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CITY: JHALAWAR

Telephone extension: 07432

JHALAWAR

Located 87km south of Kota, at the centre of an opium producing region, Jhalawar was the capital of a small princely state created in 1838. this little archeological town is well off the beaten track and sees very few travellers. In the centre of town is the run-down Jhalawar Fortwhich today houses government offices. There's also a small government museum which houses a collection of 8th century sculptures, gold coins and old weapons. It is open daily except Friday 10 am to 4.30 pm (free entry).
In October/November the Chandrabhaga Fair is held on the banks of the Chandrabagha River, just outside Jhalrapatan (see Around Jhalawar). On the last day of this fair, thousands of devotees take a holy dip.
The tourist office (( 30091) is in the RTDC's Hotel Chanrawati, but it's not very helpful. It's open daily except Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Bring enough rupees with you for your stay, as there is nowhere to change money in Jhalawar.

Places to Stay & Eat

Purvaj Hotel ((30951), on Mangalpura near the clock tower, has basic rooms, and old haveli has dorm beds for Rs 50 and rooms with attached bath free bucket hot water) for Rs 100/200. Better rooms with a view cost Rs 300. There's a bike hire place nearby ( Rs 10 per day).

Hotel Dwarika (( 22626, on hospital Rd, has rooms with bath from Rs 170/190. the similarly priced (but not so good) RTDC's hotel Chandrawati (( 30015) is on Jhalrapatan Rd.

AROUND JHALAWAR
At Jhalrapatan (City of Temple Bells), 7km south of Jhalwar, are the ruins which has impressive sculptures as well as one of the best preserved idols of Surya (the sun god) in India. The 12th century Shantinath Jain Temple is also worth visiting, as is the imposing Garon fort, 10km from Jhalawar. About 90km from Jhalawar near Kolvi town are ancient Buddhist caves a top a desolate hill. These extraordinary, but poorly preserved, caves are believed to date from the 5th century. It's a short climb to the top, where you'll find large stupas, bat filled meditation chambers and weathered sculptures of Buddha.