Tonk - Renowned For Old Havelis and Mosques.

A small town near the city of Jaipur, Tonk is one of the most interesting places in Rajasthan and is renowned for its old havelis and mosques. This elegant town of Jaipur was once ruled by the Pathans of Afghanistan. The ancient town takes pride in its beautiful architectural wonders, established during the Mughal era. The Nawab of Tonk was very fond of literature and built a large library of Persian and Arabic manuscripts. Founded in the 17th century, the town of Tonk serves as a host to several mansions, mosques and British colonial buildings. This cross-cultural town is a mixture of Rajput buildings and Muslim architecture, which sets this town apart from others. Rich in cultural heritage and magnificent structures, Tonk attracts tourists from all over the world.

This historic city formed a part of Harsha Vardhan's empire during which the Chinese traveller Fa-Hien visited India. The King of Jaipur, Raja Man Singh conquered Tari and Tokra Janpad, during the Akbar regime. 12 villages of Tokra Janpad were given away to Bhola Brahmin in the year 1643. Later, the name 'Tonk' was given to these twelve villages by Bhola. Connected to the Bairath culture and civilization, Tonk has a rich historical backdrop. The modern town of Tonk was founded by Nawab Amir Khan. Formerly a princely state, it became a part of Rajasthan in 1948. Tonk is often described as Rajasthan ka Lucknow, Adab ka Gulshan, Romantic poet Akhtar Shreerani ki Nagri, Meethe Kharboojo ka Chaman and Hindu Muslim Ekta ka Maskan. A historical town of archaeological significance, Tonk is an absolute delight for any tourist who visits this town.

Jama Masjid Tonk

Attractions & Places to Visit and Explore in Tonk

Come explore the wonders and sites that Tonk has to offer. There’s always something to see in Rajasthan.

Sunehri Kothi, Tonk

The main attraction of Tonk is the 19th century Sunehri Kothi or the Golden Mansion, situated near Bada Kuan on Najar Bagh Road. The building seems to be rugged and ordinary from its exteriors but a glimpse of its royal golden coloured interiors does absolute justice to its name. Sheesh Mahal, or the glass hall of Sunehri Kothi, is adorned with the amazing glass and floral work along with exquisite samples of Meenakari work that are sure to leave spellbound. Sunehri Kothi has been declared as an important historical monument by the Government of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Arabic and Persian Research Institute

The Arabic and Persian Research Institute Rajasthan, Tonk is located in the heart of the Tonk city in the valley of two historical hills of Rasiya and Annapoorna. The Institute has a beautiful Art gallery, started in the year 2002, with an impressive display of magnificent arts and beautiful calligraphic designs that are open to the visitors. The Institute houses some of the oldest collection of books and manuscripts in Persian and Arabic, which were studied by the Nawabs back in the 12th century. Some of the ancient books here are beautifully adorned in gold, emerald, pearls and rubies.

Hathi Bhata Rajasthan

Situated around 20-30 kilometres from the Tonk- Sawai Madhopur Highway is the Hathi Bhata. Carved out from a single stone, as the name suggests, it is a magnificent elephant, and quite a popular tourist attraction. Constructed by Ram Nath Slat during the reign of Sawai Ram Singh, this monument bears an inscription that narrates the story of Nala and Damayanti.

Bisaldeo Temple - Tonk

Bisalpur, located around 60-80 kilometres from Tonk, was founded by the Chahamana ruler Vigraharaja IV in 12th century A.D. Bisalpur is considered very important due to the temple of Gokarnesvara, also known as Bisal Deoji’s temple. It was constructed by Vigraharaja IV, who was an ardent devotee of Gokarna. The inner sanctum of the temple enshrines a Shiva linga. The temple has a hemispherical dome, supported on eight tall pillars sporting floral carvings.

Hadi Rani Ki Baori

This stepwell is believed to have been built in the 12th century. It is rectangular on plan with double-storeyed corridors on the western side. Each of these corridors is flanked with an arched doorway. Images of Brahma, Ganesa and Mahishasuramardini are enshrined in niches on the lower storeys. Some scenes of the Bollywood movie Paheli, starring superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan were shot here. This step well is about a 2 hour drive from Tonk.

Diggi Kalyanji Temple

At 5600 years, this temple is probably one of the oldest, functional Hindu temples. Shri Kalyanji, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is enshrined here. People flock here from all across the country to seek the deity’s blessings and freedom from their miseries. This temple, located at a distance of around 60 odd kilometres from Tonk is a testament to the craftsmanship of ancient times. The pinnacle of the temple is supported by 16 pillars and makes for a truly a magnificent sight.

Jama Masjid - Tonk

As one of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid in Tonk makes for an imposing sight, and is a great example of the great Mughal architectural style from a bygone era. The construction of Jama Masjid was started by Nawab Amir Khan, the first Nawab of Tonk. The construction of the mosque was completed during the reign of Nawab Wzirudhoula . While golden paintings and Meenakari adorn the walls inside, enhancing the intrinsic beauty of the mosque, the outside is easily recognizable with four massive minars that are visible from afar, all of which combine to characterize its delightful intricacy.

Bisalpur Dam

Recognized as the lifeline of the state-capital, Jaipur, the Bilaspur Dam is a gravity dam constructed on the River Banas, near Deoli in Tonk district of Rajasthan.The construction of the dam was completed in the year 1999, and since then it has acted as an important source of water to several regions in the state. The Bilaspur Dam not only supplies water around half the areas under the Jaipur Municipal Corporation, but also to the districts of Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer and Tonk. Like you can see more than 100 type of birds species and more than 50 cold water fish species here. One can also enjoy boating and other water Sports activities here. Bisalpur Forest Sanctuary runs around this dam to explore the wildlife in surrounding areas.

Jaldevi Mandir Temple in Tonk

The Jaldevi temple is located in the Bavadi village, near Todaraisingh city in Tonk, Rajasthan. The temple is dedicated to the Jal Devi and is said to be 250 years old. A local belief is that the idol of Jaldevi had initially been within a well nearby, before being placed in the temple. During Chaitra Purnima, a three-day long fair is held in the temple, which is also a distinct highlight of this place.

Clock Tower - Tonk

The Clock Tower, locally known as Ghanta Ghar, finds its name amongst the most historical places of Tonk. Built by Mohammed Sadat Ali Khan, the Nawab of Tonk, its historical significance is one-of-a- kind. If the story by the locals is to be believed, there was an epidemic illness called as ‘Haiza’ way back in the year 1936. This tragic time made the nawab distribute medicines to those who suffered from it. In the end, the money that was collected in the process was used to build this iconic clock tower. There are always certain events organised in front of the tower where you can witness the true vibrancy of the town of Tonk. Visit the tower, especially in the night, to dive head-first into its intriguing history.

HOW TO REACH HERE

  • The closest airport, Sanganer airport at Jaipur, is located 94 kms from Tonk.
  • Bus service to Tonk is from cities like Jaipur, Kota, Gwalior, Bhilwara and other towns.
  • Located 38 kms from Tonk, Banasthali Niwai railway station has trains from Jaipur, Kota, Secunderabad, Bhopal, Jodhpur and Indore.