Tonk is a stunning city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, located close to the right bank of the Banas River, 95 kilometres (60 miles) south of Jaipur. Agriculture and animal husbandry is the main employment of the people in this region. This tranquil city, which is from an Asian country, used to be ruled by "Pathans." It is well-known for its felt industry and animal skin, and one may purchase it from the market at a reasonable discount.
The British office is housed in various fascinating structures. The Mauryan king Harshwardhan was in charge of a sizable portion of the state. During the reign of Maurayas, it was absorbed with the states of Malvas. It was absorbed into Malvas while it was still under the rule of Mauryas. Other notable temples in the city include Jodhpuriya, Ram Krishan Mandir, the Nagarfort Temple, Badri Nath Temple, Doonija Mandir, Jain temples, and Jal Devi Mandir. It is a small district in Rajasthan that is situated amid the region's dry and desert regions.
Places to Visit
1) Sunehri Kothi- The Sunehri Kothi, also known as the Golden Mansion, built in the 19th century and located on Najar Bagh Road next to Bada Kuan is Tonk's main draw. The structure appears to be rough and unremarkable from the outside, yet a peek of its royally golden interiors truly lives up to its name. Sheesh Mahal, also known as the glass hall of Sunehri Kothi, is embellished with stunning floral and glass motifs as well as magnificent examples of Meenakari art that are sure to awe visitors. The Rajasthani government has designated Sunehri Kothi as an important historical site.
2) Hathi Bhata- The Hathi Bhata is located about 20 to 30 kilometres from the Tonk-Sawai Madhopur Highway. As the name implies, it is a majestic elephant that has been carved out of a single stone and is a very well-liked tourist destination. This monument, built by Ram Nath Slat under the rule of Sawai Ram Singh, has an inscription on it that tells the tale of Nala and Damayanti.
3) Bisaldeo Temple- The Chahamana king Vigraharaja IV constructed Bisalpur in the 12th century A.D., which is situated 60–80 kilometres from Tonk. Because of the Gokarnesvara temple, commonly known as Bisal Deoji's temple, Bisalpur is regarded as being of great significance. It was built by Vigraharaja IV, a devoted follower of Gokarna. A Shiva linga is kept in the temple's inner sanctuary. Eight towering pillars with flower carvings support the temple's hemispherical dome.
4) Hadi Rani Baori- It is thought that this stepwell was constructed in the 12th century. Its layout is rectangular, and the western side has double-storeyed corridors. An arched entryway flanks each of these corridors. In niches on the lower stories, statues of Mahishasuramardini, Ganesha, and Brahma are revered. Here, sequences from the Bollywood film Paheli, which stars Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, were filmed. It takes roughly two hours to get to this step well from Tonk.
5) The Arabic and Persian Research Institute- The Arabic and Persian Research Institute Rajasthan, Tonk is situated in the valley of the two storied hills Rasiya and Annapoorna, right in the centre of Tonk city. The Institute has a stunning art gallery that opened in 2002 and is open to visitors. It features an impressive collection of magnificent works of art and lovely calligraphic designs. The Institute is home to some of the oldest collections of Persian and Arabic literature and manuscripts, which the Nawabs studied back in the 12th century. Some of the ancient books here are beautifully adorned in gold, emerald, pearls and rubies.
6) Diggi Kalyanji Temple- This temple is arguably one of the oldest Hindu temples still in use at 5600 years old. Here is a shrine dedicated to Shri Kalyanji, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. People from all over the nation come here in droves in order to receive the deity's blessings and relief from their woes. This temple, which is some 60 odd kilometres away from Tonk, is a monument to the skill of bygone eras. The temple's pinnacle, which is supported by 16 pillars, is a very spectacular sight.
7) Jama Masjid- The Jama Masjid in Tonk, one of the biggest mosques in India, is a magnificent example of the classic Mughal architectural style from a bygone period. Nawab Amir Khan, the first Nawab of Tonk, began work on the Jama Masjid. Nawab Wzirudhoula's rule saw the completion of the mosque's construction. The mosque's interior is enhanced by golden paintings and Meenakari, and its outside is clearly recognised by four enormous minars that are visible from a distance. Together, these features define the mosque's exquisite complexity.
8) Bisalpur Dam- The Bisalpur Dam is a gravity dam built on the River Banas, close to Deoli in Rajasthan's Tonk district, and is known as the lifeline of the state capital, Jaipur. The dam's construction was finished in 1999, and ever since, it has served as a significant water source for a number of areas in the state. The Bisalpur Dam not only delivers water to Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, and Tonk districts, but also to around half of the territories governed by the Jaipur Municipal Corporation. For example, you can view more than 50 different species of cold water fish and more than 100 different types of birds here. Boating and other water sports are also available here. The Bisalpur Forest Sanctuary circles this dam to investigate the local animals.
9) Jaldevi Temple- The Jaldevi temple is situated in Tonk, Rajasthan's Bavadi village, close to Todaraisingh. The Jal Devi-dedicated temple is thought to be 250 years old. According to local lore, the Jaldevi statue was first located in a nearby well before being installed in the temple. A notable feature of this location is the three-day fair that is hosted in the temple during Chaitra Purnima.
10) Clock Tower- The Clock Tower, often referred to as Ghanta Ghar locally, is one of Tonk's most historic locations. The Nawab of Tonk, Mohammed Sadat Ali Khan, built it, and it has unique historical value. If the locals' claims are to be believed, an epidemic illness known as "Haiza" existed in the year 1936. The nawab distributed medications to individuals who were harmed by this awful time. In the end, the funds amassed during the procedure were applied to the construction of this famous clock tower. There are frequently activities planned in front of the tower where you can see Tonk's genuine liveliness. Visit the tower, preferably at night, to really immerse yourself in its fascinating past.
11) Shivaji Garden- About 30 kilometres from Tonk, in the Bhagat Singh Colony of Newai town, is where you'll find Shivaji Garden. A lovely tourist site is the garden, which is similar to the Mysore Gardens and the Hiran Magari Park. The garden area is embellished with musical fountains and a swimming pool and covers an area larger than five acres. The garden lies 70 kilometres from the city of Jaipur along the national route.
12) Rasiya Ke Tekri- In the town of Tonk, Rasiya Ke Tekri is a fantastic tourist destination. Folklore has it that the location was given its name in honour of a Kayasth lover who used to sing love songs in the monument. In order to preserve the memorial and commemorate the memory of the Kayasth lover, it was rebuilt in 1859 by Shri Ambaji Maharaj, the Tonk governor at the time.
13) Kalpvriksh- A historic tree called Kalpvriksh can be found in the Tonk district's Balunda village. Many people come to this tree during the Kartik month because it is revered as sacred. People firmly think that the tree grants all of the desires of the worshippers who come to this location.
14) Chandlai- On the Tonk-Kota road, 10 kilometres from Tonk city is the village of Chandlai. Chandla, who at the time was in charge of Tonk, founded it. In addition, he built a pucca pond close to the village and gave it the name Bhala in honour of his daughter. His name is inscribed as Baisakh sudi 15 Samvat 1027 on the pond wall (970 AD).
15) Mandakala- Two kilometres separate Mandakala, a village in Rajasthan's Tonk District, from Nagarfort. It is sometimes referred to as Rajasthan's "Mini Pushkar." The area is lush and green, with lots of trees, making it a haven for environment enthusiasts. The saint Rishi Mandav, after whom the location was named, is thought to have done penance here. The village is home to the well-known Muchkundeshwar Mahadev Temple, which boasts a 4 foot tall Shivling that is a well-known attraction in this area.
How to Reach
Air- Tonk is 94 kilometres from Sanganer airport in Jaipur, which is the closest airport.
Road- Cities like Jaipur, Kota, Gwalior, Bhilwara, and other places have bus service to Tonk.
Train- The Banasthali Niwai railway station, which is 38 kilometres from Tonk, provides trains from Jaipur, Kota, Secunderabad, Bhopal, and Jodhpur.
Best Time to Visit
The town is best visited from October to February because of the mild and pleasant weather. The monsoon season, which is characterised by moderate temperatures and light rain, is another time when tourists can visit this historically significant town.
The months of October through March are the ideal times to visit this wonderful town.
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