Home :: Rajasthan India Travel :: Tonk

Climate                
Summer: 43.5° C Max.      39.0° C Min.
Winter: 27.0° C Max.        7.0° C Min.
Location:   96 Km. from Jaipur, Rajasthan
Built In:   1643 AD
Significance:   Colonial Town
Best Season:   October to March
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English

Situated 96 Kms from Jaipur, Tonk is an old town dating to the middle of the 17th century, resurrects a forgotten era. The new town is a colourful medley of painted mosques, mansions and colonial buildings.

The quiet little town of Tonk was ruled by a tribe of Pathans from Afghanistan. Tonk is a city in eastern Rajasthan in northwestern India. It lies just south of the Banas River. The old walled town, which was capital of the former princely state of Tonk, was founded in 1643 AD and lies on the slopes of a small hill range. Tonk was once the stronghold of the Pathan tribesmen of Afghanistan who came to India.

The modern Tonk was founded by Nawab Ameer Khan as a result of a treaty with the British in 1818 AD. Tonk is a quaint amalgamation of cross-cultural influences. It became a part of the state of Rajasthan in 1948.

The Sunehri Kothi, or Golden Mansion, is particularly lovely, noted for its mirror work. It is a small palace decorated profusely with mother-of-pearl, gold, and many other precious and semi-precious stones.

The Arabic & Persian Research Institute and Toda Rai Singh Town are two other attractions in this district. Tonk does not have its own railway station and airport, but its location on a National Highway connects it with Jaipur and other major places in Rajasthan easily. It can be considered as a good stopover, if you are moving towards Ranthambore National Park from Jaipur

Places To See
Toda Rai Singh Town: Surrounded by hills, the picturesque town of Toda Raisingh is situated in Tonk district. It is an ancient town of archaeological significance. In earlier times, it was also known as Takshakagadha or Takshakpur, Todapattan, Ishtikapur, etc. Founded by the Nagas in or around 4th century, this town was also ruled by Yuhilas of Chatsu and Chauhans of Ajmer. In 15th & 16th centuries, it was the capital of Solanki Rajputs. The town got its present name from Rail Singh Sisodia, the famous ruler of this place. He was a Mughal 'Mansabdar' during the reign of Shahjahan. Toda Rai Singh is blessed with glorious historical past as well as rich cultural heritage. It has a number of places of tourist interest. Prominent among them are - Hadi Rani Ki Baori (kund), Raja Rai Singh’s Mahal, Isar Baori, Bhopat Baori and beautiful temples of Kalyanji, Raghoraiji, Gopinathji,, Govinddeoji, etc. Bijolia inscription of V.E. 1226 suggests that Toda Rai Singh was a popular centre of Jainism.

Sunehri Kothi: The golden mansion is the focal point of Tonk. A fairly ordinary monument from outside, the interior is richly ornamented with stained glass, mirrors, stucco and gilt. Other interesting buildings are those built to accommodate the British officers.

Arabic & Persian Research Institute: Houses a superb collection of Arabic & Persian manuscripts, some of them lavishly ornamented with gold, rubies, emeralds and pearls

Excursion
Ranthambore National Park: The 392 sq.km park comprises of dry deciduous forest sprawling over the undulating terrain of the Arvalli and Vindhaan ranges. The park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country under the project tiger. The majestc predators assured if protection roam freely during the day times and can be seen at close quarters. Ranthambtor sanctuary has large number of sambhar, chital nigai chinkar langur wild boar and peafowl.

Sawai Madhopur: Lying on the main Delhi Mumbai railway line Sawai Madhopur is the gateway to the world renowned Ranthambhar National Park-the famous tigers reserve, just 12 km away from here.