BANSWARA: THE TRIBAL CITY

Home to the tribal with Bhils constituting half of the total population, Banswara has its name derived from `Bans' or bamboo trees, which once grew here in abundance.

The erstwhile state was founded by Maharawal Jagmal Singh. Bounded by Udaipur and Chittaurgarh, the district presently comprises of the territories of former Banswara State  and the Chieftainship of Kushalgarh. While the central and western portion of the district are fertile plains, the scattered  ranges of the Aravallis form the eastern Region

The ancient town is surrounded by a stone wall, now in ruins. A palace of former rulers of Banswara stands overlooking the town.

The teak forests are found on the slopes of the Aravalli hills. Mango, Khajur and Mahua trees are also a part of the vegetarian of the district. Banswara has a rich wildlife variety including squirrels, lizards, snakes, chinkara, ronj and four horned antelope. Panthers can be seen rarely. The avian variety includes the black drongo, gray shirke, green bee-eater, parrot, jungle crow, wood pecker and common myna. Grey jungle fowl, red spir fowl and gray partridge are generally spotted in the remote parts of the forest.

PRIME SITES:

Mahi Dam (18 km): Under the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project, various dams and canals have been built over the Mahi river amid beautiful surroundings. The Mahi river has a number of islands at intervals and hence Banswara is at times referred to as `the city of hundred islands'. The Mahi Dam and the Kagdi Pikup have a picturesque fountain garden, surely worth a visit.

Anand Sagar Lake or Bai Talab: An artificial lake on the eastern side of the town constructed by Lachhi Bai of Idarchhattris of rulers of the state and an aray of holy trees called `Kalpa Vriksha' famous for fulfilling desires of visitors, lie close by.

Dialab Lake : A beautiful lake covered with lotus flowers. On the bank of the lake is Badal Mahal, the summer resort of former rulers.

Abdulla Pir: A popular shrine of a Bohra Muslim Saint, attracting a large number of Bohra Muslims from all over during the annual Urs festival.

Madareshwar: A temple of Lord Shiva set amid natural beauty.  Other temples in the city include Dwarkadhish Temple , Laxmi Narayan Temple and Vaneshwar Mahadeo Temple. Kali Kalyani Dham and Padoli Rathore are other spiritual centres near the town which attract thousands of people from all over the country every year.

EXCURSIONS

Arthuna (55 km): The ruins of cluster of Shaivite and Jain temples dating back to the 11th, 12th and 15th centuries are found in this village. The Mandleshwar Temple , built in 1080 A.D. by Chamunda Raja Paramara Chief, is noteworthy Arthuna is famous for its special Shivratri and Holi celebrations.

Talwara (15 km): A historic city with ruins of some ancient monuments and temples famous for their beautiful carved idols in local black stone. The famous temples of Talwara include Laxmi Narain Temple, Gokaneshwar Mahadeva Temple and Jain temple of Sambhar Nath .

Tripura Sundari (19 km): An ancient temple of the goddess Tripura Sundari, commonly known as Turtia Mata. The idol of the goddess riding on a tiger is a magnificent one in black stone with 18 hands, each carrying some symbol. The temple is said to be one of the Shakti Peeth of Hindus.

Parahera (22 km): Situated in the Garhi tehsil. A temple of Lord Shiva - Mandaleshwar temple, built by Mandalik, stands on the bank of the Nagela Tank in the village.

Chinch: Famous for its 12th century Brahma temple with a beautiful life-size statue of Lord Brahma.