Unexplored Places in Rajasthan : - The colorful state of Rajasthan abounds with plenty of destinations. However, due to lack of time as well as unavailability of information, many places that are of no less significance, are not visited by the tourists. But if you visit those unexplored places in the state, you will be awestruck with the rich history, architectural grandeur and exotic landscape of those sites, which are still awaiting your discovery.
The Hadoti region of Rajasthan is a treasure house of ancient relics, waiting to be explored. Washed by the Chambal River, the area is dotted with prehistoric cave paintings, beautifully carved temples and formidable forts.
The Hadoti Circuit covers Bundi, Jhalawar, Baran, Badoli, Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Sitabari, Bhainsrodgarh, Buddhist Caves and Stupas, Gagron Fort, Jhalarpatan, Ren Basera, Menal, Bijolia...
So be ready and get set and go on a journey into unexplored and uncharted territories, a safari with pleasant adventures, a journey resplendent with friendship and fond memories.
Bundi -
Kipling wrote about Bundi in Letters of Marque .... "Jeypore Palace may be called the Versailles of India; Udaipur's House of State is dwarfed by the hills round it and the spread of the Pichola Lake; Jodhpur's House of strife, gray towers on red rock, is the work of giants, but the Palace of Bundi, even in broad daylight, is such a palace as men build for themselves in uneasy dreams-- the work of goblins rather than of men."
Replete with history, Bundi is synonymous with valiance and chivalry. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans - an offshoot of the famous Chauhan Dynasty which ruled Delhi and Ajmer.
With the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan by Mohammed Ghauri in 1192 A.D., which paved the way for Muslim rule in India till 1857, some Chauhan nobles headed towards the Chambal River and founded a principality of Bundi there.
Surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides Bundi and is bounded by a massive wall with four gateways.
The pace is rich in historical monuments, imposing forts, majestic palaces, havelis, temples and chattris with carved pillars. Apart from these, a picturesque lake in the heart of the town adds to its beauty. Bundi is also known for its intricate carvings and murals.
Places to Visit
Taragarh or The Star Fort: Set on a densely forested hill this 14th century fort was built in 1354 A.D. This wonderful white fort has a huge reservoir, which was once used to provide water to the palace. Sir Rudyard Kipling had said about the fort, "Taragarh Fort must have been built by angels not by human beings".
The Palace: One of the finest examples of Rajput architecture, the palace has some of the excellent murals for which Bundi is well known.
Ratan Daulat: A very appealing structure, it was built by Rao Raja Ratan Singh. It is home to a stable for nine horses and a Hatia Pol. Prior permission is required to visit this site.)
Chhattar Mahal or Palace or Towers: One of the most excellent palaces in Rajasthan, Chhattar Mahal or Palace or Towers is a must-see site. The most important structure within the palace are the Hazari Pol or Gate of the thousands, the Diwann-e- Aam, the Naubat Khana, the Hathi Pol with its old water clock.
Nawal Sagar: It is a square artificial lake in the center of which stands a half submerged shrine dedicated to Varuna, once the most important and fearsome god in the Aryan pantheon. The reflection of the entire city and the palace in the evening light is unforgettable.
Chitrashala: Chitrashala is a fascinating pavilion with frescoes showcasing the famous art of the Bundi School of painting.
Raniji-ki-Baori: One of the two beautiful baoris (step wells) of Bundi, Raniji-ki-Baori is a 46 meters deep and has some superb carvings on its pillars and a high arched gate. Built in 1699 A.D. by a princess Rani Nathavatji, the well is one of the largest of its kind.
Apart from those above mentioned other places of interest are Sukh Mahal, Phool Sagar, Shikar Burj, Kshar Bagh, Eighty Four Pillared Cenotaph.
Access
Air: Nearest airport is Jaipur, 206 km away.
Rail: Kota, 36 km is the convenient railhead.
Road: Tourist taxis and buses are available from Jaipur and Kota.
Jhalawar
Though this part of Rajasthan is perhaps least explored, a treasure of history of many centuries lies unexposed and unexplored.
Presenting a wonderful blend of legends and folklore, Jhalawar lies at the edge of Malwa Plateau and has rugged topography together with water-laden verdant landscape and dense forests. Formerly a princely state after its separation from Kota in 1838 A.D. by the British, Jhalawar is home to formidable forts, wall paintings and rich wildlife.
Places to visit
Jhalawar Fort (Garh Palace): Situated in the center of the town, this impressive fort houses the Collectorate and other offices. Built by Maharajrana Madan Singh in the first half of the 19th century, it was embellished with beautiful paintings by his successors. The zenith of the Hadoti School of art can be seen in some excellent frescoes on the walls and mirrors of the 'zanana khas' within the fort.
Government Museum: One of the oldest museums of Rajasthan established in 1915 A.D. the museum is located outside the Fort Palace and has a fine collection of rare manuscripts, paintings, sculptures idols and statues of Vishnu (Preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Gods), Krishna, Ardhanarishvar (Androgynous Form of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati), Natraj (dancing Shiva) and Trimurti (Trinity of Gods). The Ardhnarishvara and Natraj idols of this museum were displayed in Moscow during the Festival of India celebrations.
Bhawani Natya Shala: This is an interesting theatre building close to the fort and was built in 1921 A.D. by Maharaja Bhawani Singh. The uniqueness of the theatre lies in its deep stage with its underground construction, which allows the horses as well as the chariots to appear on the stage.
EXCURSIONS
Rain Basera (6KM): An idyllic haunt for picknickers, Rain Basera is a beautiful wooden cottage located on the banks of Kishan Sagar pond. Brought from Lucknow to Jhalawar by Maharaja Rajendra Singh, it was constructed by Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. It cost him Rs 50,000 including the cost of transportation.
Gagron Fort: The impressive fort, built over several centuries (8th to 14th centuries A.D) is perched on a low ridge at the confluence of the Rivers Ahu and Kali Sindh whose tranquil waters surround it on three sides. Adjacent to the fort is situated the beautiful tomb of a Sufi saint Mitheshah which is the venue for an annual fair held during the holy month of Muharram
Buddhist Caves and Stupas: The district of Jhalawar takes pride in the fact that it is home to the only rock-cut caves in Rajasthan. Located in the village Kolvi, these ancient Buddhist caves are important both from the archeological and historical points of view. The highlights of the caves are a colossal figure of the Buddha and some carved stupas.
Apart from these places of interest, there are other equally important tourist attractions. They include Jhalarapatan, Chandrabhaga Temples, Dag, Bhimsagar, Atishey Jain Temple, Chandkheri, Dalhanpur, Gangadhar Fort
Access
Air: Nearest airport is Kota 87 km.
Rail: Kota, then by taxi or bus (85 km). Some important train connections are: Avadh Express (Mumbai-Jhalwar-Gorakpur); Dehradun Express (Mumbai-Jhalwar-Jammu)
Road: A good network of road connections. Some important distances include Jaipur 335 km, Ajmer 292 km, Kota 87 km, Bundi 123 km, Delhi 590 km Bhopal 265 km Indore 235 km, Udaipur 445 km.