Karauli

Karauli is a holy city situated 160 KMS from Jaipur. Earlier called Kalyanpuri, after the local deity Kalyanji, Karauli was founded in 1348 AD. Karauli was strongly fortified by its rulers. The city is surrounded by a wall of red sandstone strengthened by bastions at several places. The peripheral wall, now dilapidated at several places, has six gates and eleven posterns.

As per the legend, the ruling family of Karauli, recognised as the head of the Yadhuvanshi Rajputs, is the descendant of Lord Krishna. Situated 23 kms from Kaila Devi, Karauli was an erstwhile princely state in eastern Rajasthan. Karauli is famous for its pale red-stone. Karauli has some noted places of visit like temples of Kaila Devi and Madan Mohanji and other historic monuments. The annual fair at the Kaila Devi temple is quite popular.

Attractions of Karauli

Bhanwar Vilas Palace-Built as a royal residence, in the year 1938 by Maharaja Ganesh Pal Deo Bahadur, the then ruler of Karauli is the Bhanwar Vilas Palace. The architecture is of colonial style and the interiors are furnished with art-de-decor period furniture.

City Palace – The old, yet monumental City Palace is a treasure trove of architecture, stone carvings, magnificent lattice work and classic paintings. The mesmerizing beauty of Darbar Hall is an experience in itself.

Kaila Devi Fair-The fair of Kaila Devi, popularly known as Mahalakshmi, (the goddess of wealth), holds an important place among the celebrated fairs of Rajasthan. The fair is held at the village Kaila in Karauli district in the month of Chaitra, starting from Chaitra Budi 12 and lasting for a fortnight.

Temples of Madan Mohan ji and Kalyan ji-The city is the home of Shri Madan Mohanji, the deity of Lord Krishna, worshipped by millions of followers from Rajasthan and other states. The ancient and magnificently built temples of Madan Mohanji and Kalyanji are thronged by thousands of devotees every year.