Karauli: Where Culture And Tradition Thrive | 12 Places To Visit In Karauli | How to Reach

Karauli, situated in the state of Rajasthan, India, is both a city and a district known for its religious significance, particularly among Hindus. Founded in 995 CE by Raja Bijai Pal, who claimed lineage from Lord Krishna, Karauli boasts several temples including the Kaila Devi temple, Shri Radha Madan Mohan Ji temple, Mehandipur Balaji temple, and Anjani Mata temple. The city served as the capital of a princely state until 1947 when it integrated into India. Among its attractions is an 18th-century palace, showcasing the splendid architecture typical of Rajasthan.

Best Places To Visit In Karauli:

Karauli is renowned for its palaces, temples, and picturesque landscapes. Its main attractions include the City Palace, Kaila Devi Temple, Madan Mohanji Temple, and Timangarh Fort. Karauli is also known for its local arts and crafts, particularly stone carvings and wooden toys, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and traditional Rajasthani architecture.

Here are some places to visit in Karauli.

1. City Palace

The City Palace in Karauli, a 14th-century marvel constructed by the royal family, who trace their lineage to Lord Krishna, stands out for its exquisite paintings, intricate stone carvings, and remarkable architecture, including delicate latticework. The palace houses a museum showcasing a diverse collection of historical and cultural artifacts, including weapons, costumes, jewelry, and paintings. Additionally, the palace features a temple dedicated to Madan Mohan Ji, the revered family deity of the Karauli rulers. A significant tourist destination, the palace symbolizes the rich heritage of the region.

2. Kaila Devi Temple

Kaila Devi Temple, located in Kailadevi village in Rajasthan’s Karauli district, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kailadevi, believed to be an incarnation of the primordial energy Mahamaya. This temple holds great significance as one of the nine Shakti peethas of Goddess Durga, drawing millions of devotees annually. The temple is also renowned for hosting an annual fair in the month of Chaitra (March-April), attracting people from various regions and communities. The temple’s architecture is a testament to Rajasthani craftsmanship, with its intricate carvings and vibrant paintings adorning the walls. The temple’s sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Goddess Kailadevi, adorned with exquisite ornaments and surrounded by an aura of divine energy. Devotees flock to Kaila Devi Temple throughout the year, seeking the blessings of the goddess for prosperity, protection, and fulfillment of their wishes.

Timings: Open from 4:00 AM to 8:30 PM. The resting time for Mataji is 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

3. Madan Mohan Ji Temple

Madan Mohan Ji Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, known as Madan Mohan, meaning the one who can enchant even Cupid, is located in Karauli, Rajasthan. This sacred temple was constructed by King Gopal Singh Ji, who, following a divine instruction in his dream, brought the idol of Krishna from Amer. Situated on the banks of the Bhadravati River, a tributary of the Banas River, amidst the Aravali hills, the temple complex features a main shrine where the idols of Krishna and Radha are enshrined, along with several other shrines dedicated to deities such as Hanuman, Ganesha, Balaji, and Bhairon. The temple’s sacred pond, Kaila Sagar, is where devotees perform a holy dip before entering the temple. Madan Mohan Ji Temple is renowned for its festivals and rituals, notably the Jugal Prasad, a special offering of laddu and kachauri to the deities. The temple celebrates various festivals including Krishna Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Gopashtami, and Holi.

Timings: Open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

4. Mehandipur Balaji Temple

Mehandipur Balaji Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, also known as Balaji, is situated in Mehandipur, a town bordering the Karauli and Dausa districts of Rajasthan. This revered temple is renowned for its rituals involving exorcism and healing, believed to cure those afflicted by evil spirits or affected by black magic. Drawing millions of devotees annually from across India and beyond, the temple is a focal point of spiritual healing and divine intervention. The temple complex features a central shrine housing the idol of Hanuman, along with several other shrines dedicated to deities like Ganesha, Balaji, and Bhairon.

Timings: Open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

5. Timangarh Fort

Timangarh Fort, situated near Masalpur in Rajasthan’s Karauli district, is a historic fort with origins dating back to the 12th century, when it was constructed by the Jadaun Rajput ruler, Tahanpal. Over the centuries, the fort has witnessed occupation by various powers including the Ghaznavids, the Delhi Sultanate, and the Mughal Empire. Renowned for its intricate carvings on temples and pillars, along with its hidden idols and sculptures, Timangarh Fort stands as a testament to Rajasthan’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. Sadly, the fort is in a state of ruin, having been subjected to plundering by smugglers and locals. Despite its dilapidated condition, Timangarh Fort retains a sense of grandeur and historical significance, attracting visitors interested in exploring its ancient remnants and reflecting on its storied past.

6. Bhanwar Vilas Palace

Bhanwar Vilas Palace transcends its status as a mere hotel, embodying a living museum of royal history and culture. Constructed in 1938 by Maharaja Ganesh Pal Deo Bhadur, the palace showcases a harmonious fusion of colonial and oriental architecture. Its elegant rooms, adorned with exquisite carvings, and its verdant garden add to its charm. Remarkably, the palace remains the residence of Maharaja Krishna Chandra Pal, the 181st descendant of Lord Krishna and the head of the Yaduvanshi Rajputs. Visitors are greeted with warm hospitality from both the royal family and the staff, ensuring a memorable stay. The palace offers a range of activities, including cycling, horse riding, a vintage car collection, organic farming, and temple tours. Bhanwar Vilas Palace provides a perfect setting for those seeking a distinctive experience that combines Rajasthan’s heritage and spirituality.

7. Chand Bawdi

Chand Bawri, a remarkable stepwell dating back to the 9th century AD, stands as one of India’s oldest and largest stepwells. Featuring 3,500 symmetrical steps that descend 30 meters to the water level, this architectural marvel was commissioned by Raja Chanda of the Nikumbh dynasty. Its purpose was to conserve water and provide a cool retreat for both locals and royalty alike. The stepwell boasts a three-storeyed pavilion adorned with intricately carved windows and balconies, serving as a vantage point for the royal family to admire the surroundings. This hidden gem of Rajasthan is renowned for its stunning geometric design and rich historical significance. Adjacent to the stepwell lies the Harshat Mata Temple, dedicated to the goddess of joy and happiness.

8. Gufa Wale Balaji Temple

Gufa Wale Balaji Temple, a revered cave temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, also known as Balaji, is situated in Rajasthan’s Karauli district, near the famed Kaila Devi Temple. This sacred site is renowned for its believed miraculous powers, drawing numerous devotees seeking blessings and solutions to their problems. The temple features a natural spring flowing from the mouth of a stone cow and houses a sizable idol of Hanuman adorned with sindoor. Additionally, the temple complex includes other shrines and caves where various rituals and ceremonies are conducted. Gufa Wale Balaji Temple is a place of profound spiritual significance and serves as a sanctum for seekers of divine intervention and solace.

Timings: Open from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

9. Shri Mahaveer Ji Temple

Shri Mahaveer Ji Temple, a revered cave temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the revered founder of Jainism, is situated in Rajasthan’s Karauli district, near the renowned Kaila Devi Temple. This sacred site is renowned for its believed miraculous powers, drawing numerous devotees seeking blessings and solutions to their problems. The temple features a natural spring flowing from the mouth of a stone cow and houses a sizable idol of Lord Mahavira adorned with sindoor. Additionally, the temple complex includes other shrines and caves where various rituals and ceremonies are conducted. Shri Mahaveer Ji Temple stands as a revered sanctum for seekers of divine intervention and spiritual solace.

Timings: Open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

10. Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary

Keladevi Wildlife Sanctuary, a component of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, serves as a natural habitat for a variety of wildlife and avian species. Encompassing an area of 674 sq km, the sanctuary boasts a diverse landscape comprising hills, rivers, and forests. Among the wildlife that thrives in this sanctuary are tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, wolves, and sambars. Additionally, the sanctuary holds a rich cultural legacy, having served as a hunting reserve for the erstwhile rulers of Karauli. Keladevi Wildlife Sanctuary presents a blend of natural splendor and historical significance, offering visitors a memorable and immersive experience in the heart of nature.

11. Nakkash Ki Devi Gomti Dham

Nakkash Ki Devi Gomti Dham is a Hindu temple complex situated in Hindaun City, within Rajasthan’s Karauli district. It comprises two principal temples: Nakkash Ki Devi, devoted to Goddess Durga, and Gomti Dham, dedicated to Gomti Das Ji Maharaj, a revered saint and devotee of Lord Hanuman. Positioned along the banks of the Jalsen Reservoir, a sacred pond, this temple complex is renowned for its purported miraculous powers, drawing numerous pilgrims seeking blessings and solutions to their problems. The complex also hosts various festivals, including Guru Poornima and Navratri, adding to its cultural significance and attracting devotees from far and wide. Nakkash Ki Devi Gomti Dham stands as a spiritual beacon, offering solace and divine grace to all who visit.

Timings: Open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

12. Karauli Cattle Fair

The Karauli Cattle Fair, a traditional event held annually in February, coinciding with the festival of Maha Shivratri, is among Rajasthan’s oldest and largest fairs. It serves as a vibrant marketplace where thousands of animals, including cattle, horses, camels, and sheep, are brought for sale and trade. The fair is a cultural extravaganza, attracting numerous visitors keen to experience the region’s rural culture and lifestyle. Alongside the livestock trade, the fair offers a range of activities, including competitions, entertainment, and shopping opportunities. Visitors can peruse and purchase items such as Nagauri bead necklaces, Jodhpuri brassware, horn decorations, and other handicrafts. The fair takes place at the Mela gate of Karauli city, renowned for its historic temples and monuments, adding to the allure of this traditional event.

How To Reach Karauli

1. By Air:
   • The nearest airport to Karauli is Jaipur International Airport, located approximately 160 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Karauli.
2. By Road:
   • Karauli is well-connected by road to various cities in Rajasthan and neighboring states. You can drive to Karauli or take a bus from cities like Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi. There are also regular bus services from nearby towns and cities to Karauli.
3. By Train:
   • The nearest railway station to Karauli is Gangapur City Junction, situated around 35 kilometers away. From Gangapur City Junction, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Karauli.

Karauli Weather & Temperature

Karauli, a city in Rajasthan, typically experiences hot summers with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 45°C (77°F to 113°F) from March to June. Monsoon season, from July to September, brings some relief with cooler temperatures but also heavy rainfall. Winter, from October to February, is quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 25°C (41°F to 77°F).

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