Banswara, the City of a Hundred Islands in Rajasthan, is a peaceful destination with lakes, temples, and tribal culture. Few people know about it, so it’s peaceful and calm. It is also full of green trees, lakes, and rivers, which makes it quite different from the arid desert regions of Rajasthan. Since the city has many small islands in the river, the people named it the “City of Hundred Islands.” It’s a perfect destination for children, families, and nature and photography enthusiasts!
Why Banswara Is Called the City of Hundred Islands in Rajasthan.
The Mahi River runs through Banswara. During the rainy season, the river overflows and forms many small islands. From a boat, these islands look like green dots on the water. A boat ride here is calm and refreshing, especially after the rains.
- There is a great river called the Mahi River running through Banswara.
- The river becomes full and overflowed during the rainy season. Thus, creating several small islands. These small islands also appear like small green spots on the water.
- When you take a boat ride during or after the rains, you can view all these islands.
- Also, experience the fresh air and cool water. It’s too much fun and peaceful!
Banswara’s History – The Story Behind the City of Hundred Islands.
Let us now talk about the Banswara history. There was a king named King Bansia who ruled here long back. The region had a lot of bamboo forests. Hence the name “Banswara” derived from Hindi word “baans,” meaning bamboo. Moreover, most of the people residing here belong to the Bhil tribal community. Moreover, they dress in colorful attire, perform thrilling dances. This includes Ghoomar dance, and organize festive fairs such as the Ghotia Amba fair. They even prepare special cuisine prepared from corn, bajra (millet), and mahua flowers. There are many cool activities in Rajasthan. Let’s explore what to check out.
Must-Visit Tourist Places in Banswara Rajasthan.
Following are some amazing places to visit in Banswara.
- Mahi Dam and Backwaters – You can avail of boating. Also, view the water surrounding the small islands. It’s best done during the rainy season.
- Kagdi Pick-Up Weir – A peaceful and serene place for a picnic and boat tour.
- Diablab Lake – There are lotus flowers floating in the lake! There’s also a serene garden where you can relax.
- Tripura Sundari Temple – A well-known temple where lots of people come to pray.
- Madareshwar Temple – Situated within a cave on a mountain. Also, you get great views from here.
- Arthuna Temples Ruins – These temples are old and built centuries ago. Furthermore, you can observe how smart people built them!
- Andeshwar Parshwanath Jain Temple – A serene temple with nice walls and soothing atmosphere.
Top Things to Do in Banswara – City of Hundred Islands.
- Take boat rides in Banswara on rivers and lakes. If you wish to cover other cities on your trip too, check out the 8 days Rajasthan tour from Delhi.
- Moreover, photograph the temples, flowers, and tribal folk.
- Attend a local fair or dance during the rains. Additionally, it’s music, colors, and enjoyment galore!
Best Time to Visit Banswara – Weather, Festivals & Ideal Months.
| October to March | It’s the best time. Also, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are blue. |
| July to September (Monsoon) | All goes green and refreshing. Moreover, it is nice for photography! |
| April to June | It is hot. If you do visit, go only in the early morning when it’s not too sunny. |
How to Reach Banswara – Travel Guide for Rajasthan Visitors.
- By Road – It is 165 km from Udaipur. You can also travel by car or bus. All you need to do is booking the tour from a reliable travel agency.
- By Train – The nearest major train station is at Ratlam, 80 km away.
- By Air – The airport is in Udaipur. So, you can go to Banswara by car ride.
Where to Stay in Banswara – Hotels, Guesthouses & Local Options.
These are some decent places to stay in Banswara. Prices for one night:
| Hotel Name | Area | Price (Approx.) | What’s Good |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels. | Industrial Area Road, No. 5 | ₹2,300–3500. | Decent rooms with breakfast. |
| Hotel Nakshatra. | Pipli Chowk. | ₹1,800–2,200. | Clean, couple-friendly, good reviews. |
| Utsav Hotel & Resort. | City Center. | ₹2,500–3,500. | Comfortable and good service. |
There are even cheaper guesthouses for ₹720–₹850 for a night. Additionally, if you go during weekdays or off-season (such as rainy season), rates may be lower.
Entry Fees, Opening Hours & Travel Timings for Banswara Attractions.
- Most temples in Banswara and lakes charge nothing to enter.
- Boat trips cost approximately ₹50–₹100 per head.
- Temples open in the morning until evening. You may also refer to signs there for specific timings.
Travel Tips for Visiting Banswara – Rajasthan’s Island City.
Follow these travel tips for a safe journey.
- Keep a water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses handy, particularly during summer.
- It’s comfortable to wear shoes as you will be walking too much.
- If photography is your interest, go early in the morning or late afternoon to get the best light.
- Be respectful and do not harass tribal people or their residences.
- Wear decent clothes when visiting temples or going boat riding. This makes exploring the offbeat places of Rajasthan easy.
- Don’t litter or remove stones or objects from temples or lakes.
Quick Facts About Banswara – The City of Hundred Islands.
Check out the Banswara Rajasthan highlights and quick facts.
| Category | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance from Udaipur | About 165 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Ratlam (80 km distant) |
| Stay Rate Range | ₹800–₹2,500 per night |
| Visit Duration | 2–3 days trip is ideal |
Final Thoughts – Why You Should Visit Banswara in Rajasthan.
It is a serene and magical place. It’s not touristy like the other Rajasthan places. It boasts attractive lakes, tiny islands, ancient temples, and vibrant tribal culture. Do you also prefer peaceful places, nature, and experiencing new cultures? If yes, then you will fall in love with Banswara. You can even include Udaipur or Dungarpur in your trip for extra fun! Thus, pack your bags and take an adventure to explore the beautiful city.
Other Rajasthan Tour Package Suggestions:
- 3 Days Rajasthan Tour Packages from Delhi
- 4 Days Rajasthan Tour from Delhi
- 5 Days Rajasthan Tour by Car from Delhi
- 5 Days Rajasthan Tour: Jaipur, Pushkar & Udaipur
- 6 Days Rajasthan Tour From Udaipur
FAQs
The top places include Mahi Dam, Kagdi Pick-Up Veer, Diablab Lake, Tripura Sundari Temple, Madareshwar Temple, Rosquito of Arthuna Temple, and Andeshwar Parswana Jain Temple.
From October to March, it provides pleasant weather for visiting sightseeing. The monsoon season (July to September) is also beautiful, with green greenery and full lakes.
You can reach Banswara by road from Udaipur (165 km). The nearest railway station is Ratlam (80 km), and the nearest airport is in Udaipur.
Most attractions are free to enter. Boat rides on rivers and lakes are around ₹50-100 per person.
Yes, visitors can experience tribal fairs like Ghotia Amba and can see colorful Bhil Tribal dances such as Ghoomar, especially during the festive season.