This 17th century quiet little town, 113 km north of Bundi and lying en route to Ranthambhore, was once the capital of the only Muslim princely state in Rajasthan. You will find a colorful medley of mansions and colonial buildings here. Lying just south of the big Banas River on the gentle grades of a minor hill range, the old massive enclosed town, originated in 1643 AD and was once the monopoly of the Pathan tribesmen of Afghanistan who came to India.
Sightseeing Places in Tonk
Sunehri Kothi
Founded in the early 19th century, Tonk’s main attraction is the splendid Sunehri Kothi, or “Golden Mansion”, within the palace complex, every inch of its interior covered with gold leaf, lacquer work, molded stucco and striking mirror work achieving a wholly dramatic appearance of a big beautiful chunk of expensive coated jewel. It was constructed by Nawab Mohammed Ibrahim Ali Khan, for classical verse narrations, lively ballets and beautiful melodies.
Arabic and Persian Research Institute
Tonk’s Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Arabic and Persian Research Institute is one of the best professional Indian organizations involved in rapid advancement and continuance of Arabic and Persian studies and has rare, illuminated medieval Islamic manuscripts. Permission to explore the Sunehri Haveli has to be taken from this institute located near the new bus stand. Tonk is also known for its namdah or woolen rugs industry; the designs are either embroidered or appliquéd.
How to reach Tonk
By Air
Jaipur’s Sanganer Airport is just south of the city.
By Rail
Jaipur Station is well connected to Delhi by Ajmer Shatabdi and Delhi-Jaipur Express, to Mumbai by the Bombay Central-Jaipur and Aravalli expresses, and to Kolkata by the Howrah-Jaipur Express.
By Road
NH8 links Jaipur to Delhi via Shahpura and Dharuhera, and to Mumbai via Ajmer, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Baroda, Bharuch, Pardi, Talasari and Manor.
