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NATURE · RAJASTHANBanswara
The green "city of a hundred islands" on the Mahi river, a tribal heartland right on the Gujarat border.
A green city of a hundred islands
Banswara sits in the far south of Rajasthan, an unusually green district on the Mahi river, close to both the Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh borders.
It is nicknamed the “city of a hundred islands” for the many islets that dot the Mahi and its dam reservoir, and it lies in a tribal Bhil heartland with its own crafts, temples and character.
With lakes, an old palace, the revered Tripura Sundari temple and ancient shrines at Arthuna, Banswara is a peaceful, offbeat trip that is genuinely close to home for Gujarat travellers.
Islets dot the waters of the Mahi around Banswara.
Reasons to make the time
Hundred islands
Islets scattered across the Mahi.
Tripura Sundari
A revered and ancient goddess temple.
Arthuna temples
Ancient carved shrines nearby.
Green & tribal
A lush Bhil heartland by the border.
Top sights in Banswara
Photos via Wikimedia Commons
How to spend an hour or two
See Mahi Dam
Take in the island-dotted reservoir.
Visit Tripura Sundari
Take darshan at the ancient goddess temple.
Relax at Anand Sagar
Walk the lake and its cenotaphs.
Explore Arthuna
See the ancient carved temple ruins.
Enjoy the greenery
Soak up this lush corner of Rajasthan.
When to go
The district is at its greenest and lakes brim.
Cool, pleasant weather for sightseeing.
Hot, despite the greener setting.
🌿 Banswara is greenest in and just after the monsoon, when the Mahi and its lakes are full.
Timings & entry
- Temples and lakes are best by day.
- Sights are scattered; a car is handy.
Getting there
By Air
Udaipur airport is the nearest, about three hours.
By Rail
Limited rail; road is the usual approach.
By Road
About 240 km from Ahmedabad; close to the Gujarat border.
Know before you go
Banswara FAQ
Why is Banswara called the city of a hundred islands?
For the many islets that dot the Mahi river and its dam reservoir across the district.
What is there to see in Banswara?
Mahi Dam, the ancient Tripura Sundari temple, Anand Sagar Lake and the old shrines at Arthuna.
How far is Banswara from Gujarat?
About 240 km from Ahmedabad, close to the Gujarat border in southern Rajasthan.
When is the best time to visit?
The monsoon and the cool winter months, when the district is greenest.
Can I combine it with Dungarpur?
Yes, Dungarpur is about 110 km away and the two pair well.
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