JHALAWAR
ABOUT JHALAWAR:
- Jhalawar is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located in the southeastern location of the state. It was the capital of the former princely state of Jhalawar, and is the administrative headquarters of Jhalawar District. Jhalawar was once known as Brijnagar.
- Jhalawar, once called Brijnagar is known for its rich natural wealth of vibrant flora and fauna.
- Jhalawar is located at 24.6°N 76.15°E. It has an average elevation of 312 metres (1023 feet).
- The climate of the area is identical to the Indo-Gangetic plain. In summer the temperature generally is around 40 °C (104 °F) and at maximum can exceed 45 °C (113 °F). In winter the coldest temperature can reach 1 °C (34 °F).
- Jhalawar district has the highest rainfall in the Rajasthan state. An average of 35 inches (890 mm) of rainfall keeps it cool and gentle breezes ward off the stifling humidity. Jhalawar district receive the maximum annual rain(95 cm)in Rajasthan.
- Jhalawar has a rocky but water-laden verdant landscape. Red poppy fields and orange laden orchards are strewn across Jhalawar, lending it a colourful look.
- They also contribute a major share to the production of citrus in the country.
- This place has a varied cultural heritage that includes many forts and palaces from the Rajput and Mughal periods. It is solely famous for the large numbers of temples and religious sites.
- Jhalawar was named after its founder, Jhala Zalim Singh in 1838. He was the Dewan of Kota State and established the town as a cantonment, then known as Chaoni Umedpura near the existing Jhalrapatan Fort.
- The chief town of Jhalawar, also known as Patan or Jhalara Patan, was the centre of trade for the eponymous princely state, the chief exports of the which were opium, oil-seeds and cotton which is four miles (6 km) north of the town.
MODE OF COMMUNICATION:
- Airport: Kolana Airport is an airport serving Jhalawar in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is owned and operated by the State Government of Rajasthan. The airport is spread over 23.5 acres, has a 1710 metre long runway and a 2340 square metre apron for two small aircraft.
- Rail: Jhalawar City railway station is a small railway station in Jhalawar, Rajasthan.It serves Jhalawar city. The station consists of a single platform.
- Road: Jhalawar town lies on National Highway No. 52. A good network of road connectivity exists. It is well connected from Kota, Jaipur, Bhopal, Ujjain, Indore. Many government buses goes all district and outside. Also, private buses are available for travel. It takes about 2 hrs to reach Jhalawar from Kota by road.
SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:
FORT , MONUMENTS & GARDENS/OTHER
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Jhalawar fort or Garh Palace, Prithvi Vilas Palace, Gagron Fort, Buddhist Caves and Stupas, Herbal garden, Dalhanpur, Bhimsagar Dam.
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PILGRIM CENTRE & TEMPLES
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Chandrabhaga Temple, Sun temple, Dwarkadheesh Temple, Chandkheri Adinath Jain Temple(Khanpur), Unhel Jain Temple, Digambar Jain Temple, Jhalara Patan.
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MUSEUM & AUDITORIUM
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Jhalawar Government Museum, Pipaji's museum, Lecture Theater, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhawani Natyashala.
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FAIRS & FESTIVALS
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Chandrabhaga Fair.
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SHOPPING
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Traditional Bhil, Kota and Jhalwar art work(Handicraft & Souvenirs) at Jhalawar.
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For more information visit https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/content/rajasthan-tourism/en/tourist-destinations/jhalawar.html
ATTRACTIONS OF JHALAWAR
Jhalawar Fort or Garh Palace:
- Jhalawar fort or Garh Palace situated in the centre of the town is a beautiful monument. It was built by Maharaj Rana Madan Singh and his successors added beautiful paintings inside the rooms.
- These can be seen with the permission of appropriate authorities. The Zenana Khas or the ‘Women’s Palace’ has some excellent frescoes on both, walls and mirrors and they are prime examples of the Hadoti school of art.
Gagron Fort:
- Gagron Fort is a fine example of a hill and water fort. It is one of the six hill forts of Rajasthan to be a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
- It is surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Ahu, Kali and Sindh rivers on three sides, the fort is indeed a sight to behold.
- A beautiful mausoleum of Sufi saint Mitheshah just outside the fort is the venue for an annual colourful fair held during the month of Moharram.
Buddhist caves and stupas:
- The Buddhist caves located in the Kolvi village are among Jhalawar’s greatest attractions. A colossal figure of Buddha and the carved stupas are the most impressive structures in the caves.
- It is Located about 90 kilometers from Jhalawar, they are the finest surviving examples of Indian art.
- Tourists can also explore nearby villages of Vinayaka and Hatiyagour which are also known for their magnificent caves.
Jhalar Patan:
- Jhalar Patan is also known as the 'City of Temple Bells' which is situated about 7 km outside Jhalawar. The enclosed township has some marvelous medieval temples built by yesteryear Rajputana Kings of the region.
- The 100-feet high Surya Temple is situated here. The township built on the banks of the meandering Chandrabhaga has temple all along its shores. The place is beautiful filled with marvelous architectural gems of the Kota style of art.
Bhimsagar Dam:
- The Bhimsagar Dam is located 24 km outside Jhalawar and is an excellent place to have a picnic with friends and family.
- The dams with its bustling water, its greenery and the flora around is a nice place to be at.
Jhalawar Government Museum:
- The Jhalawar Government Museum is one of the oldest museums in Rajasthan established in 1915 A.D and has a fine collection of rare paintings, manuscripts, statues/ idols & sculptures of goddesses.
- The museum is situated bang in the middle of the city and is also a part of the Fort Palace. This ancient structure is a great tourist attraction.
Bhawani Natyashala:
- The Bhawani Natyashala is one of the most unusual theatres in India, constructed in 1921 A.D where Parsi plays and cultural events would take place.
- This architectural wonder gives one an excellent insight into the world of theatre and art and is known to have an underground passage which allowed horses and chariots to appear on stage.
- One can visit it to see its marvelous interior decor and the theatre of the locals.
Dalhanpur:
- Dalhanpur stands on the banks of River Chhapi, close to an irrigation dam. A dense green forest adds charm to this antique place with beautifully carved pillars, torans and some erotic figures in the temple ruins, scattered around an area of 2 Kms.
- An irrigation dam is under construction in the region. The beauty of the place is enhanced by lush green dense forests and herbage.
Prithvi Vilas Palace:
- Prithvi Vilas Palace is a a beautiful place to stay for a vacation or official work on Jhalawar. It is not a hotel but a homestay.
- There are sprawling lawns around the palace inspite of being located very centrally There are two types of room - in the palace and in the Annexe.
- Food is always freshly prepared and tastes like home food. One can order whatever required to eat. The staff is very welcoming.
- When the Maharaja and Maharani are in residence one can have meals with them and enjoy their hospitality.
- There is a swimming pool and a temple in the premises.The furniture is antique and in the palace there are many antiques.
Chandrabhaga Temple:
- On the banks of the magnificent Chandrabhaga River stand some beautiful Chandrabhaga temples with intricately carved pillars and arched gateways.
- This region is known for the Shri Dwarkadheesh Temple that was built by Jhala Zalim Singh in the 11th century and the Shantinath Jain Temple which has houses some beautiful murals and sculptures.
Dwarkadheesh Temple:
- Dwarkadheesh Temple is one of the gift from the founder of the city of Jhalawar, Jhala Zalim Singh.
- The temple was built in 1796 AD on the banks of Gomati Sagar Lake. In 1806 A.D, the idol of lord Krishna was installed here.
Chandkheri Adinath Jain Temple:
- Chandkheri Adinath Jain Temple is the 17th-century’s architectural splendour and religious sanctity which is devoted to the first Jain tirthankar(fordmaker), Adinath.
- It is situated at Chandkheri near Khanpur and has a six feet tall Lord Adinath statue in sitting position.
- One can easily find traditional meals here along with decent & reasonable accommodation options available within the temple area.
Unhel Jain Temple:
- This Jain piligrim centre has thousand year old statue of Lord Parshwanath which holds a very high religious value for Jains.
- The delicacies of Jains with decent accommodation options available at reasonable price within the temple area.
Sun temple:
- The finest temple of Jhalrapatan is the 97-ft high, 10th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- It is popularly known as the Padmanabha or Sun Temple which is Similar to the Sun temple in Konark in Orissa, the temple is crowned with a finely carved shikhara (spire).
- This high steeple is an amalgamation of miniature towers which seem to stick to the main tower, making it a unique one by itself.
- The shikhara is built in layers and the size of the pillars decreases as height increases, following a seven storey pillar format.
- The base of the shikhara is made up of larger pillars close to each other around the main foundation.
- This temple was first restored in the 16th century and later in the 19th century.
- The columns and arches at the entrance are richly carved with images of gods, goddesses and other Hindu motifs.
- Also the old tiles engraved with figures of the gods-Vishnu and Krishna-on the outside walls of the temple are worth to see.
Shopping in Jhalawar:
- Jhalawar is a nice to place shop for some traditional Bhil, Kota and Jhalwar art work.
- The folk handicraft work of the region is very nice and one can buy them as souvenirs.