Barmer

In the bygone era, Barmer was known as Mallani. The district was called so because of Rawal Mallinath who even today is a cultural, religious and, philanthropical in Barmer. Considering him equally important to God, many locals tend to worship him. The town of Barmer was founded in the 13th century by its ruler Bahada Rao Parmar (Panwar), also known as Bar Rao Parmar. You can simply call it a place where several dynasties thrived and perished. In the 18th century, British rulers named this region as  'Barmer' which was derived from its ruler Bahad Rao Parmar.The early Barmer extended up to a great area including places like Khed, Pachpadra, Tilwara, Kiradu, Jasol, Mallani, Balotara and Sheo. However, the current district was formed in the year 1949, and the Jodhpur state was merged into the state of Rajasthan. India's first onshore oil field was discovered in Barmer in the year 2009.

Barmer is a small historic town with intricately detailed forts, palaces, and temples displaying remarkable carvings. Here is a list of places you must pay a visit to- 

1. Barmer Fort
Barmer Fort, one of the most famous places in Barmer was built by Rawat Bhima in 1552 AD. The ancient fort overlooks the town of Barmer as it stands atop the hillock. Rawat Bhima took on to building this fort when he moved his capital from Juna to present day Barmer. It is also known as Barmer Gadh. The fort is situated at the height of 676 feet. The main entrance of Fort is in the North direction; Safety Burg finds the place on east & west direction. 

2. Chintamani Parshvanath Jain Temple
This 12th-century temple is also known as Shri Godisa Parshwanath Bhagwan ka Mandir. Located on the west hillock of Barmer, it is dedicated to Parasvanath who was a Jain Tirthankara. The interior of this temple includes decorative painting and generous glass inlay work. It is considered as one of the oldest Jain temples in the country.

3. Jagdambe Temple
As suggested by archaeologists this temple is about 500 years old. The temple is located at a level 140 m above the land. The temple holds a significant place for the localities of Barmer. The antiqueness and beliefs related to the temple make it a must visit place.

4. Keradu
Once the headquarters of Barmer, Keradu in the north-western part of Barmer is famous for its 6th-century temple. The temple is dedicated to the creator and the destroyer, Lord Shiva. Another temple in Keradu is The Sun temple which is also called the 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan'. Mohammad Ghori destroyed these temples in 1140 AD and hence what you see today are their golden ruins.

The culture of Barmer is weaved in a way that the small town is a host to many fairs and festivals throughout the year. People here leave no chance to showcase the different colours of their district and religion. They celebrate every moment of the festive season with utmost gaiety and enthusiasm. Some of the leading fairs and festivals organised in Barmer are as follows-

1.  Mallinath Cattle Fair
The most significant festival of Barmer, Mallinath Cattle Fair is celebrated in Tilwara. The festival is celebrated fortnightly between the months March and April in the memory of  Rawal Mallinath. Numerous breeds of camels, sheep, cows, horses, and goats, attract people from different states especially Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Traders from Mathura, Agra, and Aligarh bring artefacts of cattle to sell at the fair. The first day of the festival starts with a flag hoisting done in the name of Rawal Mallinath. Following days show great zeal and numerous games, songs, and dancing, representing the culture of Barmer take place. Paying a visit to Barmer during this time is undoubtedly one of the best ideas. 

2. The Barmer Thar festival
Organised by the government during May, the festival attracts a great bunch of tourists from all over the country. Celebrated at the romantic and unspoiled lands of Barmer, it is a major festival of the region. The festival brings forward the real picture of the enchanting historic town. The festival is organised with a motive of preserving the archaeological and religious places of Barmer. Performances by famous Folk artists, the refreshing Rajasthani dance, lip-smacking cuisine, and different games and activities, make this festival the most loved festival of Barmer.

Carry heavy woollens and a good pair of shoes when travelling during extreme winters. If you are visiting the town during summer then light cotton clothes are the best option.

Barmer offers many moderate hotels mostly located at the outer skirt region leading to Jaisalmer and interiors of the desert. You can also find good hotels near the oil wells for as much as INR 500 to 750 per night. If a luxury hotel is your choice then they are mostly the palace converted hotels with all the luxurious facilities.

The best time to explore this beautiful town of Rajasthan is between the months of October and March as the weather remains pleasant during this part of the year in this sandy region.