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Home to the tribals with Bhils constituting half of the total populations
Banswara has its name derived from ‘Bans’ or bamboo trees, which once
grew here in abundance. The erstwhile state was founded by Maharawal
Jamal Singh. With Udaipur and Chittaurgarh, forming its boundaries,
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 stone wall, now in ruins. A palace of a former ruler 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 rich wildlife including squirrels, lizards, snakes,
chinkara, ronj and four horned antelope. Panthers can be seen rarely.
The avian variety includes the black drongo, grey shirke, green bee-eater,
parrot, jungle crow, wood pecker and common myna. Grey jungle fowl and
grey partridge are generally spotted in the remote parts of the forests.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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Summer
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Mean Max. Mean Min. 42C
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Winter.
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Mean Max. Mean Min. 30C
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Rainfall.
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92 cms.
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Best Season
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Oct. – March.
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Languages.
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Vagadi,Rajasthani, Hindi..
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Prime Sites around
Banswara
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 Kagdi Pikup have a picturesque fountain garden, surely worth a visit.
Anand Sagar Lake
or Bai Talab
It is 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 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 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 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.
Chinch
Famous for its
12th century Brahma temple with a beautiful life-size statue of Lord
Brahma.
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
Air : Nearest airport
is Udaipur - 160 kms.
Rail : Nearest Railway
Station is in MP, Ratlam (80 kms.). It is connected with all the major
cities of the country.
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.For more hotels in the region please visit :
http://www.hotels-udaipur.com
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.
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