Dholpur

Dholpur is a city in eastern-most parts of the Rajasthan state of India. It is the administrative headquarters of Dholpur District and was formerly seat of the Dholpur princely state, before Independence. Dhaulpur became a separate district in 1982 comprising Dholpur, Rajakhera, Saramathura, Bari and Baseri Tehsils. Dholpur district is a part of Bharatpur Division/Commissionerate. It is bordered by Bharatpur district of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to the north, Madhya Pradesh to the south, Karauli district to the west and Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to the east.

History: Dholpur/ Dhawalpuri was established in 700 AD by Raja Dholan Dev Tomar and most likely the name of city was changed to Dholpur after him. He resided 10 km south west of Dholpur at a place called Bilpur near chambal where a fort still exists. His descendant Raja Dhawal Deo built the new town of Dholpur in 1050 AD. Their descendants are still living in the area and till independence were rulers of many small chieftainships in Morena and Gwalior. He was ruler of country between Chambal and Banganga. The Dholeshwar Mahadev Temple built by this Raja was washed away in Chambal floods of 1868. The Tomars lost sovereignty to Jadu's of Karauli. After the battle of Panipat, Babar became the first Mughal ruler of Hindustan. His rule was not a bed of roses in the early years of his reign. Dhaulpur was taken by Sikandar Lodhi in 1501, who handed it to a Muslim governor in 1504. After the death of Ibrahim Lodi, many states declared themselves independent. Talai Khan became the ruler of Gwalior. Similarly, Mohammed Jaifoon declared himself the ruler of Dholpur.

In 1527, Dhaulpur fort fell to Babur and continued to be ruled by the Mughals until 1707. After the death of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Raja Kalyan Singh Bhadauria obtained possession of Dhaulpur, and his family retained it until 1761. After that, Dholpur was taken successively by the Jat ruler Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur; by Mirza Najaf Khan in 1775, by the Scindia ruler of Gwalior in 1782, and finally, by the British East India Company in 1803. It was restored by the British to the Scindias under the Treaty of Sarji Anjangaon, briefly, and was soon reoccupied by the British. In 1805, Dhaulpur came under the Jat ruler, Kirat Singh of Gohad, a princely state, a vassal of the British during the Raj. After Mughals Rana (mainly used by rajpoots)vansh of Jats become ruler of Dhaulpur, during British Raj, it was part of the Rajputana Agency, till the Independence of India.

Tourist Attraction: The key to the ancient history of Dholpur is the ruins of strength fort which is situated on the bank of river Chambal. Places to visit in the city are Ramsagar Sanctuary, National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife Sanctuary, Shree Ramchandra and Hanuman Temple, Van Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Shergarh Fort: It is an old fort of historic importance, located towards the south of Dholpur town, beside the Chambal River. It was named after the Sultan of Delhi, Sher Shah Suri, and the Shergarh fort was initially built as a form of defense against the rulers of Mewar in mid-16th century. The fort is the model of rich delicate style architectures of past. Festooned with carved images, statues of Hindu gods and Jain motifs, Shergarh Fort was protected by water, considered as the charm of Dholpur. 5 km from Dhaulpur on the banks of Chambal River At a distance of the huge historical fort of Shergarh stands in “Khander” state. It was built by Jodhpur Naresh Maldeo around 1532 AD. After this, in 1540 AD the Sher Shah re-rebuilt it, this is why it is called the fort of Shergarh. Here, as an ancient heritage, many giant 25 tons of octal metal were kept on the walls of the fort.  Among them, a gun named Hanuhunkar is kept in Indira Park nowadays. Whose length is 19 feet and circumference is 10 feet. These monopods have carvings a very beautiful painting of the Mughal style.

Khanpur Mahal: Khanpur Mahal was an urge home for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The beautiful structures of Khanpur Mahal are the major attractions which mesmerize the visitors. Khanpur Mahal, adjacent to Talab-e-Shahi, a medieval Mughal era monument, is one of the prime attractions of Dholpur. Khanpur Mahal, an elegant pleasure palace built in 17th century, is located about 27 kms from the city of Dholpur. It is situated on the banks of a beautiful and famous lake Talab-e- Shahi. Both the lake and the palace were constructed in 1617 AD as an urge lodge for Prince Shah Jahan. Khanpur Mahal, a series of connected pavilions, was though built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan but he never came here for shooting or pleasure purposes. The area around Khanpur Mahal and Talab-e-Shahi served as hunting grounds. The historic man-made lake attracts a large number of migratory birds like Pintals, shoveler, red-crested pochard, common pochard, tufted duck, common teal, garganery teal. The beautiful structures of Khanpur Mahal are the major attractions which mesmerize the visitors.

Much Kund: Located 8 kms away from Dholpur, Muchchhkund is a revered Hindu site. It was named after Raja Muchchhkund the 24th king of the Suryavanshi Dynasty (the solar race) who is believed to have reigned nineteen generations before Lord Ram. That was thousands of years ago, and it's really surprising how the legend has survived. The place bursts forth with life once a year when it becomes a pilgrim site. There are also the ruins of an ancient fort (1286) built by one Firoz Shah.

Nihal Tower (Ghantaghar): Situated at the Town hall road, this 150 feet high tower was made by Raja Nihal Singh in 1910. The foot of the tower is covered with 12 gates of similar size and cover around 120 feets.  Rana Ram Singh of Dholpur was the Jat ruler of the princely state Dholpur (1901–1911) in Rajasthan, India. He was from Bamraulia gotra of Jats. He was born on 26 May 1883 and succeeded Rana Nihal Singh in 1901 after his death. Rana Nihal singh was not of age when ascended to the throne. He got full rights in March 1905. Nihal Singh constructed Nihal tower.

Talab -E- Shahi Lake:  Just 40 kms from Dholpur is yet another scenic and historic lake known as Talab-e-shahi. Both the lake and the palace were constructed in 1617. They were considered as the shooting lodge for Price Shahjahan. As a memorial, Talab- E- Shahi was made by the rulers of Dholpur. Number of migratory lakes used to visit this lake. Migratory fowls like Pintals, shoveller, redcrested pochard, common pochard, tufted duck, common teal, garganery teal.

Laswari: It is here where Daulat Rao Scindia was defeated at the hands of Lord Lake. The oldest Mughal garden, built by Babur was dicovered at Jhor, the grandeur of which is still reflected in by its ruins. Damoh Waterfall and Kanpur Mahal are some of the places not to be missed.

Ravines of Chambal: Just close to the ravines of Chambal, where no vegetation can occur, is the world’s oldest mountain range, The Aravallis, situated across 113 kms of area. It has been attempted in this paper to explain the formation of deep ravines in semi-arid region along the river Chambal and its tributaries in almost flat alluvial plains, having high percentage of clay that has low dispersion co-efficient. The role of river depth, meandering, confluence, pot holes, cracks and the catchment to the formation of ravine has been critically examined. The process of scouring greater than the process of silting in the river and its tributaries in deep alluvial plains has been found to be the main reason of the deepening of the river that has a direct bearing on the depth of ravine. It has been revealed that ravine has a separate identity than a network of gullies. While the former as the function of the river depth remains invariably confined to the vicinity of the river and tributaries and proceeds from the river bank to the agricultural fields the latter is the function of the catchment, distinguished by longitudinal development and proceeds from upland to the river or low-lying areas.


Sone ka Gurja (Gold Gurja): Just 19 km distance from the city 'Sone ka Gurja (Gold Gurja)' named temple is situated from the time of King Ashok. It has big carved dome on the top.

Damoh Waterfall: Damoh Waterfall situated on Sarmathura, Dholpur, Rajasthan, India, is one of the famous places in Dholpur. This waterfall becomes active in July-September and it takes you to top places near Dholpur to visit and unwind. With a variety of fauna and greenery around, this waterfall emerges as prime visiting places in Dholpur with other Dholpur attractions. Your search for a great picnic spot comes to an end when you opt for this waterfall as top Dholpur tourist attraction places and key Dholpur sightseeing places. Ranked higher on the list of the best sightseeing places in Dholpur, this tourist destination entices a large number of travel enthusiasts with its widespread natural beauty. If you want to bring the best out of the best places in Dholpur to see and unwind, you better purchase the best Dholpur sightseeing package that pinpoints Damoh Waterfall as a part of sightseeing at Dholpur.

Much Kund Temple: Muchkund Temple is located 5 kms from Dholpur. It has a reservoir surrounded by a series of temples of different dates. The name comes from a Raja Muchkund, who is believed to have ruled 14 generations before Rama (from the Ramayana glory). King Muchkund was son of legendary king Mandhata. There are also the ruins of an ancient fort (1286) built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Muchkund cave and Muchkund tank are places of religious importance. As the legend goes, Suryavansi Muchkund, a righteous king, had ruled over the land for a long time before the incarnation of Lord Ram. Raja Muchkund had fought several wars and killed several demons. His valor and righteousness were put in high esteem by the gods. The king, for killing mighty demons, was given a boon by the gods, that any one disturbing him while asleep, would be instantly burnt. Lord Krishna was chased by Kal Yavan, a demon, was led into that cave. The demon disturbed sleeping king in ignorance and anger. As the king opened his eyes and saw Kal Yavan, the mighty demon got instantly burnt to ashes.

Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple: Located in the Dholpur district of Rajasthan is a miraculous Shivling which changes its colour three times in a day. Known as Achaleshwar Mahadev, this Shivling is red in the morning; it changes colour to saffron in the afternoon and becomes wheatish in the evening. Why it changes its Colour is a mystery that hasn’t been unraveled yet. Nobody even has an idea how deep the roots of this Shivling are. It is said that once a few devotees dug the surrounding area in order to find out its depth but they were unable to reach the other end. Though this temple is quite popular but since it is situated in the remote area of Chambal, which makes it a bit difficult to access, a lot of people are not able to pay a visit to Achaleshwar Mahadev. It is believed to be about 1000 years old and the Shivling is carved out of an old rock. It is said that Achaleshwar Mahadev grants the wishes of every devotee especially young girls and boys who come to pray for success in their career, job and marriage.

Chopra Temple: This is a historical monument which boasts great architectural beauty of all times. The shiva temple is located near the Gwalior Agra Road. Chopra Temple is the oldest Mahadev temple in Dholpur. Intricately carved and 45 meter high Chopra Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located near the Gwalior-Agra road and is a monument of great architectural beauty. The temple had been built by Rajdhar Kanhaiya Lal who was ‘diwan’ in the royal court of Maharawal Bhagwant Singh. Diwan Rajdhar Kanhaiya Lal was maternal uncle (‘Mama’) of the Maharawal. A stone-built stair of twenty five steps lead to the plinth of the temple. The temple is unique from the architectural perspective. Its unique sanctum sanctorum (‘Garbhagriha’) is octagonal in shape. It has eight doors in its eight walls. Constructed in 1856, Chopra Temple is marked with delicately and tastefully chiseled sculptures on walls, doors and spire. This Shiva temple is a beautiful example of the 19th century Nagara style of north India temple architecture. The temple campus is located adjacent to a water tank (kund). Though the temple holds great esteem among the devotees, particularly in the Chambal region, and is maintained nicely but the adjoining tank (kund) is in shamble due to the absence of maintenance. Its importance in region can be understood by the fact that Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Shri Jayendra Saraswati has also come to Chopra Mahadev Temple for worship and do ‘shringaar’ of the presiding deity Lord Shiva. During Hindu festival of Mahashivratri, a large cache of devotees throng here to worship Lord Shiva and be blessed.

Ramchandra and Hanuman Temple: At 4 km distance from Dholpur, the famous Hanuman temple and Ramchandra are situated, that was built in the period of King Kirtsingh. The statue of Hanuman is 7 feet high is a unique heritage. This temple also has statue of "Lord Ram" in 24 incarnations which mesmerize viewers.

National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife Sanctuary: National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for the rare Ganges river dolphin. The sanctuary was founded in 1978 and is part of a large area co-administered by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, within area of 5,400 km?. Approximately 400 km of the river is within the reserve. Apart from the Ganges River Dolphin, the other inhabitants of the sanctuary include mugger crocodile and gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). Migratory birds from Siberia form its rich avian fauna.

Ramsagar Sanctuary: Ramsagar Wildlife Sanctuary Ramsagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the vicinity of Van Vihar wildlife sanctuary. It is located 18 km away from Van Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary. Ramsagar sanctuary is covered with lake called Ramsagar Lake which invites many foreign birds during winters. This sanctuary displays large range of reptiles like snakes and crocodiles. It is abode for rare fishes of fresh water which are disappearing and rare species. Ramsagar Wildlife Sanctuary allures nature enthusiasts and photographers that wish to grab glimpses of rare species of birds. Ramsagar is abode for many migrant birds that spend some parts of year at this sanctuary. Currently, the park holds daughter, cormorants, ibis, white breasted water hen, jacanas, moorhen, stilt, ringed plover, herons, sand piper and river tern species of birds. Apart, the reserve is also known for aquatic animals found in the Ramsagar Lake. Travelers get complete package of fun and enjoyment while coming at Ramsagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Dholpur.

Van Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary: Van Vihar Wild Life Sanctuary is situated almost 18 km away from Dholpur. This wildlife sanctuary reserve of the paragons of Dholpur.It almost covers an area of 59.86 km. It has a rich variety of wildlife. Van Vihar, located on Vindhyan plateau, supports a rather open stunted growth of Dhok and Khair trees. It is inhabited by animals like Sambhar, Chital, Blue Bull, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Hyena and Leopard. Tigers were present in the area till the end of the nineteen sixties. It is said that Maharaj Udaibhan Singh of Dholpur had a great liking for the wild animals of Van Vihar. He used to hand feed not only the deer and antelopes in the reserve but also animals like foxes, jackals and birds. There is an old forest rest house in Van Vihar. It was initially built by the rulers of Dholpur. It is now maintained by the forest department and can be booked in advance by contacting the Dy. Conservator of Forests, Dholpur. Ramsagar part of the sanctuary has Ramsagar Lake. The lake is very picturesque and supports rich acquatic life including fresh water crocodiles and a number of species of fishes and snakes. Water birds like Cormorants, Darter, Ibis, White-Breasted Water Hen, Moorhen, Jacanas, Stilt, River Tern, Ringed Plover, Sand Piper and Herons (grey, and purple) are quite common. During winter months, migratory ducks and geese also visit the lake in good numbers. A four wheeler vehicle is necessary if one intends to visit Ramsagar area and the lake. About 40 kms. From Dholpur is a picturesque and historic lake called Talab Shahi. The lake and the palace were built in 1617 A.D. as a shooting lodge for Prince Shahjahan. A palace and the lake were later maintained by the rulers of Dholpur. The lake attracts a large number of winter migratory fowls like Pintail, Shoveller, Red Crested Pochard, Comnion Pochard, Tufted Duck, Common Teal, Garganey Teal, Wigeon and Gadwall.

The Ancient Mughal Garden: The oldest Mughal Garden of the Indian subcontinent, built in 1527 AD by Babur, is located in the small village of Jhor (about 15 km from Dholpur). The historic Mughal Garden in Dholpur was discovered in 1978 AD by Elizabeth Moynihan, the American Ambassador's wife of that time in India. Using Babur's autobiography as a guide, Elizabeth meticulously traced clues from Uzbekistan to Dholpur. But by that time much of the once- an- elaborate- garden was well wiped. The Archaeological Survey of India has put in lot of efforts to keep the remains nicely preserved. Being impressed with the beauty of the hills in Dholpur, Babur instructed Ustad Shah Mohammad to flatten a hill by cutting it; and digging & carving out a foliated octagonal water tank. The diameter of the tank is 8.8 meter. Adjoining it are smaller lotus shaped pounds. The large water tank and smaller ponds, connected with water channels, have been chiseled out of a single outcrop of the rock. Other structures are hammam, a standing octagonal well with radiating chutes, a structural complex and Sikander Lodi’s bund on the reservoir to the west of the village. The garden was named by Babur as the Bagh-i-Nilufar, meaning ‘Lotus Garden’.

Bari Heritage and Hunting Lodge: One of the largest lodges in Rajasthan's Dholpur is the Bari Heritage and Hunting Lodge. Built by Mughals with lush green cover, the hunting lodge at Bari is built in an L shape around a lake. The lodge has three pavilions which form the L-shaped structure. These pavilions also have an exclusive enclosure made by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, and also has hammams, where Sha Jahan used to relax. The lake itself is home to hundreds of migratory and native birds.

Muchkund Fair: Muchkund holds remarkable stage in Hinduism and well known significant values of spirituality. It is a teerth.A huge fair is organized every year here in the month of August- September. This fair is called Machkund Ka Mela or Dev Chhat Ka Mela by locals. The city witnesses of huge turnout of devotees during the fair.

How to Reach: 

By Air: Nearest airport is Agra 55 Kms. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi 286 Kms.  Is connected with rest part of the world with frequent flights.




By Rail: Dholpur is a junction of North Central Railway and falls on the busy rail route which connects national capital Delhi and other important cities of Rajasthan and India.




By Road: Dholpur is well connected by road route. The highway connecting Agra and Bombay passes through Dholpur. Its distance from nearest important cities: - Jaipur, Agra, Delhi, Gwalior.

                                 Have A Nice Day