This post lists must visit, places to see in Tonk.
Arabic Persian Research Institute
Arabic Persian Research Institute in Tonk is the premier Indian Institute engaged in promotion and furtherance of Arabic and Persian studies. This institute was established by the Government of Rajasthan in 1978 with the objective of preserving and conserving the sources of Persian and Arabic Manuscripts available in Rajasthan.
Sunhari Kothi
Sunhari Kothi (Mansion of Gold) is a magnificent hall,built by Nawab Mohammed Ibarahim Ali Khan (1867-1930), the Nawab of Tonk. The hall in within the old palace complex, white walls and ceilings are one sumptuous expanse of enamel mirror-work, gilt and painted glass illuminated through stained-glass windows. The entire effect is that of an exquisite piece of enamel jewellery blown up to the size of a hall.
Hathi Bhata
Carved out from a single stone this is a stone elephant which attracts tourists from all over to this place.
Bisaldeo Temple & Bisalpur Dam
Bisalpur or Vigrahapura was founded by the Chahamana ruler Vigraharaja IV in the twelfth century A.D. Bisalpur was preceded by a still older city called Vanapura, which seems to have been ruled by the Takshakas (Nagas) of Todarai Singh. The importance of Bisalpur is due to its temple of Gokarnesvara, also known as Bisal Deoji’s temple, constructed by Vigraharaja IV or Visala, who was a devotee of Gokarna. The temple (22.20 m x 15.30 m) has a pancharatha sanctum, antarala, square mandapa and portico with sikhara. The sanctum enshrines a linga. The temple surmounted by a hemispherical dome, is supported on eight tall pillars carved on the lower section with floral festoons, chain-and-bell and circular medallions. There are several short inscriptions which record the visit of pilgrims from time to time. The earliest of these is dated A.D. 1154-65 and the inscription is important for mentioning the Chahamana chief Prithviraja III.
Hadi Rani Baori, Todrai Singh
The step-tank is rectangular on plan with double-storeyed corridors on the western side, each having arched doorway. Below the lower storey, there are images of Brahma, Ganesa and Mahishasuramardini which are enshrined in niches. On all the three sides, steps are arranged in sets of thirteen each at higher level and five each at lower level, going up to the water level. It is datable to circa twelfth-thirteenth century A.D.
Diggi Kalyan ji, Temple
This is a very old temple, the antiquity of which is fabulous. The pinnacle of the temple (Shikhar) is magnificent. There are sixteen pillars supporting the Shikhar which has become extremely attractive because of the statuettes incurved thereon. The Sanctum Sanctorum, circumbulatory path, Jagmohan there in are a fine example of elegant architecture in marble. Adjacent is the temple Laxmi Narayan Ji. On the front gateway beautiful figures and statuettes have been incurved.
Must Visit | Places to see in Tonk
