GENERAL INFORMATION

The state of Jhalawar or the land of Jhalas was created in 1838 by separating this area from the kota state by the British.

Besides Zalim Singh I, various other enlightened rulers contributed to make Jhalawar a culturally rich state.

Not only the city, but the whole district and areas around Jhalawar, is a treasure house of prehistoric cave paintings, formidable forts, forests and exotic wildlife.

LOCATION

Jhalawar lies in the south-eastern region of Rajasthan, at the edge of the Malwa plateau. This region rich in forests has some of the most exotic plant and animal life. It is a haven for numerous species of birds which can be spotted on the roads as one drives along the lush-green fields. Red poppy fields add their own colour in winters to the countryside. The area around Bhawani Mandi has attained the distinction of being on important place on the map of citrus fruit production. The orange laden orchards provide a tempting sight.

WHAT TO SEE

JHALWAR FORT (GARH PALACE)

In the centre of the town the fort now houses the Collectorate and other district offices. The Janana Khas of the fort has some exquisite paintings on walls and mirrors. Permission to see these paintings can be obtained from the offices located there.

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM

One of the oldest museums of Rajasthan, it was established in 1915. Paintings, rare manuscripts, idols, and exquisite statues of Lakshminarayan, Vishnu, Krishna, Ardanarishvar Natraj and Triburti are especially noteworthy.

BHAWANI NATYA SHALA

An interesting building constructed in 1921 where parsi theatre was performed. Close to the fort, it has recently been revived and gives a very good insight into the theatre-art.

EXCURSIONS

REIN BASERA

6 km, a beautiful wooden cottage located on the banks of Kishan Sagar, to the west of Jhalawar. Most interesting fact is that is was originally built elsewhere and then transported to its present location, retaining much of its original design. It is a popular picnic spot.

CHANDRABHAGE TEMPLES

7 km. located on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River, this complex has very beautiful temples some dating back to the 7^th century. The chandramauuliswar Mahadeo temple provides a very good example of temple art. The caved pillars, the arched gateways and the exquisite workmanship make these temples outstanding.

JHALARAPATAN

6 km Jhalarapatan, the city of bells is quite unique, its entire unique, its entire township resides within a wall. It was believed to have been built basically to protect the trade caravans as Patan happened to be a junction of carvan routes.

The pride of Jhalarapatan is the 10^th century Surya temple (Padam Nath Temple). The idol of Surya the lovely sculptures on this massive temple is impressive. The 11^th century shantinath Jain temple is know for fine murals and sculptural thickness.

GAGRON FORT

The foundation of the magnificent fort was laid in the 8^th century and the fort was completed in the 14^th century. It is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Ahu and Kali Sindh Rivers. Outside the fort is the mausoleum of a Sufi saint where a fair is held every year during the month of Ramzan.

BUDDHIST CAVES AND STUPES

90 to 100 km. The ancient Buddhist caves located in village kolvi are of great importance. A colossal figure of Buddha the carved stupas are some of the highlights of these caves.

DOG

100 km, it is famous for its 12^th century temples of Dageshwari Mata. Rani Ka milbara and kama Varneshear Mahadeo. Visiting Dog can provide some interesting insights into the rural way of life as well.

KAKUNI

65 km. Ancient ruins of an old township of temples are lying here. There is also a huge idol of Lord Ganesha and on 8^th century Shiva Linga. Ruins of Bhimgarh fort, built by Raja Bhim Deo, like on the other side of the Parvan river.

BHIMSAGAR

24 kms, Dam built on Ujad river, this, place was an old capital of Khichi Chouhan rulers. Ruins of palace, temples and mosques are found in Rajput and Mughal architecture.

ATISHEY JAIN TEMPLE, CHANDKHERI

35 km. 17^th century temple noteworthy for its architecture.

DALHANPUR

54 km A place of antiquity strewn with beautifully carved pillars, tarans and some erotic figures in the ruins of temples scattered over an area of 2 kms. It stands on the bank of River Chhapi where an irrigation dam is under construction. Dense green forest is an added attraction of the place.

FORT OF GANGDHAR

120 km The oldest rock inscription of the area was found here. The temples of Ganddhar are also worth a visit.

HOW TO GET THERE

AIR

Kota 87 km is the nearest airport.

RAIL

Kota 85 km is the convenient railhead.

ROAD

Jhalawar is well connected by road from Kota, Bundi, Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur and Bhopal.