Top 10 Must-Visit Sites in Jhalawar, unlike much of arid Rajasthan, boasts a lush, water-rich landscape, often highlighted by vibrant orange orchards. Known historically as Brijnagar, the city offers a captivating mix of heritage and natural beauty.
A must-visit is the Gagron Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a rare example of a hill and water fort, surrounded by the Ahu and Kali Sindh rivers. In the city center, the Jhalawar Fort (Garh Palace) showcases exquisite Hadoti School of Art frescoes in the Zenana Khas.
Jhalrapatan, the ‘City of Temple Bells,’ is famous for its 10th-century Sun Temple. Another unique attraction is the Bhawani Natyashala, an early 20th-century opera theater with a unique architectural design. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Government Museum’s collection of rare manuscripts and sculptures, while the ancient Kolvi Caves reveal Buddhist rock-cut architecture nearby. The region’s dams like Bheemsagar offer serene picnic spots, making Jhalawar a destination rich in diverse experiences.
Jhalawar Fort
This fort is also known as Garh Palace which was built by Maharaja Rana Madan Singh between 1840 and 1845. This pretty monument houses the Collectorate and other offices which is situated in the centre of the town and also is located in the heart of the city. Visitors should drop in at the majestic Palace of Women or the Zenana Khas on a short stopover at the Jhalawar Fort and they are prime examples of the art’s Hadoti School. One of the exceptional forts which are secluded and bordered by water and wooded area is Gagron. From the region of Jhalawar, the illustrious Gagron fort is positioned 12 km away.
Traveller Information:
Famous for: Stunning paintings on walls, mirror-decorated walls
Best Time to Visit: October – February
Timings: 9 AM to 4 PM
Duration: 1-2 Hours
Location: Bala Quila Rd, Jhalawar
Things to do:
Other Places to visit: Gargon Fort, Government Museum, Jahlara Patan
Jhalawar Government Museum
This Museum has a fine collection of beautiful statues of Lakshminarayan Vishnu, paintings, rare manuscripts and idols and it is one of the oldest museums of Rajasthan which is built in 1915 AD. Belong to inscription of fifth and seventh century amongst the most sees is rare manuscripts, paintings and sculptures. Jhalawar Museum is also a part of the Fort Palace which is situated bang in the middle of the city. A best tourist attraction is this ancient structure. The museum gathers lots of history lover’s attention due to its rare exhibits and unique collectibles. The most unusual theatre is close to the fort.
Traveller Information:
Famous for: Rare exhibits and unique collectables, beautiful paintings
Best Time to Visit: October – February
Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM
Duration: 1-2 Hours
Location: Garh Palace, Palace Rd, Near Bada Bazar, Bhoj Mohalla, Jhalawar
Things to do:
Other Places to visit: Gargon Fort, Jahlara Patan
Bhawani Natya Shala
This is the beautiful and best part of the Garh Palace. One of the most unusual theatres is the Bhawani Natyashala which is constructed in 1921 AD. This stage provides an amazing insight into the world of theatre from the architecture point of view. It was used for hosting Parsi plays when this unusual theatre was made initially. It is an architectural marvel and quite a unique structure. Uniqueness of the Bhawani Natya Shala lies in the fact that its deep stage with its construction of an underground which allows the horses.
Traveller Information:
Famous for: Beautiful architecture inspired by the England times
Best Time to Visit: October – February
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Duration: 2-3 hours
Location: Bhoj Mohalla, Jhalawar
Things to do:
Other Places to visit: Jhalawar Fort, Gargon Fort
Gagron Fort
A best example of water and hill fort is Gagron Fort. The Dargah of Sufi Saint Mittheshah is front of the fort where during the month of Moharram a fair is organized every year. One of the six hill forts of Rajasthan is Gagron Fort and is near Jhalawar. The fort is indeed a sight to behold which is surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Sindh, Kali and Ahu rivers on three sides. There used to be a deep moat completing its defenses on the forth side. It has behind it the Mukundarrah range of hills and is surrounded by forests.
Traveller Information:
Famous for: Masterpiece of Rajput architecture, sturdy walls
Best Time to Visit: October – February
Timing: 10 AM to 4 PM
Duration: 1-2 Hours
Location: Gagron, Jhalwar
Things to do:
Other Places to visit: Government Museum, Jahlara Patan
Chandrabhaga Temple
Stand some pretty temple of Chandrabhaga with intricately arched gateways and carved pillars on the banks of the splendid Chandrabhaga River. Also noteworthy with exquisite sculptures and fine murals is the Shantinath Jain temple of the 11th century AD and is also known for the Shri Dwarkadheesh Temple that was established by Jhala Zalim Singh. Fine examples of the temple craftsmanship and architecture are the intricately arched gateways and carved pillars.
Traveller Information:
Famous for: Intricately carved pillars and arched gateways
Best Time to Visit: October – February
Timings: 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Location: Bakshapura, Jhalawar
Things to do:
Other Places to visit: Jhalawar Fort, Gargon Fort, Government Museum
Buddhist Caves and Stupas
An interesting building is Buddhist Caves which is constructed by Maharaja Bhawani Singh in 1921 and near the Garh Palace. The greatest attractions of Jhalawar are the Buddhist caves which is located in the Kolvi village. In the caves, the most impressive structures are a colossal figure of the carved stupas and Buddha. It is an architectural marvel and quite a unique structure. It provides a very best insight into the theatre- art and has been recently revived. They are the finest surviving examples of Indian art which is located about 90 km from Jhalawar.
Traveller Information:
Famous for: Caves and Arts
Duration: 1-2 Hours
Location: Kolvi, Jhalawar
Things to do:
Other Places to visit: Gargon Fort, Jhalawar Fort
Jhalrapatan
Owing to its numerous temples and their bells Jhalarapatan is also known as “the City of Bells”. The 10th century Surya Temple is the pride of Jhalarapatan. The temple is crowned with a finely carved shikhara which is similar to the Sun temple in Konark in Orissa. The size of the pillars decreases as height increases and the shikhara is built in layers which following a seven story pillar format. It is popular for the ruins of other elegant architecture or specimens, exquisite sculptures, pretty temples and artistic creations. Remarkable are the lovely sculptures and the idol of Surya on this massive temple. One of the great example architecture with lovely sculptures is Jhalrapatan.
Traveller Information:
Famous for: Medieval Temple
Best Time to Visit: October – February
Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM
Duration: 1-2 hours
Location: Jhalara Patan, Jhalawar
Things to do:
Other Places to visit: Bhimsagar Dam, Government Museum, Jahlara Patan
Chandkheri Atishay Jain Temple
It is primarily known for its architectural, religious, historical and archaeological value and was built in the 17th century. Also it has religious value having Adinath statue in a sitting position which is 6 feet tall and is situated at Chandkheri near Khanpur. Along with reasonable & descent accommodation options available within the area of temple which is one can easily find traditional meals here. This temple located at a distance of 34 km from Jahalawar near the Khanpur town.
Government Museum
One of the oldest museums is the Government Museum of Jhalawar in Rajasthan built in 1915 AD and has a best collection of rare idols, paintings and manuscripts. This is situated in the old Garh Palace near the Bhawani Natya Shala. This museum is also a part of the Fort Palace and is situated in the middle of the city. A good tourist attraction is this ancient structure. From the area there are various other artifacts, many manuscripts and paintings. The most unusual theatre is close to the fort in India.
Dalhanpur
This is stands on the banks of Chhapi River which is close to an irrigation dam. A pretty antique construction of ruins in Jhalawar district on the bank of the river Chhapi is Ruins at Dalhanpur. Extend over an area of 2 km the ancient ruins of impressive temples torans, exquisite sculptures and carved pillars which make these temples interesting. Renovation and conservation work is under progress at present in this project.
