The under-explored Hadoti

Rajasthan needs no introduction, nor does it need elaborate marketing campaigns to attract tourists. The “land of the kings” has been visited by one too many since time immemorial, much before the word tourism came to be understood and comprehended. The largest state of the country is divided into nine regions, and tourism campaigns are designed around the names of these regions, popularising the already well-known Marwar, Mewar and Shekhawati. The other regions, though popularly visited, are not much known by their names. Let us list down all the nine regions here for a quick glance:

1. Ajmer
2. Hadoti
3. Dhundhar
4. Gorwar
5. Shekhawati
6. Mewar
7. Marwar
8. Vagad
9. Mewat

As you mentally count the regions that you have visited so far, we prepare to take you on a tour of the unexplored Hadoti region. Nothing is hidden anymore these days with the advent of technology, ease of commute and proliferation of the latest clan of “influencers”, yet Hadoti is one region that remains under-explored and tourism somehow hasn’t done much justice to the fabulous scenes, sights and experiences that this region has to offer.

Hadoti region comprises the cities of Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar and Baran, with many other smaller towns and villages. The region is rich in heritage, culture, traditions and agriculture. Owing to the presence of the Chambal River, the land is fertile and also holds the distinction of being the grower of Basmati rice after J&K, Himachal Pradesh and the northern plains.

Why must one visit Hadoti? Why haven’t you heard much about Hadoti? What is there to see and experience in Hadoti? How can one reach Hadoti? What would be an ideal itinerary for a tour of Hadoti? So much alliteration, only to draw home the point that there is a long list of attractions from this region. We have compiled this list which is as follows:

1. The historical charm of many palaces, havelis, step wells and forts. These towns are frozen in time, and modernity has not been able to take their historic essence away from them.
2. Bundi is home to a uniquely built fort that rises along the hill. Taragarh Fort’s facade is a picture postcard from some fairyland. The fort is walkable but one must be prepared to ascend the entire height of the hill. The fort’s many chambers and walls are adorned with beautiful frescoes and paintings that have endured decades of harsh winters and dry, scorching summers. The famous British author and poet Rudyard Kipling conceptualised and created his masterpiece “Kim” while staying at the Phool Mahal in Taragarh Fort.
3. A walk through the labyrinthine lanes of Bundi takes one to many historical mansions (havelis) that depict some remarkable fresco painting work. The small sleepy town also houses a maximum number of step wells, each prettier than the other. An ideal hideaway for people with a creative bend, one can meet a long-staying painter or a writer in the small quaint cafes of Bundi.
4. Hadoti now has two Tiger reserves, too - Mukundra and Ramgarh Vishdhari, besides the one-of-its-kind Chambal river wildlife cruise. The cruise offers a safari from a different viewpoint. Imagine otters and you might be able to spot some on the banks of the river as the cruise bends and bobs along the serpentine turns. Many wildlife photographers take the cruise to get their best shots of vultures, owls, hyenas, sloths, mugger crocodiles and many other species of animals and birds. The scenic Garadia Mahadev is also located on one of the many bends of the Chambal. The sight leaves everyone in awe and disbelief. Darrah forest near here makes for an exciting forest safari. Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary of Baran is famous for Black Bucks, Chinkara, Fox and many species of birds.
5. Kota’s historical landscape comprises the Garh Palace, Abheda Mahal , Sharbagh and other historical places that have forever been inviting tourists and locals alike. Centrally located in the city of Kota is an island palace, Jagmandir, in the middle of a lake. Besides the historical charm and nature’s abundance, Kota has newer amusements too making it an ideal destination for people of all age groups. The Seven Wonder Park of Kota has mini replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World. The newly opened Kota Riverfront is a place for solace seekers, meditators, active health and yoga enthusiasts, step-hopping children, peace-loving elderly and curious tourists. Kota barrage has forever been a marvel for people to witness the might of the human mind’s perception, conception and creation. The first smart city of Rajasthan gives you the pleasure of uninterrupted signal-less drive across the city.
6. Jhalawar region was blessed by the presence and dwelling of Buddhist monks, as the remnants of the historical Buddhist caves prove. Those who imagine only desert, camels and scarcity of water when they hear the word “Rajasthan”, will be in for a surprise when they visit the Gagron Fort. A hill and water fort in the state of Rajasthan is sure to leave one awe-inspired.
7. Baran, though a lesser-known sleepy town in the southwest of Rajasthan, is home to an impregnable Shergarh Fort. Baran was once blessed with the footsteps of Buddhist monks who built monasteries here. A meteor impact crater by the name of Ramgarh Crater is located in the Vindhya ranges in Baran district. Many geologists visit the crater for research. The site attracts school and college-going children too. Gugor Fort and Bhand Deva Temple are other attractions of the Baran region.
8. The many well-curated museums of the region give details of the history and lifestyle of the past. Govt. Museum Jhalawar, Garh Palace Kota, Govt. Museum Kota are just a few that must definitely be visited. The collection in these museums will leave you surprised.
9. Like all other cities and towns of Rajasthan, the Hadoti region also has many beautiful, majestic and well-preserved heritage hotels. Noteworthy among the many lovely hotels are the Umed Bhawan Palace, Brijraj Bhawan Palace, Palkiya Haveli, Sukhdham Kothi, Hadoti Palace and many more.
10. Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, there are many waterfalls in and around Kota and Bundi that come to life to their glorious best during the monsoons. Remains of a Gurukul, an ancient Shiva temple and massive waterfalls during the rainy season see many visitors at Menal. Bhimlat Falls and Gaiparnath Falls also draw huge crowds. Historical temples near the cities tell a tale of architectural splendour. Badoli temple complex near Kota dates back to the 10th century CE and is built in the Gurjara Pratihara style of temple architecture. The storytellers at Kansua Mahadev Temple would regale you with the mythological connection of this peaceful 7th Century “dham” with Shakuntala, Dushyant and Bharata, yes(!) The same Bharata on whose name our motherland is named Bharat.
11. Fairs and festivals are an integral part of the lives of the people of Rajasthan. Each place has a unique much-loved festival which renders it different and special as compared to the other regions. Chandrabhaga Fair and Kota Dusshera Mela are unique in their own ways and see thousands of visitors from all over. These also are the best times to meet the tribals from nearby villages.
12. Close to Kota is the village of Kaithun, famous for the delicately woven sarees of Kota Doria. Made in cotton and silk, these sarees/fabrics have left a mark on international fashion. Take a day excursion to Kaithun and spend your day learning the tana-bana of the Kota Doria from the weavers themselves.
13. Kota kachoris and Bundi/Baran’s basmati rice (pulao or biryani) are must-haves when visiting the Hadoti region. Pachdhari Kathh is a locally prepared sweet available during the winter months.
14. Kota is located in central India and shares its borders with the state of Madhya Pradesh. Access to Kuno National Park (Cheetah Park), Indore, Gwalior, Bhopal, and Ujjain is easily available by road. If you are a fashion and textile enthusiast, visiting the weavers of the Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees is quite easy from Kota.

Inspired tours:

Tracing the footsteps of famous personalities from history is an exciting and adventurous way of planning a tour itinerary. Two such itineraries traverse the entire country and have a brief halt in Hadoti. These are:

1. Tracing the footsteps of Rudyard Kipling in India
2. The Buddhist cave trails

Exploring this under-explored region of Rajasthan would be a great idea for your next vacation. We would love to help plan a detailed itinerary for you for Hadoti and would love to even accompany you on your adventure trails. Just drop us an email at [email protected] with your interest, and we shall quickly dish out a crisply conceptualised tour plan. And yes, now you are better equipped with the names of all the nine regions of Rajasthan. Where would you like to go next?