Dholpur is a small but beautiful city in eastern Rajasthan, known for its red sandstone buildings and peaceful surroundings. The city lies between Agra and Gwalior, making it easy to reach yet less crowded than other tourist spots. With its royal palaces, old temples, and the famous Chambal River Safari, Dholpur is perfect for travelers who want both history and adventure in one trip.
About Dholpur
Dholpur sits along the banks of the Chambal River. The city gets its name from Raja Dholan Deo Tomar, who founded it many centuries ago. Most of Dholpur’s buildings are made of red sandstone, giving the city a warm, golden-red look. This same stone was used to build many famous monuments in India, including parts of the Red Fort and Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi.
Unlike big Rajasthani cities, Dholpur has a quiet charm. You can walk through old lanes, visit royal palaces, and enjoy peaceful views without heavy crowds. It feels more like a discovery than a tourist spot.
Why is Dholpur Famous?
Dholpur is famous for three main things — red sandstone, royal history, and the Chambal River.
- Red Sandstone: Dholpur’s sandstone is known all over India for its strength and beauty. It adds a rich red glow to every building.
- Royal Palaces and Forts: The city is full of historical monuments that reflect the pride of its rulers.
- Chambal River Safari: Dholpur’s biggest attraction is the river safari that takes visitors through one of India’s cleanest and most natural river systems.
People visit Dholpur to see a side of Rajasthan that is simple, natural, and full of character.
Discover Dholpur’s Red Sandstone Heritage.
Now, we will discuss about historical monuments in Dholpur and places to check out. Explore the best India Tour Packages with us.
Dholpur Palace (Raj Niwas Palace) – The Royal Red Gem.
Dholpur Palace was once a palace of kings. Now, it is a hotel where people can stay and observe the life of royal individuals. The palace also has large courtyards, beautiful carvings, and red sandstone walls. Thus, Dholpur sightseeing is perfect for pictures. Moreover, living here overnight provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Lastly, it costs ₹3500–6000 per night. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip today.
Nihal Tower & Dholpur Town Heritage Walk.
Walking around the old town is like traveling through time. But, what’s exciting is that you are also able to view colorful markets. Also, ancient buildings, and tiny shops selling local handicrafts in Dholpur town. Additionally, you can have a guide tell you about the history while walking. This walk is 2 hours long and will cost ₹800–1200 per person. We promise, this is a beautiful experience.
Shergarh Fort – The Ancient Guard of Dholpur.
Located close to the river and provides great views of the Chambal River. Enjoy the Rajasthan road trip with amazing views. You can check out the ancient walls and picture old battles. Did you know? It is one of the historical forts of Rajasthan. It is a great photography spot. The ticket is around ₹100–150, and a guide is ₹500–700. Isn’t it super cheap? So, add this to your bucket list.
Damoh Waterfall – Dholpur’s Seasonal Natural Wonder.
Damoh Waterfall is little but refreshing after monsoon rains. You can also go picnic or click photos here. Dholpur nature spots can amaze you. There is no entry fee, but if you take a guide for security, it will be ₹300–500 per person. Sounds good! Isn’t it? Explore everything you need to know about Rajasthan here
Chambal River Safari – Dholpur’s Top Adventure Experience.
Did you know? Chambal River Safari is an activity one must experience in Dholpur. You also take a boat ride. Additionally, observe wildlife in peaceful and safe surroundings. Do you know? The main site of the start is Chambal Safari Lodge. Also, surrounding areas of the sanctuary.
Wildlife & Birdwatching Along Chambal River.
Hey, do you love wildlife? If yes, this place is for you. You get to spot gharials, marsh crocodiles, and other birds such as flamingos. Moreover, the guide tells you about the animals and their environments as you take the ride.
Chambal Safari Timings & Duration for Visitors.
Early morning or late afternoon when the light is gentle and the temperature is cooler is the best time. Furthermore, safaris take 1–3 hours based on what you wish to spot. Also, check out 10 tips before visiting Rajasthan.
Cost: A 2-hour safari charges is ₹1200–1800 per head. Also, 6–8 persons for private boats can cost up to ₹5000–7000.
Best Time to Visit Dholpur & Chambal River Safari.
October–March: Best for river safaris and palace visits. Also, there’s cool and pleasant weather.
April–June: Take early morning safaris and tours of palaces to escape sun.
Monsoon: Did you know? Waterfalls are in action during this season. But, inquire about river safaris with the operators before visiting.
Two-Day Dholpur Itinerary – Heritage & River Safari.
Here’s a basic Dholpur travel plan for you. Other than this, tourists also book Bharatpur tour package. You can add it in the list as well.
| Day | Morning Activities | Afternoon & Evening Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive at Dholpur. Then, visit Dholpur Palace and Nihal Tower for heritage walk. | Explore Shergarh Fort. Also, enjoy sunset photography along Chambal River. |
| Day 2 | Go for an early morning Chambal River Safari. | Visit Machkund Temple. Also, check out Damoh Waterfall and taste local food. |
Quick Travel Tips
- Ideal time to visit: October to March
- Best safari hours: 7:00–10:00 AM or 4:00–6:00 PM
- How to get around: Hire a local taxi or auto for the day
- Carry: Light jacket, sunscreen, hat, camera, comfortable shoes
- Nearby destinations: Gwalior (45 km), Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (80 km), Agra (55 km)
Estimated Dholpur & Chambal River Safari Trip Expenses.
We have a rough Dholpur trip cost to give you an idea about the tour. It also has Chambal safari price.
| Activity | Cost Range (per person) |
|---|---|
| Dholpur Palace Stay | ₹3500–6000 per night |
| Heritage Walk at Nihal Tower | ₹800–1200 |
| Shergarh Fort Entry + Guide | ₹600–850 |
| Chambal River Safari | ₹1200–1800 |
| Meals & Snacks | ₹300–500 per stop |
| Damoh Waterfall Trek (optional) | ₹300–500 |
Culture and Food of Dholpur
Dholpur’s culture is simple and deeply rooted in Rajasthani traditions. People are friendly and proud of their history. Local festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Gangaur are celebrated with dance, music, and colorful decorations.
Food in Dholpur is rich but not too heavy. You can find spicy curries, dal baati churma, kachori, and sweets like ghewar and ladoo. Small local stalls often serve the best homemade-style meals.
Dholpur & Chambal River Safari – Travel Tips.
- Always carry sunscreen, a hat, and water bottles for daytime trips.
- Book river safaris in advance to avoid missing spots on busy weekends.
- Do not feed animals or wake up birds on safaris.
- Put on walking shoes for forts and heritage walks.
- Mobile connectivity could be poor at river bends, so plan ahead.
Conclusion – Why Dholpur Deserves a Spot on Your Route.
Dholpur is a small city with a big story. Its red sandstone buildings tell tales of kings and warriors, while the calm Chambal River shows the wild beauty of nature. The city stays true to its roots — quiet, royal, and untouched.
For travelers looking beyond Jaipur or Jodhpur, Dholpur is a hidden gem that offers both history and peace in one journey.
FAQs
Dholpur is famous for its red sandstone architecture, royal palaces, and the Chambal River Safari. The unique Dholpur stone has been used in many iconic Indian monuments, including parts of the Red Fort and Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Dholpur is located in the eastern part of Rajasthan, near the border of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It belongs to the Bharatpur division of Rajasthan.
Agra is the closest major city to Dholpur, just around 55 km away. Other nearby cities include Gwalior (45 km) and Bharatpur (80 km), making Dholpur easy to reach for short trips.
Hindi is the main language spoken in Dholpur. However, many locals also understand and speak Rajasthani and Braj dialects due to the city’s cultural mix and regional influence.
Dholpur is situated in eastern Rajasthan, India, along the banks of the Chambal River. It lies between Agra and Gwalior, making it part of the Golden Triangle travel route.
Dholpur is also known as Dhoolpur in historical records and old maps. The city gets its name from Raja Dholan Deo Tomar, who founded it. It’s often called the “Red City of Rajasthan” because of its famous red sandstone used in many royal buildings.
The Raj Niwas Palace, also known as Dholpur Palace, is a royal heritage property built from red sandstone during the British era. It once served as the residence of Dholpur’s royal family and now operates as a luxury heritage hotel known for its grand halls, gardens, and colonial architecture.
Dholpur House is the official residence of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in Delhi. It was named after the Maharaja of Dholpur, who originally owned the property before it became a government building. The structure reflects classic colonial design and red sandstone architecture similar to Dholpur’s own style.
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