Mandawa is a town in Jhunjhunu 2 district of Rajasthan in India. It is part of Shekhawati region. Mandawa is situated 190 km off Jaipur in the north. The town lies between latitude 28°.06’ in the north and longitude 75°.20’ in the east. Mandawa is known for its fort and havelis. The fort town of Mandawa is well connected with the other places in region through a good network of roads.

Mandawa Fort

The fort of Mandawa was founded in the 18th century. Nawal Singh son of Shardul Singh founded the fort in vikram samvat 1812 (1755 AD). The fort dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. The Chokhani and Ladia havelis and the street with Saraf havelis are some examples of this region's fresco painted havelis.

Havelis

The Bansidhar Newatia Haveli has some curious paintings on its outer eastern wall. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli has some defaced erotic images.

By Air

Mandawa is about 155 miles west of India's capital, New Delhi, which has the closest international airport.

By Rail

It takes about six hours to drive from New Delhi because roads in Rajasthan state are in bad condition.

By Road

Jhunjhunu is the nearest railhead to Mandawa. Trains run between Jhunhjunu and New Delhi, and between Jhunhjunu and the state capital, Jaipur, 110 miles to the south, where there is a domestic airport.

The pride and glory of Rajasthan. Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular 'chhatris'.

This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was 'Jauhar' - when women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death.

Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 AD, overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has that he saw her face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesmerising beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonour and committed 'Jauhar'.

In 1533 AD during the rule of Sikramjeet, came the second attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again, Jauhar was led by Rani Karnvati, a Bundi princess. Her infant son, Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittaur to Bundi who survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. He learnt from his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred to valour so, in 1567AD when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur; Udai Singh fled to establish a new capital, Udaipur - a beautiful lake city, leaving behind Chittaur to be defended by two 16 year old heroes. Jaimal of Bednore and Patta of Kelwa. These young men displayed true Rajput chivalry and died after 'Jauhar' was peformed. Immediately thereafter, Akbar razed the Fort to a rubble.

The Fort

The indomitable pride of Chittaur, the fort is a massive structure with many gateways built by the literary rulers in 7th century AD. Perched on a height of 180 m high hill, it sprawls over 700 acres. The tablets and 'chhatris' within are impressive reminders of the Rajput heroism.

The main gates are Padam Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol and Ram Pol. The fort has many magnificent monuments - all fine examples of the Rajput architecture. The ancient ruins of the fort are worth spending few moments in solitude.

Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower)

The imposing 37 metres high structure with nine storeys, covered with exquisite sculptures of Hindu deities and depicting episodes from the two great epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. more...

It was built in 1440 AD by Maharana Kumbha, a powerful ruler of Mewar to commemorate his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malawi and Gujarat.

Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame)

The22 metres high tower built by a wealthy Jain merchant in the 12th century AD

The tower is dedicated to Adinathji, the first of the Jain Tirthankaras and is decorated with figures of the Jain pantheon.

Rana Kumbha's Palace

The ruined edifice of great historical and architectural interest, bring the most massive monument in the fort of Chittaur. The palace is believed to have underground cellars where Rani Padmini and other women committed 'Jauhar'

Jaimal and Patta Palaces

The ruins of palaces of Rathore Jaimal and Sisodia Patta are witness to the gallantry of these great warriors.

Padmini's Palace

Built beside a pool, the palace is a magnificent one. It was here that Rana Ratan Singh showed a glimpse of queen Padmini to Alauddin Khilji. Rani Padmini stood in 'Zanana Mahal' - a pavilion in the centre and her reflection was visible to Alauddin Khilji in a mirror placed in the main hall. After having glimpse of the legendary beauty, Alauddin went to the extent of ravaging Chittaur in order to possess her.

By Air

90-km is the nearest airport, Dabok airport, Udaipur.

By Rail

Chittaurgarh is well connected by rail. Some important train connections are : Chetak Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla- Chittaurgarh-Udaipur); Pass. (Kota-Chittaurgarh-Nimach); 9769 Express (Khandawa-Chittaurgarh-Ajmer)

By Road

Bus services operate to several important destinations. Delhi (583-km), Mount Abu (297-km), Jaipur (325-km), Indore (325-km) and Ajmer (185-km) away from Chittaurgarh.

Nestled in the foot hills of the Aravallis, Dungarpur has an interesting topography, ranging from wild and rugged terrain in the north-east to fertile plains of alluvial soil in the south-west. Two magnificent rivers - the Mahi and the Som flow through the area. While the former separates the district from Banswara, the latter draws a natural boundary between the district and Udaipur

Dungarpur was founded in 1282 AD by Rawal Veer Singh.- when he took over this part of the state from the Bhil Chieftain, Dungaria.
The area is rich in Teak, Mahua, Mango and Khajur trees. Dungarpur is also noted for its wildlife variety--Jackal, Jungle Cat, Indian Fox, Hyena, Black Faced Monkey, Porcupine, Common Mongoose are the common inhabitants. The commonly seen bird variety includes Partridges, Peafowls, Quails, Cuckoos, Eagles and Vultures. Various migratory birds also visit the area during the winters.

Dungarpur is famous for its unique style of architecture as seen in its palaces and noble residences. These royal residences are adorned by 'jharokhas' built in stone in a unique style typical of the area, developed during the reign of Maharawal Shiv Singh (1730-1785 A.D.) The district's gold and silver smiths are renowned for lacquer painted toys and picture framing.

Udai Bilas Palace

The royal residence named after Maharawal Udai Singh II, a patron of art and architecture, the palace is a veritable example of the Rajput architecture ornate with intricately sculptured pillars and panels, impressive balconies, bracketed windows and marvellous arches.

Juna Mahal

The 13th century seven storeyed structure resembles a fortress with crenellated walls, turrets, narrow entrances and corridors to slow down the enemy. The splendid interiors embellished with beautiful frescoes, miniature paintings and glass and mirror work, make it an impressive creation.

One requires prior permission of the resident royal family to visit the Palace.

Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame)

The22 metres high tower built by a wealthy Jain merchant in the 12th century AD

The tower is dedicated to Adinathji, the first of the Jain Tirthankaras and is decorated with figures of the Jain pantheon.

Gaib Sagar Lake

A famous shrine of Shrinathji lies along the lake. The shrine is a conglomeration of several exquisitely built temples with one main temple.

By Air

Nearest airport is in Udaipur (120-km) and Ahmedabad Airport is just 175-km away from Dungarpur.

By Rail

It is connected to Udaipur and Ahemdabad. The Railway station is 3-km from the city. Some important train connections are: 9643 Express (Himatnagar-Dungarpur-Udaipur); Mewarpass. (Himatnagar-Dungarpur-Udaipur)

By Road

National Highway No.8, which runs between Delhi and Mumbai passes through the district for a total distance of 31-km. The State Highway passes through the district viz. Sirohi-Ratlam Highway.

Cradled in a cluster of 13 mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges, the formidable medieval citadel - Kumbhalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past. Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914 meters high from the sea level, the fort was built in by Maharana Kumbha (1419-63 AD) and is the principal fortification after Chittorgarh lying 90-kms north-west of Udaipur.

The massive fort, encompassed by a 36-km long wall, has seven majestic gates and seven ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and soaring watchtowers strengthen the crenallated walls of the fort making it an impregnable structure.

Fascinating chambers are built on the western side of the last gate - the 'Nimboo Pol'. According to history, the infant Udai Singh was smuggled from Bundi and hidden in these chambers by his faithful maid Panna Dai to save him from the murderous intentions of his uncles who desired the throne.

Udai Singh ascended the throne of Mewar with Kumbhalgarh as his residence and later established Udaipur - the beautiful Lake City.

Within the fort are many magnificent palaces and an array of ruined temples.

The most picturesque of the palaces is the 'Badal Mahal 'or the palace of the cloud. The palace has got its name for being the highest of all the structures. It offers a superb bird's eye view of the countryside surrounding the fort as well as of other ruins within the fort.

The ancient ruins of the temples within the fort date back to the Mauryan period built during the reign of the grandson of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka who belonged to the Jain community. Most of the ruins in Kumbhalgarh are of the Jain temples of various periods.

As one moves to the East, Kali Temple and the Namadev Kund with royal 'Chhatris' can be seen. Another noteworthy temple, a little further; enshrines a fine black marble 'lingam'. The 'mandap' or the hall of the temple has beautiful pillars, finely fluted and having a tapering shape.

Haldighati

The scene of the famous battle of 1576 AD fought between Rana Pratap, the heroic son of Udai Singh and the massive forces of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. A beautiful 'Chhatri' with white marble columns, dedicated to Rana Pratap stands here.

Kumbhal Garh Fort

Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century. Perched on the Aravallis, this is the second most important fort in Rajasthan after the Chittaurgarh Fort. Nearby is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

One requires prior permission of the resident royal family to visit the Palace.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The 286-sq-kms sanctuary supporting a rich variety of wildlife like the Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Four-horned Antelope and scientifically bred crocodiles in the lake are the major attractions. The Sanctuary is also noted for Flamingoes, Cormorants, Spoonbills and Egrets, which are usually seen in winter.

Rajsamand Lake

On the way to Kumbhalgarh lies the magnificent dam - the Rajsamand Lake. The royal lake, was built in 1660 AD by Rana Raj Singh. From here, one can have a spectacular view of the sunset with beautiful 'torans' or arches and 'chhatris' adorning the embankment. The lake has a Rest House of the Irrigation Department on the embankment below. The Rest House has a beautifully laid out garden interspersed with exquisite sculptures excavated from the ruins nearby.

By Air

Udaipur at 105-km is the most convenient airport from Kumbhalgarh.

By Road

Kumbhalgarh Fort is approachable by a good road, but there aren't any train connections from here.

The tranquil pilgrimage town of the Jains renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the Jain community. 60-km from Udaipur; these temples were built in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha and are enclosed within a wall.

Chumukha Temple

The central 'Chaumukha' or four-faced temple is dedicated to the venerated Tirthankara Rishabhji. Open on all four sides, it enshrines the four-faced image of Adinath. The temple is an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars - all distinctly carved.

Images of 24 tirthankaras are carved on the 'mandaps' or porticos in a corridor around the shrine with each 'mandap' having a spire adorned with little bells on the top. The gentle breeze wafting through the corridors move the bells creating celestial music all around the complex. Rising in three storeys, the temple has four small shrines with 80 spires supported by 420 columns.

Two temples, dedicated to the Jain saints

Parsvanath and Neminath, face the main temple. The temples have beautiful carvings similar to that of Khajuraho. Another temple worth visiting the nearby Sun Temple, an 8th century AD temple dedicated to the Sun god. The temple has polygonal walls, richly embellished with carvings of warriors, horses and solar deities riding splendid chariots.

By Air

Udaipur 80-kms away is the nearest airport.

By Rail

Falna 35-kms is the nearest railhead on the Delhi-Ahmedabad sector.

By Road

A network of bus services joins Ranakpur with many nearby places.

The early history of Nagaur before the advent of the Mughals is intermingled with the exploits of the Sultans of Delhi, Gujarat and Marwar, who contended for its possession because of its strategic location. It was later included in the Mughal empire and became a 'Sarkar' (Division) under 'Ajmer Subah' (province), yielding annual revenue of about ten lakhs of rupees.

The town has an old fort, situated in the centre of the city occupying an extensive area. It contains old palaces, water cisterns and other buildings, some of which are in ruins. The mural paintings on the walls of some apartments in the palace are of high order.

A cattle fair is held in the town during January-February in which large number of cows, bullocks (Nagauri breed is renowned) oxen and camels exchange hands. Tourists also visit the place in large numbers.

The town possesses some monuments of historical importance, namely, the Dargah of Khwaja Hamiduddin Nagauri known as Sultan-ul-Tarkeen, who was one of the chief disciples of the Khwaja of Ajmer; and Amar Singh Rathore-ki-Chhatri. Amar Singh Rathore was the heir apparent to the throne of Marwar, who not only was deprived of his right to succession, but was also exiled from the state, wherefrom he retired to the Mughal court. His exceptional gallantry at the battlefields impressed the Emperor who bestowed upon him the chief ship of Nagaur and elevated him to a very high rank in the nobility.

However, he is remembered for upholding his dignity and intrepidity exhibited in full view of the Emperor in the Mughal court at Agra, by murdering Salabat Khan, the Paymaster General for the latter’s insolent conduct towards Amar Singh. Amar Singh was overpowered and killed, but the saga of his dauntless spirit and heroic action survived for long in the ballads of the minstrels.

By Air

Nagaur can be reached from Jaipur (293-km), Jodhpur (135-km) and Udaipur (400-km), which are on the domestic airlines route that links Delhi to Mumbai.

By Rail

Most of Rajasthan is accessible by a network rail services. An excellent conncetion to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, from Delhi is the Pink City Express (5 hrs). Other places too are linked by passenger and express trains. Some other important train connections are: Ranakpur Express (Bikaner-Nagaur-Ratangarh); 4893 Mail (Marwar-Nagaur-Merta Road Junction).

By Road

Rajasthan State Roadways coaches link most tourist places and business centres in and around the state. Chauffer-driven air-conditioned can be hired through the State Tourist Offices and other approved operators.

36-km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town, Bundi, which is one of the unexplored cities, with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Hada Chauhans - an off shoot of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.

In 1193 AD, when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles sought shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved towards the Chambal Valley and over powered the Meena and Bhil tribals - thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separate states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the River Chambal.

Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.

Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and 'chattris' with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.

Taragarh Or The Star Fort

Built in 1354 AD, the fort is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a marvellous white fort, with a huge reservoir, which once supplied water to the palace.

The Palace

This magnificent edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi murals.

Chhattar Mahal Or Palace Of Towers

A steep, paved carraife-way is the only way to reach the monument. Of special interest in the palace is the 'Hazari Pole' or 'Gate of the thousand', the Naubat Khana, the Hathi Pole with its old water clock and the Diwaan-e-Aam.

Ratan Daulat

Built by Rao Raja Ratan Singh, it is a very interesting structure forming a stable for nine horses and a HatiaPoi. (Prior permission required for visit.)

Chitrashala

A fascinating pavilion and a gallery of miniature murals embellish the palace. Ellaborate colourful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Ragamala' and 'Raaslila' - the Radha-Krishna story.

Ranlji-Ki-Baori

It is 46 m deep stepped well with some superb carvings on its pillars and a high arched gate built in 1699 AD by Rani Nathavatji. This well is one of the largest of its kind.

Sukh Mahal

A magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Sagar Lake amid the lush surroundings of a beautiful garden. An underground tunnel is believed to run from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace.

Phool Sagar

The 20th century palace, with an artificial tank and picturesque gardens. Presently, it is the residence of the former ruler (Prior permission of Secretary is required for a visit.)

By Air

Jaipur at 206-km is the nearest airport.

By Rail

Bundi railway Station at 5-km and Kota at 36-km are the two convenient railheads from Bundi.

By Road

Good road connections link Bundi with important places around.

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws are available for commutation purpose within the city.