Banswara
The Banswara district lies in the southern most part of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by Udaipur and Chittaurgarh in the North, Dungarpur in the west, Ratlam and Jhabua districts of Madhya Pradesh in the east and south respectively.
Home to the tribals 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 Maharaja Jagmal Singh. Bounded by Udaipur and Chittorgarh, 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 stonewall, which are 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 vegetation 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 shrike, green bee-eater, parrot, jungle crow, wood pecker and common myna. Grey jungle fowl, red spir fowl and grey partridge are generally spotted in the remote parts of the forest.
DAMS AND LAKES
MAHI DAM : 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 Idar -the queen of Maharawal Jagmal. Beautiful 'Chattris' (cenotaphs) of rulers of the state and an array 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.
TEMPLES
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
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 magnificent one, in black stone with 18 hands, each carrying some symbol. The temple is said to be one of the 'Shakti Peethas' 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.
CITIES
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 AD by Chamunda Raja, the Paramara Chief, is noteworthy.
Talwara (15-km): A historic city with ruins of some ancient monuments and temples famous for their beautifully carved idols in local black stone. The famous temples of Talwara include Laxmi Narain Temple. Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple and Jain temple of Sambhar Nath.