Carved out of the erstwhile state of Jodhpur, Pali is the administrative headquarters of Pali district in the Marwar region of Rajasthan. It boasts a rich cultural heritage and a number of empirical getaways for the heritage traveler looking for an off-beat option. From the Marwar Rajputs, to the Mughals to the struggles of the Sepoy Mutiny, today Pali is known for its beautiful Jain temples, forts and Havelis.
Resembling an uneven triangle, Pali district shares a common border with eight districts in Rajasthan namely, Nagaur and Jodhpur in the north, Barmer in the west, Rajmasand and Udaipur to the southeast, Ajmer to the northeast and Sirohi and Jalore in the south and southwest respectively.
Whether you are looking for the rich cultural history of the Marwar dynasty, interested in checking out some historic and modern temples or wanting to try the famous sweet, Gulab Halwa, Pali has something great in store for you.
Here are some of the best things you can experience in one of Rajasthan’s popular royal destinations.
1. Hatundi Rata Mahavir Swami Temple
Shri Rata Mahavir, Hathundi Tirth, near Falna and Ranakpur, Rajasthan The Hathundi Tirtha in the Aravalli hills, is...
Posted by JainUniversity on Thursday, 18 October 2012
This multi-coloured marvel of construction, built in the shape of the pyramids of Egypt, is a delight for many travelers. The exquisite pink and white temple made in the year 313 is dedicated to the Jain saint Mahavira and is arguably the most magnificent temple in Rajasthan. An imposing statue of Lord Mahavira is housed inside the inner sanctum of the temple.
About 135 cms (53 inches) in height, the idol of the Shri Mahavir God is made of bricks, sand and calcium and has a blood red colour. Vidagdharaj, the son of King Harivardhan, accepted Jainism and renovated this temple in the year 916. The main temple is surrounded by 24 small temples, containing the idols of 24 Teerthankars. It has undergone many renovations since.
Address: Hatundi Rata Mahavir Swami Temple
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm.
Access: Railway Station: Jawai Damm (Bandh) Road Routte: 3 km (1.86 miles) outside Bijapur village on Pindvada-Bali road. The village is at a distance of 20 km (12 miles) from Jawai Damm (Bandh) station, 28 km (17 miles) from Phalana and 32 km (20 miles) from Ranakpur. It has a direct approach from Bali via Sirohi-Pali state road route no. 27. Pilgrims can also follow the route of Udaipur via Gogunda-Ranakpur.
Contact: +91 02933 40139, +91 904 203 0874
2. Om Ashram
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Swami Maheswarananda established the Ashram in 1990 to promote the ancient Indian science of yoga and Vedic culture. Spread over a sprawling area of 250 acres (101 hectares), the central building of this huge complex is constructed in the shape of the symbol ‘om’. The ecologically managed Ashram can accommodate up to 500 students for education in yoga, Sanskrit and philosophy.
The sound of om consists of three letters: A, U and M. It represents the cosmic vibration and is the original eternal sound. This central monument will be the largest manmade symbol of om in the world. The 108 compartments of residential units form this impressive om shape.
This centre is dedicated to the protection of all life, the environment and world peace. It hosts various charity events and supports education and healthcare.
The Om Ashram is part of the Om Vishwa Deep Gurukul Swami Maheshwarananda Ashram Education & Research Centre, Jadan district, Pali, Rajasthan, India.
Address: Om Ashram
Price: Free
Number of Guests: 500
Access: 306 401 Jadan, Distr. Pali, Rajasthan
Contact: +91 2935 274 035, +91 2935 274 071 Mobile: +91 900 1295 131 Fax: +91 2935 274 008 Email: info@omashram.com Website: Om Ashram
3. Bangur Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Bangur Museum is a popular museum nestled in the heart of the city near the old bus stand. Named after Mr. Bangur Juar, it is a great place for school kids and history lovers who would like to have a look at the rare collection of artifacts and antiquities like coins, arms and artistry.
The rare collection of various sculptures, coins of historical interest, stone items of the Paleolithic period, miniature paintings and wooden handicrafts will make you wonder about the history and rich legacy of ancient India. The items in the museum are categorized under six sections: the pre-historic section, the second archaeological section, the numismatic and epigraphic (copper-plate) section, the painting section, the arms and armor section and the handicraft and exhibit of tribal life.
Address: Bangur Museum, Pali
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 10am - 4.30pm Nearby Hotel - Hotel Panihari
Access: By Road: Bangur Museum is located at the center of Pali city, near the old bus stand. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Bangur Museum is well connected through Pali Railway station to major cities railway stations, like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Agra, Bikaner, Pali, Jaipur and Ahmedab By Air: Bangur Museum can be reached through Jodhpur Airport, 75 km (47 miles) away and is well connected with regular domestic flights to Mumbai and Delhi.
Website:Bangur Museum
4. Jawai Dam
A spectacular setting, with lots of water birds and crocodiles, calm Jawai Dam is a must see, in Pali. Situated between the rocky hillocks of Pali, around 150 km (93 miles) from Udaipur, it is the only tourist attraction in Rajasthan where you might have a chance to see a leopard while watching migratory birds. A few kilometers from Varawal Camp, this small dam is built over the Jawai river, forming a reservoir which, besides crocodiles, attracts many migratory water birds like cormorants, spoonbill, pelicans, flamingos, herons and cranes.
Jawai Dam is a wonderful birding paradise and the topography of Jawai Dam is mesmerizing. Its rocky terrain and natural granite hills of interesting shapes makes it an ideal spot for a picnic in the winter.
Address: 150 km (93 miles) from Udaipur, a few kms from Varawal Camp
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm.
Access: Can be reached by four wheeler
5. Sardar Samand Lake Palace
Built on the banks of a beautiful lake by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933, the Sardar Samand Palace is a lakeside lodge offering excellent bird watching in the winter. It houses a vast collection of African trophies and original watercolors by Snaffles and it is a favorite retreat for the Royal families. The palace has its own boathouse, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts and Oriental Garden. There are 18 elegantly and sumptuously furnished air-conditioned rooms in Art Deco style. The large grounds along the lake make for pleasant walks.
Sardar Samand Lake Palace
Address: Sardar Samand, Sojat, Sojat, India, 306103
21.17 km (13.2 mi) from Om Banna Temple
6. Nimbo Ka Nath Temple
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Nimbo Ka Nath Mahadev Temple is a lord Shiva temple situated on the Falna to Sanderao route in Pali.
This temple attracts many tourists all year round. A number of fairs are organized by the temple that witness the large rush of devotees.
Address: Nimbo Ka Nath Mahadev Temple is situated on the Falna to Sanderao route in Pali
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm.
Access:Falna can be reached easily by bus or train.
7. Ranakpur Temple
Ranakpur, known for its spectacular marble Jain temple is among the most famous places to visit in Pali. It is located between Jodhpur and Udaipur in Desuri Tehsil near Sadri town in Pali district.
The construction is well documented in a 1437 CE copper-plate record, inscriptions in the temple and a Sanskrit text. The inscription on a pillar near the main shrine indicates that in 1439 Deepaka, an architect, constructed the temple at the direction of Dharanka, a devoted Jain. The construction continued until 1458.
The temple was renovated from time to time. There is also a small Sun temple which is managed by the Udaipur royal family trust. The temple has been managed by the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi trust for the past century.
How to reach:
It is 162 km (101 miles) from Jodhpur and 91 km (56 miles) from Udaipur, in a valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range. The nearest railway station to reach Ranakpur is Falna station. Ranakpur is easily accessed by road from Udaipur.
Website: Ranakpur Temple
Grandeur and peace
Whether you are looking for the grandeur of the Marwar dynasty or peace and tranquility amidst the hillocks, Pali has everything. You have to come and experience them for yourself at least once in your lifetime.
History
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