|
Sightseeing
Highlights
The 1820
AD Ratangarh fort, built by Bikaner King Ratan Singh, is an example of a
medieval planned city. Salasar Balaji temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman
is a famous pilgrimage centre. The two
fairs held in the months of April and October bring many devotees to this
temple. Raghunathji, Laxminarayanji and Chandgothia temples are
famed for their wall paintings.
Nagarshree, the city
museum is worth a visit. Kanhaiyalal
Bagla Haveli built
around 1880 has a beautifully illustrated frieze. The six-storied Surana
Haveli with its over thousand windows and doors
was built in the 1870s. Malji Ka Kamra is a more recent haveli built by Malaji
Kothari. Sethani ka Johara 3 km on the
Ratangarh road is a beautiful tank built by Bhagwan Das Bagla?s widow during
the famine of 1899.
The Chhatris or memorial domes at Churu like the Aath Kambh Chhatri
(Eight Pillar Dome) built in 1776 and the Godia Chhatri have lovely
murals inside. There are also elaborate Chhatris built to honour merchant
families of Mantri, Bagla and Lohia.
Talchhapar Sanctuary, declared a reserved area in the
year 1962, has a unique eco-system. It is home to the endangered black-buck and many other wild animals
and birds. It also attracts many migratory birds. Tal Chhapar lake in the sanctuary
is a beautiful place to visit.
Other
Activities
You can go on excursions to Dudhwa Khara village (36Km) and Sardar Shahar (46Km) in the
Thar Desert, both known for palatial and
exquisite havelis. Camel safaris are arranged in the village.
At Churu shop for tie and
dye fabrics, handlooms, pottery and leather goods.
Churu is a town on the sandy banks of River Katli. Founded in 1620 AD
by the Jat chief Churu, the land became a settlement of Jat agriculturists over
the years. The wealthy merchants of the city amassed their wealth from
over-land trade to Central Asia. They reached
the peak of their prosperity in the 18th century and built majestic
havelis all over the town made of lime and brick. These havelis have
elaborately carved doors and windows, and murals on the walls and ceilings. The
wall paintings were done by the local Chiteras or painters with vegetable
colours. They are a mine of information on the people and culture of the 18th
century. Churu is famous for its old-world feel, decorated temples, chhatris,
forts and johara or water tanks. |
.gif){kind=small}
