You may also create your personal Baran trip itinerary according to your time and intrest:
Sightseen
Welcome To Baran
Baran is set amongst a land of wooded hills and valleys spreading across 6992 sq.km and dates back to the 14th and 15th Century. Solanki Rajputs used to rule over the city of Baran. A traveller’s dream, Baran is the land of picturesque wooded hills and valleys, where one can stumble upon old ruins that tell stories of an era long gone. The city is known for its Ram- Sita temples, serene picnic spots and vibrant tribal fairs and festivals. The history of Baran dates back to the 14th century when Solanki Rajputs ruled over the region. In 1949, Baran became the head-divisional quarter of Kota when Rajasthan was reconstituted. It became an established district of Rajasthan in 1991.Baran is popular for attracting tourists who prefer exploring the non-commercial aspects of the State. Its architectural marvels, a beautiful collection of temples dedicated to Ram and Sita and mighty fortresses add to Baran’s natural beauty.
Suggested Itinerary for baran
Arrive in Baran to explore the contrasts and charm of medival temple era at Bhand Devra devoted to Lord Shiva, it is said to date back to as long ago as the 10th century. Another group of temples built in the Khajuraho style of architecture known as the Bilas temples is situated 45 km away from Baran city in Kishanganj. Once upon a time, it was famous for being a well-developed city, but was destroyed on the orders of Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. Later in afternoon one can visit Sorsan Wildlife Sanctuary. Popularly known as the Sorsan Grasslands, it is a 41 sq km bird sanctuary which is home to Black Buck numerous water bodies and a vast variety of birds and animals. Visitors here can hope to catch a glimpse of orioles, quails, partridges, robins, weavers, greylag geese, common pochards, teals and pintails.
BILAS TEMPLE
Bilasgarh, situated 45 km away from Baran city is in Kishanganj. Once upon a time, it was famous for being a well-developed city, but was destroyed on the orders of Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. Legends say that Aurangzeb was attracted towards the princess of Khichi kingdom, the rulers of Bilasgarh, and ordered his troops to bring her to him. The princess preferred death over being his queen, and hence, committed suicide. The place where she chose to end her life is now known as ‘Kanya Dah’. In retaliation to this act, Aurangzeb’s troops destroyed the entire city of Bilasgarh. It now lies in a desolate place inside a forest a must visit place.
BHAND DEVARA ( MINI KHAJURAHO)
Ramgarh-Bhand Devra temples are situated about 35 Km. from Baran, temple devoted to Lord Shiva is said to date back to as long as the 10th cen. Built in the Khajuraho style of architecture, it is also known as the mini Khajuraho of Rajasthan. Situated on the banks of a small pond, this temple is very unique in terms of its offering of prasad— one of the deities here is worshipped with sweets and dry fruits, while another is offered meat and alcohol.
SHAHABAD FORT
One of the strongest and largest forts in Hadoti, the Shahabad fort is situated about 80 km from Baran. Constructed by Mukatmani Dev, a Chauhan Rajput, this fort dates back to the 16th century. Standing tall in a densely forested area, the fort is surrounded by the intimidating Kunda Koh valley and has some noteworthy structures located within its walls. History tells us that the fort was home to 18 powerful cannons, one of them being as long as 19 feet! Interestingly, Mughal Emperor Aurengzeb also lived here for sometime.
SITABARI
Located 45 km from Baran, Sitabari is a famous place of worship and also doubles up as a popular picnic spot. Dotted with temples dedicate to Sita and Laxman, many believe this is the birth place of Lord Ram and Sita’s twin sons, Luv and Kush. It also comprises several kunds such as Valmiki kund, Sita kund, Laxman kund, Surya kund. Sitabari is also the venue of the famous Sitabari fair. The tribal Sahariya fair is held at this place in the May/June every year.
SHERGARH FORT
Shergarh is supposed to have been named after its capture by Shershah of the Sur dynasty in course of his Malwa campaign. The ancient name of this town was Kosavardhana, “the increaser of treasury”. Located around 65 km from Baran district, the Shergarh fort is one of Baran’s most popular tourist attractions. Standing on the banks of the river Parvan, it was considered a monument of strategic importance to rulers. An inscription from 790 AD reflects the rich history of Shergarh fort and it is among the popular forts of Rajasthan.
SORSAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Popularly known as the Sorsan Grasslands, it is a 41 sq.km bird sanctuary which is home to, according to the latest census carried out by the Wildlife Department, 1872 Black Bucks and 324 Chinkaras were counted in Sorsan.Vast variety of birds and animals. Visitors here can hope to catch a glimpse of orioles, quails, partridges, robins, weavers, greylag geese, common pochards, teals and pintails. Come winter and flocks of migrant birds such as warblers, flycatchers, larks, starlings and rosy pastors fly here. The place has all that is required to be developed as a Black Buck sanctuary.
ATRU GROUP OF TEMPLES
A place known as 'Atalpuri' is soon going to become extinct if not preserved today. The Gadgach temple of 10th cen. has now only the remains of the great temple, these remains itself speaks of the scenic beauty the temple had. A museum has been installed at Atru where the magnificant sculptures and ruins from the yesteryear temples are preserved and reflect our majestic past. The temple remains attest influence of Pratihara art and on the basis of iconographic and architectural features, it may be ascribed to tenth-eleventh century Ad. Besides, the temples of Panihari, Chanihari, Sardevmata, Gadia and Phool Devra dedicated to Siva, Mahisasurmardini and Vishnu are important among them assignable to same period.
NAHARGARH FORT
The fort, located at a distance of about 75 km. from Baran is quite an impressive site. A magnificent structure constructed from red stone, it is also an excellent exemplar of Mughal architecture. The beauty attracts tourists from all over.
KAKONI TEMPLE
Situated about 85 Km. from Baran in Chhipabarod village on the banks of the Parvan River it is best known for temples. Kakoni temples were built in 8th century. Many idols from Kakuni temples have been preserved in museums at Kota and Jhalawar. You can also visit the remains of the Bhimgarh Fort, built by King Bhim Deo here.
RAMGARH CRATER
Since the 19th century, Ramgarh Crater has evoked the interest of geologists with a diameter of 3.2 kilometre and elevation of more than 200 metre above the surrounding terrain, the crater was first discovered by the Geological Survey of India in 1869 Nearly a century later in 1960, it was recognised as a 'Crater' by the Geological Society of London. A huge meteorite of about three kilometres diameter about 75,000 Million years ago is likely to have fallen here creating a trench of about 4 km diameter, village Ramgarh also famous for its group of temples.