The rocky, parched landscape of Hadoti region of Rajasthan turns verdant green during the rainy season with the tourist city of Bundi becoming a hill station and raising the prospects of monsoon tourism.
Enveloped by the Aravalli hills that are dotted with thick greenery, waterfalls and brooks of crystal water, the city, which lies in the heart of the Hadoti region comprising Kota, Jhalawar and Baran districts offers a lot for monsoon tourists
The monsoon generally enters Rajasthan in first week of July through Hadouti and lashes on till end of September.
The waterfalls at Bheemlat, a cave temple of lord Shiva in the gorge at Ramseshwaram, the Bardha Dam, Dhobra on the hill top of Taragarh and the baolis (step-wells) in Bundi, are major attractions during the rainy season.
Chattaneshwar, Karneshwar, Alina Dam, Gabernath, Kota Barrage, Chambal garden and Rana Paratap Sager Dam in Kota and Sita bari, Kapil Dhara waterfall, Paratapghar, Ramgarh temple also called “Khajuraho of Rajasthan” are the spots of spontaneous beauty and tranquility in Baran district.
Rocky but water-laden landscapes of Jhalawar with picturesque Raen Basera on the bank of Kishan Sager pond are also bewildering sites for the lovers of nature and tourists.
“The placid charm and enchantment of nature during monsoon season, at these spots of Hadouti goes beyond the fancy of the tourist,” says Mr A.H Zaidi, a tourism promoter and nature photographer here.
The Deputy Director, Tourism Department, Kota division, Mr N.L Alawada says, “The monsoons can prove to be boon for tourism promotion in Hadouti as it is the only region in Rajasthan with the green Aravalli hills several waterfalls and fountains.
“Such spontaneous waterfalls in large number and green hills can nowhere be found in the desert state,” says Mr Fateh Singh Bhati of the Mukendra National Park Committee, pointing out that Bundi and Kota are the best destinations in Rajasthan for monsoon tourism.
He recommends transport facilities to natural sites for the tourists and called upon the Government to promote it so that it can be shaped up into an industry.
In the current month about 255 foreign tourists have visited Bundi, according to the Assistant Tourist Officer, Bundi Prem Shanker. A total of 8,495 foreigners and 26,892 domestic tourists had visited Bundi till May this year, adds Mr Shanker.