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Keshoraipatan :
Location : It is located in the Bundi district; it is just 9 kms away from Kota on the banks of chambal..
History : Kesoraipatan was called 'Patan' in the ancient times. Keshoraipatan is one of the oldest cities whose past can be traced to ancient times when it was a religious centre.
Main Attractions : Keshoraipatan is famous for its temple known the same name. Rao Raja Chhatrasal of Bundi renovated it. The temple stands beautifully on the plains against the backdrop of clear blue sky, amid a sylvan setting with the river Chambal flowing silently nearby. Keshoraipatan becomes a "mini-Pushkar" on the night of the full moon in the month of Kartika. Early in the morning, the banks of river Chambal witness a colorful scene of men & women, cladin fantastic costumes mirrored in the crystal clear waters of the river Chambal. |
| Keshavraji Temple |
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Bijolia :
50 kms on the Bundi-Chittauragarh road, in Bhilwara district, is the old fort and city of Bijolia. In ancient times it was known as Vindhyavali. During the Chauhan period, it became a famous centre for art and architecture. On the eastern side of the town near the city wall, there are three beautiful temples. Proiminent amongst them is Hajaresvara Mahadeva temple. It has a high linga surrounded by hundereds of small lingas and hence called Hajaresvara or Sahastralinga. Near by Mandakani Kund is a holy water tank. Bijolia inscription dating back V.E. 1226 is very important because it throws a new light on the early history of the Chauhan dynasty. |
| Shiva Temple, Bijolia |
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Menal :
70 kms on the road from Chittaurgarh to Bundi lies Menal, in the district of Chittaurgarh. Menal is famous for its ancient Shiva temples, picturesque waterfalls and dense forests. Menal was a centre of art and architecture during the Chauhan period. Menal is mentioned as a place of pilgrimage in the Bijolia rock inscription dating V.S. 1226 (1170 A.D.). |
| Temple Complex, Menal |
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| Lesser Known Destinations around Jhalawar |
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Ren Basera :
6 kms further away is a beautiful wooden cottage, located on the banks of Kishan Sagar, to the west of Jhalawar. The most interesting fact is that it was originally built by the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun and was put on view at an exhibition in Lucknow in 1936. The Maharaja took a fancy to it, bought it, had it dismantled, transported and erected at the present site. |
| Ren Basera Cottage, Jhalawar |
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Jhalarpatan:
Another 6 kms away Jhalarpatan, ' the city of bells,' is quite unique. The pride of Jhalarapatan is the 10 th century Surya (Sun) temple (Padam Nath Temple).
Jhalarpatan is famous for the ruins of beautiful temples, artistic creations, exquisite sculptures and other elegant specimens of architecture. A magnificient 10th century Sun Temple (Padam Nath Temple) is the major attraction of the city. The Idol of surya and some splendid sculptures are very impressive. The 11 th century Shantinath Jain temple is known for its fine murals and sculptural richness. |
| Sun Temple |
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Gogron Fort:
This impregnable fort was the Capital of Khichi Chauhans and has a glorious history of valur and sacrifice.
It is surrounded on three sides bythe waters of the Ahu and Kali Sindh rivers and is an ideal example of a Jaldurg. |
| View of Gagron Fort |
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Buddhist Caves and Stupas :
About 95 kms away, the ancient Buddhist caves, located in and around village of Koavi are of great importance.
A colossal figure of Buddha and the carved Stupas are some of the highlights of these caves.
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| Kolvi Caves |
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| Lesser Known Destinations around Kota |
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Bhainsrodgarh :
Location : Bhainsrodgarh Bhainsrodgarh, in Chittaurgarh district, is picturesquely situated on the confluence of the Bamany and Chambal rivers, around 110 kms east of Chittaurgarh.
History : According to Col. Tod, the place derived its name from a merchant called Bhainsa and a Banjara called Roda and the fort was built to protect caravans during that period.
Main Attractions : Among the various places of interest these is a ruined fort situated on a steep cliff. It overlooks the sole passage which stretches from away a mile across the Chambal. Another picturesque spoot is a magnificent waterfall of the river chambal, about 60 ft. in height. It is located in Chulia Village. |
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Badoli :
48 kms on the way to Pratap sagar dam lies one of the oldest and most spectacular temple complexes in Rajasthan, going back to the 9th century A.D. The principal temple is of Ghateshawar Mahadeva. It is protected by a walled enclosure where one comes across archaeological remains, sculptures, carved ornamented pillars etc. The craftsmanship seen here is stunning.
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| Exquisite carving at Badoli Temple |
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Darrah Wild Life Sanctuary:
A thicklywooded forest, along the south-eastern border of Kota, adjacent to the mountain range, is the former royal hunting reserve. It has been converted into a wildlife sanctuary where panthers, spotted deer, wild boar, and bear live without any threat to their lives. |
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Sitabari:
120 kms away and situated near the village of Kelwara in Baran district, Sitabari is a beautiful picnic spot. The old temples of Sita and Laxman beside seven water tanks are worth a visit. Every year a tribal fair is held in the months of May/June. |
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