The small rural town of Karauli shares its borders with Madhya Pradesh, Dausa, Dhaulapur and Sawai Madhopur. With considerably plentiful environmental wealth and breathtaking picturesque splendor, Karauli has turned into a popular hot destination with tourists calling on Rajasthan. Countless great antiquated shrines, beautiful decorated havelis and imprinted chatrris dot the whole city. The flawless merger of the classical panache of Mughal buildings with cheerful insignia and elaborate carved stone work echo the true old Rajasthani elegance of construction.
Sightseeing Places in Karauli, Rajasthan
Bhanwar Vilas Palace
Maharaja Ganesh Pal Deo Bahadur, the great monarch of Karauli, got the ancient fortress built in the year 1938. It was preordained to function as the palatial house of the old regal family. Classical buildings with royal panache and antique historical fittings in the spacious interiors are some of the main basic qualities of the Bhanwar Vilas Palace. Recently partially transformed into a rich heritage hotel, it still privately accommodates the wealthy imperial clan of Karauli.
City Palace
Arjun Pal built the palace, along with the town, in the 14th century. However, little or nothing of the original can now be seen. What you do see is the structure erected by Raja Gopal Singh in the 18th century. He chose to adopt the Delhi style of architecture – the abundance of red sandstone in Karauli, similar to that used in Delhi, made the rendering easy. The more embellished additions came in the 19th century. White and off-white stones have been used very becomingly, painted upon with bright blues, reds, browns and oranges. From the terrace atop the palace, you can see the town laid out by the River Bhadrawati below, and the ravines and hills beyond.
Kalyanji Temple
Kalyanpuri, the former name of the city of Karauli, clearly results from the name of the supreme deity Kalyanji who has been rendered a great status of central significance among the 300 odd temples dispersed in and about Karauli. The temples of Madan Mohanji and Kalyanji are considered two of the most vital temples amid the large number of worshippers with the latter exceptionally considered to be the great guiding power behind the well-being and considerable development of the city.
Chhatri of Raja Gopal Singh
The chhatri of Raja Gopal Singh, outside the Nadi Gate leading out of the palace to the river below, is stunningly adorned with frescoes. Dayanand Saraswati, the 19th century reformer and founder of the Arya Samaj, is said to have given a sermon here.
Kaila Devi Sanctuary
The Kaila Devi Wildlife Sanctuary begins right after the temple and runs along both sides of the road all the way to Karanpur, and further on to join the Ranthambhore National Park. Chinkaras, nilgai, jackals and leopards are to be found here, as are birds such as sandpipers and kingfishers.
How to reach Karauli
By Air
The nearest airport is Jaipur, linked with metro towns Delhi and Mumbai, approximately 160 km from the heart of the city.
By Rail
Nearest railhead, Gangapur City, an hour before Sawai Madhopur, is well-connected to Delhi and Mumbai by the Golden Temple Mail and the Paschim Express, and to Kolkata by the Howrah-Jodhpur Express.
By Road
Karauli is a short way off NH 11, which links Agra to Jaipur.
