Your Rendezvous With the City
As a contrast to the sombre sands, the small district of Barmer in Rajasthan, adds spark to the mundane life in desert. The town with splendid forts and palaces frolics in the vibrant festivals. The town was founded in 13th century by Bahada Rao or Bar Rao. Formerly called as 'Bahada-mer' ("The Hill Fort of Bahada"), it was later shortened to Barmer. Traveling in Barmer is like grabbing the very essence of Rajasthan in your fist at once. Barmer, literally means the hilly fortress of Bar, is populated with friendly and diligent people adept in handicrafts.

It is an ideal destination for spending a day put in the rural ambiance which sooths the soul. The most important Attraction in Barmer is, riding on a camel's back and discovering the rural life of desert folks. Women engaged in household activities, men busy with their daily business, children playing and enjoying on the sands, cattle grazing and blowing sands - are few scenes dominant in the town. Each unique and each worth capturing.

Glimpses From History
The History of Barmer is quite interesting. During the medieval times, the city has seen rise and fall of many dynasties. Among the major demesnes are Khed, Kiradu, Pachpadra, Jasol, Tilwara, Sheo, Balotara and Mallani. Barmer, known as a 'Miniature Rajasthan', was known as Mallani in the 12th century A.D. Rao Siah, the founder of the Rathore clan, conquered Khed in Barmer district in 1212 A.D. and Rathore Flag was hoisted by him at that time. Guhil Rajput Pratap Singh regained the region but it was reclaimed by the Rathore Rao Asthan. The British annexed the district in 1836 and then a superintendent administered the town. When India gained independence, both Barmer and Jodhpur were included in the state of Rajasthan.

A Tourist's Delight
The city of Barmer has a lot to offer you. Amidst many attractions each attraction will lure you. The arid desert lands and extreme climatic conditions also do not hinder the tourist's spirits. Rather, people love confronting with the challenges. On exploration you will find that the place is a hub of activities where everyone tries to break the dullness of life.

The major Tourist Attractions of Barmer comprise of many forts, palaces, museums, falls, gardens and temples. The tourists like to discover the historical facts at Barmer Fort, perched atop a rocky hill. See the temples of ancient and medieval times like Jogmaya Temple, Kiradu Temple and Nakoda temple. Tourists to Barmer are also fascinated by the fairs and festivals like Barmer Thar Festival and The Tilwara Cattle Fair. All these attractions conjure a lovely image of the town.

Highlights of Barmer
The town is known for its fairs and festivals. The most famous Tilwara Cattle Fair held annually in the month of March and April at the Tilwara Village on the bank of local river Luni is a great charm for tourists. Another important festival is Barmer Thar Festival. Thanks to tourist office for it. It was started to regulate the number of tourists. Held yearly in early March this significant religious fair is held at Khed on every Poornima (full moon) at the Ranchor Rai Mandir. Another fair is held at a village called Nagar Meva by the name of Nakoda Parasvanath . The Jain temple here is dedicated to the Jain prophet Parasvanath. The fair is held every year during December - January (on Posh Badi) to celebrate his birth. A village Chohatan in Veeratara celebrates the festival of Veeratara Mela. This festival can be seen thrice a year in the months of Chaitra (March-April), Bhadrapada (August-September). Come to Barmer during the fairs the festivals and witness a new Barmer.

Not to Pretermit

• Carved wooden artifacts, exquisite carpets, handicrafts, beautifully designed pots and vases.
• Enjoy the extravaganza of dance and music, the songs of Bhopas (priest singers), fairs and festivals.
• Check out the embroidered textiles in Ajrak prints in dark chromes of red and blue.
• Appreciate the mud-walled houses adorned with beautiful folk motifs and the vibrantly clad people.
• An excursion to Khed where the spiritual side of you will come to forefront and you do a temple tour at Vishnu Temple of Ranchhriji, Brahma Temple, Bhairav Temple, Mahadev Temple and a Jain temple.