Arthuna (55-km): The ruins of cluster 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 AD by Chamunda Raja, the Paramara
Chief, is noteworthy.
Talwara (15-km): 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 Sambhar
Nath.
TEMPLES
Tripura Sundari (19-km): An ancient temple
of the goddess Tripura Sundari, commonly
known as Turtia Mata. The idol of the
goddess riding on a tiger is magnificent
one, in black stone with 18 hands, each
carrying some symbol. The temple is said to
be one of the 'Shakti Peethas' of Hindus.
Parahera(22-km): Situated in the Garhi
tehsil. A temple of Lord Shiva -Mandaleshwar
Temple, built by Mandalik, stands on the
bank of the Nagela Tank in the village.
Chinch: Famous for its 12th century Brahma
Temple with a beautiful life-size statue of
Lord Brahma.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air : Nearest airport is Udaipur 160-km.
Rail: Nearest Railway Station is in Ratlam,
MP (80-km). It is connected with all the
major cities of the country.
Road : No route in the district has so far
been nationalized and only state carriages,
which are privately owned ply within and out
of the distinct.
PLACES TO STAY
Numerous kinds of hotels with single,
double, deluxe and A/C room facilities are
available at Banswara.
Government Accommodation : Includes Mahi
Rest House with beautiful location
overlooking scenic view and many other
irrigation Bungalows at beautiful sites of
dams & canals. Circuit Houses and PWD rest
houses both provide good facilities.
Restaurants: Kushal Bagh Palace Hotel
provides both Indian and continental food
President, Mayur Sagar & Plaza provide
Indian food.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Holi: An important festival of the region
with special celebrations. The tribals,
colourfully attired carrying swords and
sticks, perform the Gair dance.
Ami Egyaras: Celebrated on the 11th day of
the bright half of Phalgun. Young girls and
boys fast on the occasion. Colourful fairs
marked by Bhils armed with bows, arrows and
swords are a part of the celebrations.
Ghotia Amba Fair: A colourful fair held in
the month of March. The Bhils gather to take
a holy dip in the tank near the temple with
idols of Pandavas. Tribal weapons,
especially arrows and swords are for sale
during the fair.
Fair at Mangarh (76-km): Vithaldeo fairs
conciding with Sharad Purnima and Kartik
Purnima are popular among the tribals.
NEARBY CITIES
Udaipur: 160-km
Talwara: 15-km
Arthuna: 55-km
GENERAL INFORMATION
Summer : Mean Max. Temp.. 42 C
Winter : Mean Min.Temp.. 3° C
Rainfall : 92 cms.
Best Time To Visit : October.-March
Clothing
Summer light tropical
Winter : light woollen
Language : Rajasthani, Hindi, English.
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Travel Guide / States / Rajasthan / Cities / Banswara Travel
