Banswara

Best Tourist Season (October – March)
Airport: Nearest Airports are at Udaipur 165 km (103 mi), Indore (Madhya Pradesh) 212 km (132 mi) & Ahmedabad (Gujrat) 285 km (177 mi).
Railway: Ratlam Railway Station is 84 km and Dungarpur Railway Station is 105 km from Banswara. However, the Railway Ministry has approved railway line to be established to connect Dungarpur and Ratlam station.
Road: Ahmedabad 285 km, Delhi 827 km, Dungarpur 105 km, Indore 215 km, Mumbai 816, Udaipur 157 km.

Introduction
Banswara – a city in Bansawar District in south Rajasthan, India. Banswara princely state was founded by Maharaja Jagmal Singh and names for the “bans” or bamboo forests in the area. It is also known as “City of Hundred Islands”, due to presence of numerious islands in Mahi River, which flows through Bansawara.

Geography
Banswara is located at: 23.55°N 74.45°E
Average elevation: 302 mtrs (990 ft)

Area
Banswara is 5,037 sq km

Climate
Maximum Temperature is 45 degrees Celsius to 46 degrees Celsius.
Minimum temperature is 10 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius.
Normal annual rainfall is 922.4 mm

Demographics
Population: 100,128 (as of 2011 India census)
Male: 51% of the population
Females: 49%.
Literacy Rate: 86.98% higher than the national average of 59.5%
Density: 298 per sq km (as per 2001 India census)

Sightseeing in Banswara
Abdullah Pir Dargah : A Dargah of Sayedi Abdul Rasul Saheed, a Muslim saint and mostly visited by the Bohra Muslim. Abdullah Pir Dargah is an important holy place for the Bohras. Every year on 10th Rabi’ al-awwal, “Urs” is held at the Dargah. Mainly the Bohara community take part in this Urs in large numbers.

Andheswar Parshwanathji : Andheswar Parshwanathji – situated on a hillock in Kushalgarh tehsil of Banswara District and a famous Jain Temple housing rare Shilalekhs of the 10th century. This main temple was built by Digambar Jain Panchayat of Kushalgarh.

Anekant Bahubali Temple Lohariya : This is a Jain Temple, famous for the 27 foot Standing Statue of Lord Bahubali which is made of white marble. This Jain Temple was inspired by Digambaar Acharya Sri 108 Bharat Sagarji Maharaj. Here we can find many other temples of Jain Lords like Panch Parmeshti Jinalay, Manvadi Sapt Charan Rishi’s Temple, Adinatha Jinalaya etc.

Arthuna : Arthuna, as well as its surrounding areas, have clusters of ruined Hindu and Jain Temples belonging to the 11th, 12th and the 15th centuries. Among the dilapidated ruins is a carved conjugated statue of Shiva, Parvati and Ganesh. Around Arthuna, Lankiya village has Shaivite temples called Nilkanth Mahadev Temples.

Madareshwar Temple : This famous temple of Lord Shiva is inside the natural cave of a high hill on the eastern part of the Banswara city. It presents a sensational natural view. Due to the typical locations, this cave temple provides an Amarnath Yatra like feeling to the pilgrims.

Paraheada : A famous temple of Lord Shiva, located in the Garhi Tehsil was constructed by the Mandlik. Paraheada is just 22 km from Banswara. Shri Raj Mandir or more popularly known as the City Palace was built in the 16th century and situated on a hillock overlooking the town. Covering a huge area it follows typical style of old Rajput architecture. This palace is still owned by the Royal family.

Sai Baba Mandir : Sai tample – The most viewed place in Banswara. The Om Sri Shirdi Sai Baba temple established in 2004. This temple is not only settled you with peace of mind but also providing the dish of love who is visiting here on Thursday.

Tripura Sundari : The temple devoted to Goddess Tripura Sundari or Turita Mata. The temple has a gorgeous idol of black stone having 18 hands and more important each hand carrying a different emblem. The Goddess is seen riding on a tiger. It is believed that its one of the Shakti Peeths of Hindus having divine powers and was built before Samrat Kanishka but exact date of construction is not yet known. It is said to be one of the “Shakti Peeths” of the Hindus having charismatic divine power. But it is believed that the temple was constructed in the first century AD.

 

Water Gateways in Banswara
Anand Sagar Lake : This artificial lake was constructed by Lanchi Bai – the Rani of Maharval Jagami. This Anand Sagar Lake is also known as Bai Talab, located on the eastern part of Banswara. It is enclosed by the holy trees named ‘Kalpa Vriksha’, famous for fulfilling the desire of the visitors. Nearby lies the chattris or cenotaphs of the rulers of the state.

Diablab Lake : This is a scenic spot and it is believed that the Pandavas stayed here, during their exile. There is a tunnel, which is believed to be going up to Ghotiya Amab, a far off place. It is said that the Pandavas used this tunnel as their passage during the rainy season. A part of this lake is covered with lotus flowers. On the banks of the lake is Badal Mahal, the summer residence of the former rulers.

Mahi Dam : Mahi Dam – one of the major attractions of Banswara situated 16 kilometres from Banswara town in Banswara district Rajasthan, India. The dam was constructed between 1972 and 1983 under the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project, for the purposes of hydroelectric power generation and water supply. Various dams and canals have been constructed over an enticingly enchanting scenic surrounding. Near the dam, you could locate the enticing garden with fountain. It is the second largest dam in Rajasthan.

 

Picnic in Banswara
Bhim Kund : Bhim Kund – a place surrounded by hills and also call “Phati Khan” because it is a deep cave under a hill. There is a pool of very cold water which is found throughout the year. It is said that Lord Ram came and stayed here for some time, during his exile.

Kagdi Pick Up Weir : Kagadi Pick Up weir is the main tourist attraction situated 3 km away from the main city on the Ratlam Road. It’s a place worth seeing, especially for its enchanting fountains, gardens and water, spread over a wide area, which overlooks the Kagdi Lake and is a part of the Mahi Bajaj Sagar project.

 

Historical Places In Baswara
Talwada : Talwara is another place to visit near Banswara. Its historical significance is due to its primeval temples and the devastated of some old monuments. Talwara is the temples of Sun, Lord Amaliya Ganesh, Laxmi Narayan Temple and Jain Temple of Sambhavnath which make Talwara a religiously important site.