Introduction
Barmer, 153 km from Jaisalmer, is a miniature Rajasthan. Though identified
with harsh climate and rough terrain is known for its vibrant colour, warmth
and tradition. As per history, Bahada Rao or Bar Rao, founded the district
in the 13th century and gave the town its name - Barmer i.e., the hill fort
of Bar. Barmer is a group of ancient paraganas namely Mallani Shiv,
Pachpadra, Siwana and the Chohatan area and was formed in 1949 upon the
merger of Jodhpur state in the United States of Great Rajasthan. It is
famous for its rich crafts, dances and music and today is the centre for
wood carving, pottery, carpets, intricate emboidery work, block printed
fabrics and multi- hued traditional costumes. Tour to Barmer can be
described as an exciting one, as one gets to travel through rural Rajasthan
where one can see tiny villages with mud walled houses adorned with delicate
folk motifs and villagers in colourful attire. Last, but not the least, is
the magnificent Barmer festival held every year in the month of March which
adds a charm to the place.
Tour Attractions in Barmer
Jasol
Once a principal state of Mallani (Barmer), this age old village derived
its name from the descendants of a Rathore sub-clan. Among the places to see
are a Jain temple and a Hindu temple which is decorated with fine
sculptures, which were brought from a Jain temple of Lord Mahavir.
Juna Barmer
This is an ancient town located on a rocky hill and houses the ruins of an
old fort. Besides the fort, the other places of interest are - a temples
dedicated to Balark (the Sun), the three Jain temples, an incription of 1295
AD and a huge pillar in the hall of the largest temple of Maharaja Kula Sri
Samanta Sinha Deva, a ruler of Bahadmera (now, Barmer).
Khed
Khed was conquered by Rao Siha, the founder of the Rathore clan along with
his son (Asthanji). There are various places of interest here like Vishnu
temple of Ranchhriji, temples of Brahma, Bhairav, Mahadev and a Jain temple.
Kiradu
It is located on the base of a hill near village Hathma in Barmer tehsil.
It was once the capital of Punwars and called as Kiratkoop as per the
incription dating back to 1161 AD. For the lovers of art and archaeology,
there are the remains of five ancient temples-one devoted to Lord Vishnu and
other four to Lord Shiva. Someshwar Temple is the biggest temple here.
Mahaveer Park
Mahaveer Park adds charm to Barmer with its vivacious beauty and freshness.
It is an artistically laid out park with a small museum housing ancient
stone carved statues.
Mallinath Fair
Mallinath Fair is one of the most important cattle fairs of Rajasthan
conducted every year near Tilwara, a village in Barmer District from Chaitra
Budi Ekadashi to Chaitra Sudi Ekadashi (March-April). This fair goes on for
15 days during which buyers of cattle come from Gujarat and other states.
Meva Nagar
This is 12th century village which is nestled on the slope of a hill called
“Nagar Ki Bhakarian”, 9km away from Baltra and was once called
Viranipur. The village has three Jain temples where the largest is dedicated
to Nakoda Parsvanath.
