Dholpur Tourism
The Land Of Red Stone
Dholpur is famous for its rich red sandstone and untamed ravines, this lesser-known destination has an earthy personality that feels different from Rajasthan’s polished royal cities. Dholpur tourism lets you experience Rajasthan in its most natural form — peaceful, unhurried, and filled with old-world charm, where every stone and riverbank holds a story.
Quick Stats
- Population: ~ 133,000.
- Famous For: Red sandstone architecture, Chambal River safaris, and historic forts
- Best Season: October – March.
About Dholpur
Dholpur is a quiet and historic town in eastern Rajasthan, located along the banks of the Chambal River. Known for its deep red sandstone, ancient forts, and peaceful river landscapes, Dholpur shows a raw and earthy side of Rajasthan. The town has seen the rule of many dynasties — Rajputs, Mughals, and Jats — each leaving behind traces of their culture and architecture.
Around Dholpur, you will see grand old buildings glowing in shades of red, calm temples beside sacred lakes, and stretches of countryside untouched by modern crowds. The rhythm of life here is slow and genuine, where the past blends gently with the present.
Dholpur is also the gateway to the wild beauty of the Chambal Valley — home to rare crocodiles, river dolphins, and dramatic ravines. Dholpur Tours and Travels is an excellent choice for travellers who love exploring offbeat destination.
Top Tourist Places to Visit in Dholpur
Dholpur Palace: Built in the early 20th century, the Dholpur Palace stands as a graceful reminder of the region’s royal legacy. Constructed entirely from the town’s signature red sandstone, the palace glows in warm hues during sunrise and sunset. Wide courtyards, high-arched verandas, and ornate ceilings reflect a fine blend of Rajput and colonial architectural influences. Once home to the royal family, this striking palace made from local red sandstone now functions as a heritage hotel.
- Famous For: Red sandstone architecture, royal stay experience
- Best Time: October to March
- Entry Fee: Free
Machkund Temple: Machkund Temple is one of Dholpur’s most spiritual and scenic spots. The site is named after Raja Machkund, a legendary ruler believed to have been blessed by Lord Vishnu. The temple complex circles a large sacred tank surrounded by intricately carved chhatris (pavilions) and domed shrines, each built in different periods by various kings. Visit early in the morning when the mist rises over the lake, and the temple bells echo softly in the background.
- Famous For: Religious significance, lake reflections, ancient carvings
- Best Time: October to March
- Entry Fee: Free
Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary: The Chambal River, flowing near Dholpur, forms one of India’s last unpolluted river ecosystems. The Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary stretches across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, offering a pristine sanctuary for many endangered species. A guided boat safari is the best way to explore — gliding over still waters, you may spot gharial crocodiles, mugger crocodiles, turtles, and even the elusive Gangetic dolphin. Birdwatchers will find this place magical — with Indian skimmers, flamingos, kingfishers, and storks filling the sky. It’s peaceful, untouched, and ideal for travellers who love nature without crowds.
- Famous For: River safaris, dolphins, and migratory birds
- Best Time: November – February
- Entry Fee: Rs 600 – Rs 1500.
Shergarh Fort: Perched above the Chambal River, Shergarh Fort is a fortress steeped in history. Built by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century, the fort once guarded vital trade routes between Delhi and central India. Though partially in ruins today, its massive gateways, arched corridors, and remnants of old ramparts still carry a sense of power and resilience. From the top, you get panoramic views of the surrounding ravines and river plains — a landscape that changes color with the day’s light.
- Famous For: Mughal-era fortifications, river views, historical atmosphere
- Best Time: October – March
- Entry Fee:
Nihal Tower:Nihal Tower (also known as the Clock Tower) was built in memory of Maharaja Nihal Singh. Made from Dholpur’s trademark red sandstone, it stands tall as a local landmark and a fine example of colonial-era architecture blended with Indian design. The tower looks especially striking when lit in the evening.
- Famous For: Colonial design, panoramic town views
- Best Time: October to March.
- Entry Fee: Free
Top Things To Do in Dholpur
Looking to make your Dholpur Tours and Travels even more exciting? Here are the must-do activities and Dholpur Travel Tips to enhance your holiday:
Jeep Safari at Van Vihar Sanctuary
Experience: Just a short drive from Dholpur lies the Van Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary, once the private hunting reserve of the Dholpur royals. Spread across dense scrubland and open meadows, it’s now a protected forest where deer, nilgai, jackals, and numerous bird species thrive. The place is ideal for short jeep rides, quiet walks, and spotting wildlife in their natural surroundings.
Famous For: Jeep safaris, photography, birdwatching
Best Time: November – March
Cost: Rs 1500– Rs 2500 (depending on group size).
Boat Safari on the Chambal River
Experience: A boat safari on the Chambal River is one of the most unique experiences in Rajasthan. Far from the desert sands, this river forms a calm yet dramatic landscape of deep ravines, rocky cliffs, and wide stretches of still water. As you glide along, you might spot gharial crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks, turtles slipping silently into the river, and Gangetic dolphins surfacing briefly before disappearing again. The air is filled with the calls of kingfishers, skimmers, and other migratory birds that gather here during winter. The guides who operate these safaris are usually locals who know the river intimately — their stories about the wildlife and the Chambal’s past add a personal touch to the journey.
Famous For: Wildlife, river safari, photography
Best Time: November – February
Cost: Rs 500– Rs 1500 (depending on group size).
Village Walks
Experience: Dholpur’s villages offer a glimpse of Rajasthan’s true heart — where life moves slowly, and traditions remain alive. A guided walk through nearby settlements takes you past small farms, open courtyards, and mud houses decorated with hand-painted motifs. You can see farmers working in the fields, women drawing water from wells, and children waving as you pass by. Some villages also have brick kilns and small workshops where you can see how local building materials are made.
Famous For: Rural culture, local interactions, traditional crafts
Best Time: October–March
Cost: Rs 500– Rs 1500 (depending on group size).
Stone Craft Visit
Experience: Dholpur’s famous red sandstone has been used for centuries in some of India’s grandest monuments, and watching how it’s crafted is fascinating. A visit to a local stone workshop lets you see skilled artisans at work — chiseling, carving, and polishing large slabs into graceful pillars, arches, and intricate decorative pieces. The rhythmic sound of hammer and chisel fills the air, while layers of fine red dust settle softly on everything around. Many craftsmen come from families who have been doing this work for generations, and they are often happy to explain their process or demonstrate their techniques. Some workshops even sell small hand-carved souvenirs you can take home.
Famous For: Traditional red sandstone craftsmanship, artisan workshops, heritage art
Best Time: November to February (mornings and late afternoons preferred)
Cost: Rs 1500– Rs 2500 (depending on group size).
Dholpurtours and packages offers every visitor a perfect blend of history, culture, and serene charm.
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season (October – March): This is the most pleasant time to visit Dholpur. The weather stays cool and comfortable, making it perfect for river safaris, heritage walks, and fort visits.
Shoulder Season (April – May): Summer can be very hot, especially during the day, but early mornings and evenings are still enjoyable.
Off-Season (June – September): This is the rainy season which make travel tricky so does sightseeing. September has lighter rain and cheaper hotel rates, it’s a good time for budget travel.
Festival Calendar:
- Basant Panchami (January–February): Celebrated with vibrant kites, music, and sweets — marking the arrival of spring across the Dholpur region.
Dress code: Pack cotton clothes in summer, an umbrella/raincoat in monsoon, and light woollens for winter evenings.
Things to Know Before Visiting Dholpur
- Book your boat safari in advance, especially during peak season (November–February), as morning and evening slots fill quickly.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples such as Machkund, and remove your footwear before entering.
- Carry drinking water, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent, especially if exploring rural or desert area.
- Public transport is limited, so it’s best to hire a private car for sightseeing and sanctuary visits.
- Always ask permission before taking pictures of locals, especially in village areas.
- Carry some cash for small purchases, local markets, or transport, though ATMs are available.
How To Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, about 250 km away (4–5 hours by road).
By Rail: Dholpur Junction lies on the main Delhi–Gwalior route and is well connected by express trains to Delhi, Agra, Gwalior, and Jaipur.
By Road: Dholpur is well connected by road to nearby major cities. Hiring a private car is the most comfortable option.
