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Rajasthan Travel Guide » Banswara Travel
About Banswara

Banswara district was formerly a princely state ruled by Maharavals and
was home to tribal Bhils, who constitute more than half of the city's population.
The city was ruled by a Bhil ruler Bansia and Banswara was named after him.
Jagmal Singh became the first Maharaval of Banswara after defeating and
killing Bansia.
However, there is another theory that says the city is called so because
of the abundance of bamboos (bans) in the district's forests. In religious
connotations, the place is also called 'Lodhikashi' or Little Kashi because
of the presence of eleven and a half Swayambhoo Shivlings here.
In 1913, there was a revolt by Bhils under the leadership of social reformer
Govindgiri. In a massacre termed as the mini Jallianwala Bagh Kand, hundreds
of Bhils were shot dead at Mangarh hillock where they were holding a peaceful
meeting. The place has since become sacred and is called the Mangarh Dham.
Banswara state and Kushalgarh chieftainship got merged in Greater Rajasthan
in 1949 when all princely states were merged with the Union of India.
Banswara was carved out as a separate district ever since.
The district is situated in the valleys of the Aravallis and has a rich
reserve of both flora and fauna. Tribals are the natives here and their
culture is seen here in its original form.
The district is surrounded by Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, and hence boasts
of a compact culture. The Vagdi culture of this area is actually a mixture
of Gujarati, Rajasthani, Malwi and Mewari cultures.
Kheechan - IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Area 5,037 sq. km.

Population 15,01,420
Altitude 413 meters
Languages Rajasthani, Hindi, English
Best Time to Visit September to March
STD Code 02962
Clothing Summer light tropical; Winter light woolen
Climate
Mean Max. Mean Min
Summer: 42 degrees Celsius 25 degrees Celsius
Winter: 22 degrees Celsius 2 degrees Celsius
Rainfall: 83.95 cm
Location
About 160 kilometers from Udaipur, Banswara district is bounded by Dhariawad
tehsil of Udaipur and Pratapgarh tehsil of Chittorgarh on the north. In
the east, it shares its boundaries with Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh;
in the west by with Sagwara and Aspur of Dungarpur and in the south with
Jhabua of MP. Panchmahal district of Gujarat also touches Banswara in the
southwest.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Abdullah Pir
A popular shrine of a Bohra Muslim saint, Abdul Rasul, the Abdullah Pir
is situated in the southern part of the city. The annual 'Urs' held here
is a very popular festival and attracts a huge number of Bohra Muslims
from all over the country.
Anand Sagar Lake
This artificial lake has been constructed by Lachchi Bai of Idar or the
Rani of Maharval Jagami. It is surrounded by holy trees called 'Kalpa
Vriksha', known to fulfill the desires of visitors. The cenotaphs of ancient
rulers of the state are also situated close by.
Chheench
A 12th century Brahma Temple with a life size statue of Lord Brahma is
a must-see destination.
Dialab Lake 
The summer residence of former rulers, the Badal Mahal is situated here
on the banks of a lake. Fresh lotus flowers in the lake make it a beautiful
place.
Madareshwar
A natural cave of a high hill here houses a famous Lord Shiva temple. Nature
can be experienced in full bloom from here. Due to its typical location,
the place provides an Amarnath Yatra like feeling to pilgrims.
EXCURSIONS FROM BANSWARA
Mahi Dam
Banswara is known as the 'City of Hundred Islands' as the holy river Mahi,
the 'pride of Vagad' flows through the region and separates Banswara and
Dungarpur districts. Under the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project, various dams
and canals have been built over the river amid beautiful surroundings.
A picturesque fountain garden nearby the Mahi Dam makes for a site worth
visiting.
Paraheada
About 22 kilometers from Banswara, Paraheada is situated in the Garhi
tehsil. Mandalik built a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva here - the Mandaleshwar
Temple. It stands on the bank of the Nagela Tank in the village.
Talwara 
Temples of Sun god, Lord Amaliya Ganesh, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and Jain
Temple of Sambharnath make Talwara a religiously important site. The idols
in these temples are carved in local black stone and are beautiful to
look at.
Tripura Sundari
Dedicated to Goddess Tripura Sundari, or Turtia Mata, the temple
here has
a beautiful idol of black stone having 18 hands, each carrying a different
symbol. The goddess is seen riding a tiger. It is said to be one of the
'Shakti Peeths' of the Hindus having divine powers.
FAIR AND FESTIVALS
Holi
Tribals wear their traditional dresses on this day. Carrying swords and
stick, they perform the 'Gair Dance' - a famous dance form of the tribals
here.
Aamligyaras
Unmarried boys and girls observe fast on this festival, celebrated on
the 11th day of the bright half of Phalgun. They wash themselves in a
pond in the afternoon and bring branches of tamarind trees with them.
The festival is held at Ghodi Ranchod and Sangmeshwar.
Ghotia Amba Fair 
Held annually in March, this traditional fair has Bhils gather to take
a holy dip in the tank near the temple with idols of Pandavas. This is
done to display their faith in the holy mango trees and Kaila Pani. Tribal
weapons like arrows and swords are on sale during the fair.
Mangarh Fair
Held on Margshisha Purnima, this fair is known to be extremely important
for the tribals. They pay tribute to Govind Guru, founder of the Samp
Sabha.
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