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Sightseen
Welcome To Jhalawar
Jhalawar, the land of the Jhalas is a sprawling town founded in 1838 by the great ruler Rana Zalim Singh 1st, who was then Dewan of Kota State from 1791. He established this township known as Chaoni Umedpura, as a cantonment. The township was surrounded with dense green forests and wild animals.
The objective to develop this place as a military cantonment was due to the fact that Maratha invaders passed through this central place from Malwa towards
Kota to capture Hadoti states.
Jhalawar, once called Brijnagar is known for its rich natural wealth of vibrant flora and fauna. However, unlike other cities of Rajasthan, Jhalawar has a
rocky but water-laden verdant landscape. It has a valiant past, and the unexplored treasures of history in this region are a great attraction for the adventure
and scholar of history.
The town is situated at the centre of an opium-producing region, evidence of which you’ll see during winter, when the fields are carpeted with picturesque pink and white poppies. They also contribute a major share to the production of citrus in the country.
Suggested Itinerary for jhalawar
Arrive in Jhalawar to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site a Gagron fort. Surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Ahu and Kali Sindh rivers on three sides, the fort is indeed a sight to behold. Later you can visit the City Place where there some excellent frescoes on both walls and mirrors. The frescoes are prime examples of the Hadoti school of art. The Palace adjoins a Government Museum which houses a fine collection of rare paintings, manuscripts and idols. Also visit Bhawani Natyashala, it is one of the most unusual theatres in India. It was constructed as an opera house in 1921.
GAGRON FORT
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hill fort of Gagron, built in the 8th century 7 km north of Jhalawar, is worth of a visit to this spectacular fort. Almost 1 km long, it is a fine example of a ‘Jal Durg’, or Water Fort. It is one of the nine ‘Durgs’ mentioned in the Shastras (Ancient Scriptures). It is set high above the confluence of the Kali Sindh and Ahu rivers surrounding the fort on three sides, while on the fourth side, there is a deep moat. In 1443 there was a huge Jauhar (Ritual Mass Sucicide). The fort is a sight to behold and well worth a visit.
SUN TEMPLE
The 10th century Sun Temple (Padma Nabh Temple) 97-ft high, is the pride of Jhalrapatan (City of bells), Similar to the Sun temple in Konark in Orissa, the temple is crowned with a finely carved shikhara (spire).It is one of the best examples of temple architecture with 52 ornamental pillars, lovely sculptured columns and arches adorn at the entrance which are richly carved with images of gods, goddesses and other Hindu motifs
BHAWANI NATYASHALA
This theater was constructed by Maharaja Bhawani Singh in 1921 in the premises of the City Palace. It was a popular Parsi theatre (opera house) the Maharajas had seen on the european tours. Plays like Abhigyan Shakuntalam, Rana Pratap, Bhul Bhulaiyya, Mahabharat, Raja Harish Chandra and others were staged at Bhawani Natyashala till 1950 but after that very few plays were staged there. Initially, when this unusual theater was made, it was used for hosting Parsi plays and cultural events. The size of the stage is so huge that it can easily accommodate chariots and horses for the plays. A must visit attraction.
BUDDHIST CAVES AND STUPAS
The Buddhist caves located in the Kolvi village are among Jhalawar’s greatest attractions. A colossal figure of Buddha and the carved stupas are the most impressive structures in the caves. Located about 75 kilometers from Jhalawar, they are the finest surviving examples of Indian art. Tourists can also explore nearby villages of Vinayaka and Hatiyagour which are also known for their magnificent caves. Kolvi was the Monastic complex comprising about fifty rock cut caves carved out in the laterite rock hill.
CITY PALACE
Inside the walled fort in the town centre, this sprawling cream-and-terracotta palace was built by Maharaja Madan Singh in 1838. It houses the Government Museum of Jhalawar on the 1st floor. There are galleries of fine sculptures including temple ruins from the surrounding district, excellent miniature paintings and some gruesome weapons. The palace itself features several well-preserved Ramayana and Krishna murals and paintings of poets.
CHANDRABHAGA TEMPLE
On the banks of the magnificent Chandrabhaga River stand some beautiful splendid temples of 7th century AD. The intricately carved pillars and arched gateways are fine examples of the temple architecture and craftsmanship. This region is known for the Shri Dwarkadheesh Temple that was built by Jhala Zalim Singh in the 11th century and the Shantinath Jain Temple which has houses some beautiful murals and sculptures.
NAVLAKHA FORT
Built in 1860 AD. by Jhalawar’s second ruler, Jhala Prithvi Singh. It is one of the last forts constructed in Rajasthan and is now abandoned save for the pretty, white Anand Dham temple with saffron banners fluttering in the wind. Though little remains of the once handsome fort, visitors can still see and admire the lovely floral motifs and detailed, if damaged, elephant carvings on a gate that still stands.
CHANDRABHAGA FAIR
One of the biggest cattle fairs is held every year at Jhalrapatan, which is 6 kms from Jhalawar, in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov). The location where the fair is held is known as Chandravati. On this occasion a big cattle fair is held here. Chandrabhaga Fair attracts travellers, pilgrims and explorers alike with rituals and traditions practiced in this region. Named after the river Chrandrabhaga, it is considered very sacred by the people of Rajasthan.
HERBAL GARDEN
Herbal garden is located close to the Dwarkadheesh temple and has a wide variety of herbal and medicinal plants like Varun, Laxmana, Shatavari, Stevia, Rudraksha, Sindoor etc.
BINDIRAM BALCHAND HAVELI
A beautiful old haveli of local merchant with beautiful paintings and sculpture all round a good place to visit.
DALHANPUR TEMPLE
It is located 50 KM towards East from District Jhalawar and stands on the banks of River Chhapi. One of the earliest dated temples in Rajasthan it is known as the Sitaleswara temple was founded in 689 AD. The temple consists of a garbhagriha, a vestibule and a mukhamandapa. The hypostyle sabhamandapa is later by two centuries and is supported on twenty-six exquisitely carved pillars. The sanctum has prominent niche-shrines on the cardinal offsets. The podium-mouldings are bold and simple, the kalasa moulding being replaced by a band of lotus-scrolls.
DWARKADHEESH TEMPLE
Another gift from the founder of the city of Jhalawar, Jhala Zalim Singh, is the Dwarkadheesh Temple. The temple was built in 1796 AD on the banks of Gomati Sagar Lake. In 1806 A.D, the idol of lord Krishna was installed here.
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.