Jhalawar, Rajasthan
Been there recently?
Founded in 1791 by Jhala Zalim Singh, who was a minister of a nearby princely state, the place was named after him. It was developed as a township and later became a princely state on its own. The township blossomed into a beautiful city replete with royal palaces, forts, havelis, and gardens. The monuments stand as a legacy of the support given to arts and culture by the then rulers. The place was thick forest with 2 rivers merging nearby when Zalim Singh decided to build a township. The forests are all gone, but the monuments that remain tell a definitive story of the Jhalawar princely state. If you are a tourist with a liking for offbeat places famous for historic and religious places, then Jhalawar is one such place. September to April is a great time to visit Jhalawar. The city is approximately 340 kilometres from Jaipur and about 90 kilometres from Kota. Jhalawar is well connected by a rail route. Indore is the nearest airport, about 240 kilometres away, whereas Jaipur too has an airport.
Nearby Places to See
The palace and other royal structures are located within Jhalawar Fort, which dominates the city’s central area. There are three gates in the north, south, and west, and three bastions that are still standing.
Inside the fort’s walls is the beautiful Garh Palace, which is now home to many government offices.
Located within the fort walls and constructed in 1921, the Bhavani Natya Shala is a testament to the importance the ruling class placed on art and culture. The large dance studio has a basement storage area that could be used to bring in large props before a performance. It is rumoured to be one of the rare theatres with a basement entrance.
One of the oldest museums in Rajasthan dates back more than a century and is run by the government. The museum displays a wide variety of artefacts from the past, including manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, and more. This museum is home to numerous ancient sculptures unearthed from demolished temples in the neighbouring towns and villages.
This fort, located about 4 kilometres from the town at the confluence of the Ahu and Kali Sindh rivers, was constructed directly on the rock surface without a foundation. When it comes to UNESCO, this fort is right at the top of the list.
There is a town called Jhalrapatan that is only 7 kilometres from Jhalawar. Chandrabhaga Temple, Surya Temple, and Dwarakadheesh Temple are just a few of the ancient and gorgeous temples that have made the area famous. Wonderful carvings and sculptures adorn the first two temples.
Caves
Approximately one hundred kilometres from Jhalawar, in a village known as Kolvi, are caves that have been occupied continuously since the 5th century. About 50 of the caves here are significant architecturally, each with their own design and aesthetic.
Things to Buy
Things to buy include Folk artworks, Souvenirs.
Foods to Relish
Rajasthani dishes and thali.
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Destination