Bhilwara Travel Guide

Plan your next trip to Bhilwara, India with our complete travel guide, featuring the city's must-visit attractions, hiking routes, best things to do, where to stay, and more.


Bhilwara, a city located in the Ajmer division of the Indian state of Rajasthan, is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and outdoor activities. From museums and historical sites to hiking and biking trails, Bhilwara has everything to offer to its visitors. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through all the must-visit attractions, top activities, hiking and biking routes, best places to stay, food and drink, local culture, safety, and more.

Introduction to Bhilwara

Bhilwara, also known as the textile city of Rajasthan, has a rich history and cultural significance. The city is dotted with beautiful forts, palaces, and temples, making it an important tourist destination in Rajasthan. The city has a vibrant textile industry and is famous for producing a variety of fabrics like suiting, shirting, saree, and dress material.

List of Places to Visit in Bhilwara

Bhilwara is a beautiful city that boasts of many cultural and natural wonders. Here are some of the must-visit places that you should include in your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Badnore Fort and Palace: This magnificent fort is located in the Badnor town of Bhilwara. The fort has a history that dates back to the 16th century and has a stunning architecture that showcases a mix of Mughal and Rajasthani styles.
  • Meja Dam: A beautiful and serene location, Meja Dam is a popular picnic spot famous for its picturesque surroundings, sailing activities and bird watching facilities.
  • Harni Mahadev Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at a height of 3500 feet. The location of the temple provides an excellent vantage point for the breathtaking views of Bhilwara and its surrounding areas.

Natural Attractions of Bhilwara: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Menal Waterfall: This beautiful waterfall is located at a distance of 80 km from Bhilwara and is surrounded by lush green forests. The waterfall is known for its beauty and the soothing sound of water.
  • Pur Udan Chatri: A unique hill station which is situated 20 km from Bhilwara. The hill station is known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets and offers breathtaking views of the sunset and sunrise.
  • Bijolia: This place is famous for its natural beauty and historical significance. Bijolia is home to ancient temples and ruins of a fort that dates back to the 12th century.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bhilwara

Bhilwara has many beautiful trails that are perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the popular routes:

  • Tiloniya To Badnor Trek: The trek starts from Tiloniya Village and goes through the dense forests of the Aravalli Range. The trail is known for its picturesque beauty and is a medium-level trek.

  • Bainatha and Mandalgarh Trek: The trek starts from the Bainatha village and passes through the Mandalgarh Fort. The trail is of moderate difficulty and offers panoramic views of the Bhilwara countryside.

Best Things to Do in Bhilwara: Activities and Tours

Bhilwara has many activities to offer its visitors. Here are some of the top things to do:

  • Explore the Textile Industry: Take a tour of the city’s various textile mills and witness the art of making beautiful textiles.
  • Visit Local Markets: Shop for traditional Rajasthani clothes, handicrafts, and other souvenirs from local markets such as Sarafa Bazar and Dangri Bazar.
  • Take a Heritage Walk: Go for a heritage walk in the old town area of Bhilwara and experience the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bhilwara

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for Bhilwara:

Day Activity
1 Visit Menal Waterfall and Badnore Fort
2 Explore the textile mills
3 Take a heritage walk in the old town
4 Visit Meja Dam
5 Trek to Tiloniya to Badnor
6 Visit Harni Mahadev Temple
7 Visit Pur Udan Chatri and Bijolia

Food and Drink Scene of Bhilwara

The food and drink scene in Bhilwara is a delight for foodies. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Dal Bati Churma: A traditional Rajasthani dish that consists of lentil curry, wheat flour dumplings, and a sweet dish made of wheat flour and jaggery.
  • Laal Maas: A spicy mutton dish prepared with a blend of various traditional Indian spices.
  • Kadhi: A popular Rajasthani dish made of yoghurt, gram flour and few spices.

Local Beverages

  • Lassi: A famous cold drink made from yoghurt and sugar.
  • Buttermilk: A refreshing drink made from yogurt with roasted cumin powder, salt, and water.

Where to Stay in Bhilwara: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bhilwara offers many options for accommodations ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Some of the popular options are:

  • Hotel La Abode: A budget-friendly option that offers basic amenities like wifi, air conditioning, and an on-site restaurant.

  • Hotel Seven Stones: A mid-range hotel offering air conditioning and a 24-hour front desk with a grill restaurant and free wifi.

  • The Bhilwara Garh: A luxury hotel that offers amenities such as an outdoor pool, a spa, and wellness center, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.

What to Buy in Bhilwara: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bhilwara is famous for its textile industry, and hence, visitors should shop for traditional Rajasthani clothes, handicrafts, and other souvenirs such as:

  • Bandhani Sarees: A traditional Rajasthani saree made of cotton or silk and decorated with tie-dye patterns.
  • Wooden Handicrafts: Beautiful artifacts made of wood such as toys, statues, and other decorative items.

Local Culture and Customs of Bhilwara

Bhilwara has a rich cultural heritage and is home to diverse communities. Here are some of the customs and traditions of Bhilwara:

  • Festivals: Bhilwara celebrates many festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Teej, Makar Sankranti, and others with great enthusiasm and zeal.

  • Traditional Clothing: Women in Bhilwara wear traditional Rajasthani dresses such as ghagra choli, sarees, and salwar kameez. Men wear dhoti kurta or western dressing styles.

Best Time to Visit Bhilwara

The best time to visit Bhilwara is from October to March as the climate during this period is pleasant, and the temperatures range between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. This period is ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and cultural tours.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bhilwara

Do:

  • Respect Local Customs: Respect the traditional customs and traditions of the local people.

  • Carry Cash: Carry enough cash as some of the local shops and markets may not accept credit or debit cards.

Don’t:

  • Consume Non-Vegetarian Food in Public: Bhilwara has a large population of vegetarians, and it is considered impolite to consume meat in public.

  • Disrespect Religious Places: Do not dress inappropriately or disturb the sanctity of religious places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bhilwara

Bhilwara is generally a safe city for travelers. However, it is important to take basic safety precautions such as avoiding deserted places at night and keeping your valuables safe.

Health in Bhilwara

Visitors to Bhilwara should take necessary precautions and ensure that they have had all necessary vaccinations before arrival. It is advisable to carry insect repellents as Bhilwara is a mosquito-prone area.

Getting to Bhilwara: Transportation Options and Logistics

Bhilwara is well-connected by air, rail, and roadways. Here are some of the transportation options to get to Bhilwara:

Airports Near Bhilwara

The nearest airport to Bhilwara is the Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, which is located at a distance of 150 km from Bhilwara. Taxis and buses are available from the airport to Bhilwara.

Bus Stations Near Bhilwara

Bhilwara has a well-developed network of bus stations that connect it to major cities in Rajasthan.

Other Options

Bhilwara is also easily accessible by rail, and the city has a railway station that is well-connected to all major cities in India.

How to Get Around in Bhilwara

Bhilwara is a small city, and walking is the best way to explore the city. Taxis, rickshaws, and buses are also available for transportation within the city.

Where to Go Next from Bhilwara: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions from Bhilwara that are worth exploring:

  • Ajmer: A city located at a distance of 135 km from Bhilwara, famous for Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Ajmer Jain Temple.

  • Pushkar: A town located 150 km from Bhilwara, famous for Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, and the Pushkar Camel Fair.

Conclusion

Bhilwara is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes that make it a must-visit destination in Rajasthan, India. With this comprehensive guide, visitors can plan their trip easily and ensure they have an unforgettable experience exploring the textile city of Rajasthan.