Rajasthan is home to several historical cities with great significance and one amongst them is Nagaur. Nagaur is a small town located between Jodhpur and Bikaner. It is a desert town with great historical significance and a must-visit place during your Rajasthan tours. Our Nagaur travel guide will let you know how you can visit this ancient town and discover its history. You will see exquisite architectural marvels in Nagaur that date back to around the 4th century. We have curated all the essential information in our tour guide that will help you plan your trip to Nagaur such as the best time to visit Nagaur, what to see, and how to reach.
About Nagaur
Nagaur is one of the oldest towns in India located in central Rajasthan. This charming town is located between the two major cities of the state—Jodhpur and Bikaner. Everyone who has visited the place has always praised its beauty and charm. The town is clustered around the Ahhichatragarh, which is a massive fortress that has seen many battles in its lifetime. Earlier known as Ahhichatragarh, Nagaur was the capital of Jangladesh. It was first ruled by Naga Kshatriyas and 7th century onward Chauhans overlord the region.
Nagaur is said to be associated with Mahabharata times when Arjuna conquered it and gave it to his Guru Dronacharya. Ahhichatragarh, which means “The fort of hooded cobra”, was built around the 4th Century by Naga Kshatriyas. Today it is known as Nagaur Fort and recently a part was restored and converted into a hotel. The present structure is in Rajput Mughal architecture. Many Mughal dynasties ruled the fort and then from the 17th century onward, it was handed over to the Maharaja of Jodhpur.
The place is of great historical significance and played a vital part during the Muslim invasion. It has left a special place in everyone’s heart who has explored this place and its hidden gems. You will see endless red chili markets here that you can pick to take back home after your tour ends. It is hard to get over the abundant fun you will gather from here. Apart from this, tourists can enjoy the cattle fair held every year in Nagaur. It is one of the largest cattle fairs and festivals celebrated in India with zest and zeal. So, add this majestic land to your Rajasthan tour bucket list and enjoy a memorable trip.
Best Places to Visit in Nagaur
When planning your Nagaur tours, you must know the popular destinations that you must see. You can even get your Rajasthan tour package customized according to these top places to visit in Nagaur.
Nagaur Fort
In the center of the Nagaur the Nagaur Fort lies. The fort is known as Ahhichatragarh which translates to “The Fort of Hooded Cobra”. With great historical importance, this fort attracts many tourists from all parts of the world. Those who want to have a glimpse of the monuments that played a vital role in wars in the early centuries must visit Nagaur Fort. This fort was established by the Nagavansis in the 4th century. Later, it was re-constructed by the Mughals during the 12th century. The fort has also been restored recently and a part of it now is a heritage hotel. The palaces inside the fort have Mughal influences but it also showcases the Hindu/Rajput style architecture.
The fort has many palaces amongst which four are majorly decorated—Hadi Rani Mahal, Abha Mahal, Bakht Singh Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. Besides, the fort has majestic water bodies and beautiful gardens. The inner compound of the fort is spread across 36 acres. Inside the palaces, you will see portraits and paintings from the time of Maharaja Bakht Singh. However, the murals on the walls require conservation. But even in this condition, they are the finest examples of Rajput-Mughal art. The appearance of Nagaur Fort from inside and out is heart-stealing. Nagaur Fort unfolds the history of Nagaur. Hence, you must visit this place during your Rajasthan tours. This place is even amazing for photography.
Nagaur Fort Timing: The fort remains open all the days of the week. You can visit the fort from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
Nagaur Fort Entry Fees: Indian citizens will pay Rs. 15 and foreign tourists will pay Rs. 50.
Tarkeen Dargah
After Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Tarkeen Dargah is the prominent pilgrim shrine for Muslims. This is one of the top attractions of Nagaur that attracts pilgrims and tourists from all around the world. It is one of the most revered and visited shrines in Rajasthan after Ajmer Sharif. Located in the main city just 2 km from the Nagaur Railway Station, Tarkeen Dargah is one of the must-visit places to see in Nagaur. It is also known as Khwaja Hamiduddin Nagauri Dargah or Nagauri Sharif, which is a famous shrine of Sufi Saint.
The shrine has a white marble tomb of the Sufi Saint. When visiting the tomb, you will see it covered by a green-colored cloth and flowers. The tomb is surrounded by a courtyard and a mosque. Before entering the tomb, people wash their hands in the water tank which is in the courtyard along with a fountain. Besides, the mosque has arches, domes, and a long hallway where devotees pray. In addition, you find a guest house, a library, and a community kitchen (langar) within the premises, where free meals are served to devotees. It remains open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm for visitors and devotees. Make sure to dress modestly when visiting the shrine. Although there are no entry fees, you can contribute some donations. Remember that photography and videography are prohibited here.
Glass Jain Temple
Another famous attraction of Nagaur is the Glass Jain Temple. It is one of the most revered and famous Jain Temples in Rajasthan, which attracts visitors from different parts of the country. The entire shrine is built up with glass, which makes it mesmerizingly beautiful. While visiting this temple, you would surely realize that you wouldn’t have seen anything more beautiful than this. This lofty structure of glass is a revered shrine for Jains.
Glass Jain Temple is located behind the Kamla Tower in Nagaur. This was built in the 20th Century by the Oswal Jain community of Nagaur. Today, this temple is one of the best places to visit in Nagaur and a sacred place for Jains. The glass artwork of the structure shows the impeccable work of the artisans of that time. Besides, the phenomenal marble artwork is a sight to behold. You cannot take your eyes off while wandering inside the temple. The temple has a large idol of lord Mahavir in marble and carvings and paintings of 23 Thirthankaras with other deities. The lord Mahavir idol is adorned with flowers and jewels. People of all faiths and backgrounds come here to see the exquisite carvings and the marvelous glass artwork. Devotees come here to worship and meditate.
Sai ji Ka Tanka
Sai Ji Ka Tanka is one of the prominent tourist places in Nagaur. This place is known for Samadhi of the saint Shri Saiji Maharaj. He was an esteemed saint who practiced spiritualism. He denounced materialistic life and used to pray to God all the time. The Thakur of the Chuntisara village invited him to stay and pray here to make the place free from all evil spirits. Sai Ji Ka Tanka is now the samadhi of Shri Saiji Maharaj and a symbol of communal harmony. People who visit Nagaur, come to this place to offer prayers to the saint.
Meera Bai Temple (Charbhuja Temple)
Located just 30 km from Nagaur city, Meera Bai Temple is one of the famous places to visit in Nagaur. It is a sacred Hindu temple located in Merta city in Nagaur district. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is called Charbhuja Temple because of the god’s four-armed appearance. This temple was built in the 14th century and the unique part is that it has the idol of Meera Bai. She was a devotee of Shri Krishna and a renowned saint and poetess of the Bhakti movement. Devotees visit the temple to worship and medicate whereas other visitors come here to witness the beautiful architecture of the temple. People here praise the intricate carvings, paintings, and imposing pillars.
The temple has a sculpture of the main deity lord Vishnu or Charbhuja in black stone in the center of the temple, surrounded by a large courtyard. The shrine has other small temples of other gods and goddesses. A large number of tourists throng here during the festival of Navratri to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and saint Meera Bai.
Nearby Attractions to See in Nagaur
During your Rajasthan trip, when you visit Nagaur, you will see how many interesting things this small town has to offer. After enjoying a day sightseeing tour in Nagaur, you can go on excursions to the other major attractions near Nagaur. Here are the other top places that you should explore during your trip to Nagaur with family or friends:
Khimsar Fort
One of the most famous attractions near Nagaur is Khimsar Fort. The fort was once a residence of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Approx. 45 km from Nagaur, this 500-year-old fort is located in the Thar Desert. Today it is turned into a hotel with all the modern facilities. The town has several temples and one can also spot black deer roaming in the herds.
Kuchaman Fort
During your trip to Nagaur, visit Kuchaman Fort. It is one of the oldest and most inaccessible forts in Rajasthan with its massive ramparts, 10 gates, 32 bastions, and various defenses. This fort is now converted into a hotel and a major tourist attraction.
Makarana
If you want to witness how stones can be shaped and used, then come to this treasure trove of marble. You will see how stones come to life. Marble mining is the main-stay of living for the locals. And, these marbles are used in the construction of buildings.
Kurki
Another important place near Nagaur you must visit is Kurki. It is the birthplace of renowned saint Meera Bai.
Fairs and Festivals of Nagaur
Like every other Indian state, Nagaur celebrates every festival with great zest and zeal. However, Nagaur organizes one of the biggest Cattle fairs in India. People who are planning their trip to Rajasthan should not miss to witness the famous cattle fair held in January or February every year. It is a renowned fair for trading camels, horses, cows, and bullocks. You will see everyone wearing vibrant dresses. Your will the bullocks are sold here are in great fitness.
Besides, Mirchi Bazaar is also a great attraction for tourists as several things like wooden items, leather accessories, iron crafts, and other items are available in the market during the fair. To make the fair more interesting for tourists, tug of war, camel races, and cock rights are arranged. After sunset, folk musicians perform and entertain the visitors.
Best Time to Visit Nagaur
Nagaur is located in Rajasthan hence, the climate here is almost hot throughout the year. The best time to plan a Nagaur trip in Rajasthan is during the winter season from December to February. During this time the temperature remains pleasant and cool, making it apt for excursion.
October and November months also have pleasant evenings and nights. Summer in Nagaur starts in March and remains till June with extreme temperatures. Hence, you should avoid the Nagaur trip in the summer season.
How to Reach Nagaur
Nagaur is a small town located in Central Rajasthan almost midway between Jodhpur and Bikaner. So, the town is easily accessible from the major towns of Rajasthan and India. The Nagaur is just 234 km from Jaipur, 117 km from Bikaner, 143 km from Jodhpur, and 441 km from Delhi. You easily get all the transport modes from different cities in India to reach Nagaur, Rajasthan.
By Air
To reach Nagaur by air, you will have to take a flight to Jodhpur Airport, which is the nearest airport to Nagaur. The airport is approx. 125 km from the town. Jodhpur airport is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, etc. Once you reach the airport, hire a taxi and reach Nagaur. It will take a 2.3-hour drive.
By Road
Many state government buses run from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Ajmer to Nagaur. Besides, you get buses from other nearby cities as well to reach Nagaur.
By Train
Nagaur by train is one of the cheapest ways for travelers to reach Nagaur. If you are on a budget Nagaur trip then you can travel by train. Nagaur has a railway station that is connected to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, and Delhi. You get frequent trains from these routes.
