Baran: Forested Hills, Protected Areas and Temples
Accommodation in Baran
Baran is defined by forested hills and valleys, as well as protected areas, temples and historic structures in the district and its surrounding area. This mix offers a range of options for your trip: you can explore nature and landscapes, view collections in the museum, or visit temples and forts. When choosing your holiday rental, it is worth considering in advance which of these interests matter most to you.
Landscapes and protected areas
Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary is home to endangered plant species, as well as tigers, sloth bears and leopards. It is easily accessible by road. Those interested in the natural region will find a different focus at Sorsan Wildlife Sanctuary: this bird sanctuary covers 41 km² and is characterised by scrub vegetation and numerous bodies of water.
The Ramgarh Crater is another distinctive natural feature in the area around Baran. It is about 3.5 km wide, was formed by the impact of a meteorite and has been designated a geological monument of national importance. The crater lies about 40 km from Baran. Its formation and designated status make it a destination for travellers who want to include geological features alongside culture in their interests.
Temples, museum and historic sites
The Government Museum of Baran houses a range of collections: exhibits include sculptures, paintings, weapons and decorative artefacts, as well as depictions of local temples and forts. The museum offers an introduction to different forms of regional art and history. In Ramgarh, the Bhand-Devara Temple is listed for Baran District in Rajasthan’s state register of protected monuments.
The Ramgarh-Bhand-Devra Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, dates from the 10th century and was built in the Khajuraho style. It lies about 40 km from Baran City. On the banks of the Parvan River, the Kakuni temple complex includes temples dedicated to Jain, Vaishnava and Shiva traditions; some date from the 8th century. Kakuni lies about 85 km from Baran. The Bansthuni Temple on Shahabad Road, about 24 km from Baran, was built in the 9th or 10th century. Its features include carved pillars, toranas and a sculpted image of Lord Vishnu’s Varaha avatar.
Other historic destinations each have their own distinctive features. Shergarh Fort stands on the banks of the Parvan River and bears an inscription dated 790 CE; it lies about 65 km from Baran District. Shahabad Fort dates from the 16th century. It was built in a densely forested area and is surrounded by the Kunda-Koh Valley; it is about 80 km from Baran. Shahabad’s Shahi Jama Masjid was built during the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, modelled on Delhi’s Jama Masjid, and is known for its impressive pillars and intricately crafted mehrab. It lies about 80 km from Baran.
Weighing up places and travel interests
Sitabari is both a religious site and a picnic spot. It has temples dedicated to Sita and Lakshman, as well as several kunds, including Valmiki Kund, Sita Kund, Lakshman Kund and Surya Kund. Tapasviyo ki Bagechi is a picnic spot in Shahabad near Baran, visited by tourists and locals for recreation and quiet. Those interested in regional traditions can also experience Chakri: in this folk dance of the Kanjar community, associated with parts of Baran District, the women dancers spin to the rhythm while the men accompany them on the dholak.
The Sitabari–Sahabad route is designated as one of the two tourist routes in Baran District. When choosing your holiday rental, you can therefore start by deciding whether you would like to focus on natural areas, temples and historic structures, or religious sites and regional culture. The destinations listed are not all the same distance from Baran; take the stated distances into account when choosing a location.
Anta, Baran, Atru, Kawai and Chhabra in Baran District are connected to the railway network. For other places in the district, you can continue exploring with Pachhar and Kelwara.
For the overview of the wider region, see: Rajasthan.
More destinations
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