Banswara: The Land of Bamboo

Rajasthan, the land of the kings, is indeed rich with the grand Indian culture. Its magnificence and royalty is reflected in the areas within it as well. Banswara, named after the sheer abundance of bamboo forests in the area, is indeed one of the most serene places to visit in Rajasthan. It is located at the southern tip of Rajasthan and is a princely city found by Maharawal Jagmal Singh. With scenic views that often comprise of vast patches of greens, it is one of the most sought tourist attractions the state has to offer, with beautiful stops all along.

Banswara is also called the ‘City of a Hundred Islands’ since the Mahi river that flows within the city consists of several small islands. Rewinding back to the past, Banswara was once a Rajput feudatory state in Rajputana during the British Raj in India. It also shares its border with Gujarat and is bounded by the native states of Udaipur and Dangarpur on the north. Partabgarh lies on its north-eastern and eastern circumference and the dominions of Holkar and the State of Jabua on its south. The state of Rewa Kantha lies to its west.

Of the several places to visit, let’s have a look at some of the prime locations to check out at Banswara. One of the most talked about and referred to locations, not just for tourists but for the locals as well, is the immensely popular Mahi Dam. Under several Civic Welfare projects, Dams have been built on the Mahi River amidst breath taking scenarios. The sight of having 16 dam gates opened simultaneously with water gushing out, is not to be missed. Apart from this, having a picturesque flower garden complementing the dam premises is just a cherry on the top.

Next water body that definitely shouldn’t be missed is the Anand Sagar or Bai Talab, which is an artificially created lake that resides on the eastern side of the town. It was constructed by Lacchi Bai of the Idarchhattris. A vast array of the holy trees, popularly known as the ‘Kalpa Vriksha’ that are believed to fulfil wishes of those who visit them, lie nearby. The Dialab Lake is yet another lake that is covered with beautiful lotus flowers and is simply beautiful.

Maradeshwar, A temple of lord Shiva lies embedded within the scenic beauty of Banswara, apart from the equally spiritual Laxmi Narayan Temple, the Dwarkadhish Temple and the Vaneshwar Mahadeo Temple.

Excursions to Arthuna are one of the most sought and looked out for activities in Banswara. The ruins of a cluster of Jain and Shaivite Temples, dating way back to the 11th, 12th, and 15th centuries that hold profound archaeological importance can be found in the village of Arthuna. The Mandleshwar temple built around 1080 A.D. also holds prime significance, especially for its special Holi and Shivratri celebrations. Talwara, Tripura Sundari, Parahera, and Chinch are other noteworthy places to visit in Banswara, and must not be missed.