A tiny yet lively town in sun - drenched sands, Barmer is a miniature Rajasthan with all its colour, warmth and tradition.


According to history, the 13th century founder of the district, Bahada Rao (popularly known as a Bar Rao ) gave the town its name - Barmer i.e., the hill fort of Bar.

Once called Mallani (12th century AD) the present Barmer district, formed in 1949 upon the merger of Jodhpur state in the United States of Great Rajasthan, is a cluster of ancient paraganas- Mallani Shiv, Pachpadra, Siwana and the Chohatan area.

Although a barren land with harsh climate and tough terrain, Barmer is known for its rich crafts, dances and music. Once on the ancient camel trade route, the town in now the centre for wood carving, pottery, carpets, intricate emboidery work, block printed fabrics and multi- hued traditional costumes

Especially famous are the geometric Ajrak prints in dark shades of red and blue, ideal for protection against the sun.

The most interesting part of a trip to Barmer is the journey through rural Rajasthan. The small villages with mud-walled houses decorated with delicate folk motifs and colourfully attired people on the way, offer a fascinating sight.

Every year in March, the desert town is at its colourfull best during the exuberant Barmer festival. The festival is the best time to plan a visit to Barmer
Prime Attractions of Barmer
Mallinath Fair
Mallinath Fair is one of the biggest cattle fairs of Rajasthan held annually near Tilwara, a village in Barmer District from Chaitra Budi Ekadashi to Chaitra Sudi Ekadashi (March-April). It lasts for a fortnight wherein the highly popular breeds of cows, camels, sheep, goats and horses attract people not only from Rajasthan but also Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

Jasol
Once a principal state of Mallani, this ancient village has got its name from the descendants of a Rathore sub-clan. A Jain temple and a Hindu temple are worth visiting. The Hindu temple is ornamented with fine sculptures, which were brought from a Jain temple of Lord Mahavir.

Juna Barmer
Perched on a rocky hill, the town has ruins of an old fort. Of interest are a temple dedicated to Balark (the Sun) and the ancient ruins of Juna Barmer. The three Jain temples, an incription of 1295 AD and a maassive pillar in the hall of the largest temple of Maharaja Kula Sri Samanta Sinha Deva, a ruler of Bahadmera (now, Barmer) are also worth a visit.

Khed
Rao Siha, the founder of the Rathore clan along with his son (Asthanji) conquered Khed from the Guhil Rajputs and planted the standard of Rathores. An old Vishnu temple of Ranchhriji is surrounded by a crumbling wall and an image of Garuda (the eagle) at the gate guards the complex. Other temples nearby include temples of Brahma, Bhairav, Mahadev and a Jain temple.

Kiradu
Situated on the foot of a hill near village Hathma in Barmer tehsil is Kiradu. The incription dating back to 1161 AD reveals that the place was called Kiratkoop and had once been the capital of Punwars. The ruins of five ancient temples-one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and other four dedicated to Lord Shiva are of interest to archaeologists and art lovers, alike. The biggest of these temples is the Someshwar Temple.

Mahaveer Park
Mahaveer Park is a beautifully laid out park with a tiny museum housing ancient stone carved statues.

Fairs & Festivals - Barmer
Tilwara Cattle Fair (March-April) : A major cattle fair lasting a fortnight, held in village Tilwara.

Nakoda Parasvanath (Dec. - Jan.) : The festival held in Mevanagar village commemorating the birth anniversary of Parsvanath.

Veeratara Mela : Held at Veeratara (12 Km from village Chohatan) the fair venerates goddess Vakladevi and is held thrice a year in the month of Chaitra, Bhadrapada and Magha.

Khed Fair (Aug.-Sep.) : A big religious fair is held on the day of full moon in village Khed

How To Get There - Barmer
By Air
Nearest airport is Jodhpur

By Rail
Barmer is well connected by train with Jodhpur.
Some important train connections are :
4808 Barmer Express (Barmer-Jodhpur);
4898 Barmer Express (Barmer-Jodhpur)

By Road
Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation connects Barmer with all major cities in the state. The Bus Stand is situated near Railway Station and Tilak Bus Stand connects Barmer with Jodhpur, Balotara, Jalore (Via-Siwana) Jaisalmer, Ahmedabad (Via-Sanchore), Mt. Abu, Udaipur and other places.

Places To Stay - Barmer
Hotel Khartal (RTDC); Circuit House, Dak Bungalow and numrous Dharamshalas are available in Barmer fro accommodation