Home :: Rajasthan India Travel :: Banswara

Location: 160-km From Udaipur, Rajasthan
Founded By: Maharawal Jagmal Singh
Tourist Attractions: Mahi Dam, Bai Talab, Chinch
Best Time To Visit: October -March

The name Banswara has been derived from bans, or bamboo which once grew in abundance here. It is another big town of Vagad. More than it's architectural heritage, this region is a nature lover's paradise.

The undulating green hills, deep forsted valleys and lakes give this area it's own unique feel. Here one can go for walks and treks and can watch birds and study the flora and fauna. A stone wall, now in ruins, surrounds the ancient town.

There are several places of interest that can be explored in and around Banswara. The Mahi river has a number of islands that make for interesting spots, there is also a well maintained garden at the Kagdi Pikup and the Mahi dam. Arthuna is famous for it's 11th century temples. The Anand Sagar and Dalab Lake are also worth a visit

Places to See
Abdulla Pir: A shrine of Bohra Muslims saint, a large numbers of Bohra Muslims visit this place during Urs from different parts of the world every year.

Chinch: The famous for its 12th century Brahma temple with a beautiful life-size statue of Lord Brahma is 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 chhatris of rulers of the state and an array of holy trees called `Kalpa Vriksha' famous for fulfilling desires of visitors, lie close by.

Mahi Dam: 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. 

Dialab Lake: A beautiful lake covered with lotus flowers. On the bank of the lake is Badal Mahal, the summer resort of former rulers. 

Madareshwar: A temple of Lord Shiva Mahadeo Temple. Kali Kalyani Dham and Padoli Rathore are other spiritual centers near the town which attract thousands of people from all over the country every year .

Excursions
Arthuna (55 km): The ruins of a 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 A.D. by Chamunda Raja Paramara Chief, is noteworthy. Arthuna is famous for its special Shivratri and Holi celebrations.

Talwara (15 km): It's beautifully carved idols in local black stone. The famous temples of Talwara include Laxmi Narain Temple, Gokarneshwar Mahadeva Temple and Jain Temple of Sambhar Nath.

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 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.

Parahera (22 km): Situated in the Garhi tehsil a temple of Lord Shiva Mandaleshwar temple, built by Mandlik, stands on the banks of the Nagela Tank in the village.

A historic city with ruins of some ancient monuments and temples famous for their

Festivals & fairs of Banswara
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. Colouful fairs with 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 coinciding with Sharad Purnima and Kartik Purnima are popular among the tribals.

How To Get There
By Air: Nearest airport is Udaipur 160-km.

By Rail: Nearest Railway Station is in Ratlam, MP (80-km). It is connected with all the major cities of the country

By Road: No route in the district has so far been nationalized and only stage carriages which are privately owned ply within and out of the district.

Where to stay
Hotel Kushal Bagh Palace near the Kushal Bagh with all the modern facilities provides single, double deluxe and A/c rooms. Other facilities includes tribal Gair dances and picnic facilities etc. In the city near the bus stand budget class hotels are available like Hotel Plaza, Hotel Beherin, Hotel Meghdoot, Hotel Mayank and Hotel Mayur which provide single and double rooms.

Government Accommodation
Includes Mahi Rest House with beautiful location overlooking scenic view and many other irrigation Bungalows at beautiful sites of dams & canals. Circuits 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.

Clothing - Banswara
Summer: light tropical
Winter: light woolen