Exploring Falna: A Hidden Gem in Rajasthan’s Aravalli Hills
Whether you are a nature lover, history enthusiast, or someone seeking a quiet escape, Falna has something special to offer. In this blog, let’s explore what makes Falna a hidden gem worth discovering.
A Glimpse of Falna: A Brief History
Falna's history can be traced back to the Mewar region, historically known for its Rajput rulers and warrior culture. Situated near Ranakpur—famous for its temples and natural beauty—Falna served as an important stopover point for traders, travelers, and pilgrims. Though small, it was an integral part of the region during the medieval period and holds cultural and historical significance.
Over the years, Falna has developed into a quiet town surrounded by the scenic Aravalli hills, with a few modern touches. However, it has retained much of its old-world charm and rural appeal, making it a great place to experience the simplicity and hospitality of rural Rajasthan.
Exploring the Attractions Around Falna
While Falna itself may not have many tourist attractions, its proximity to various beautiful and culturally significant places makes it an ideal base for exploration.
Ranakpur Jain Temple (30 km from Falna): One of the most famous attractions near Falna is the Ranakpur Jain Temple. This stunning 15th-century temple dedicated to Adinatha (the first Jain Tirthankara) is renowned for its intricate architecture, which includes over 1,400 beautifully carved marble pillars. The temple is a marvel of craftsmanship, with its fine details, large halls, and calming atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for anyone traveling to Falna and is considered one of the finest examples of Jain temple architecture in India.
Kumbhalgarh Fort (60 km from Falna): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of Rajasthan’s most iconic forts. Known for its massive walls, which stretch over 36 kilometers, Kumbhalgarh is the birthplace of the legendary Rajput king Maharana Pratap. The fort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, and its well-preserved architecture, temples, and palaces offer a peek into Rajasthan’s rich warrior past. If you’re a history lover, Kumbhalgarh Fort is a must-see while staying in Falna.
Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace (75 km from Falna): Located near Udaipur, the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace is a beautiful palace that overlooks the Lake Pichola and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Aravalli hills and the city. The palace, built by Maharana Sajjan Singh of Udaipur, was intended to be a retreat during the monsoon season. It is a perfect spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Desuri: The town of Desuri, located just 20 km from Falna, is known for its scenic beauty and agricultural richness. The area is famous for its farming of crops like wheat, maize, and mustard. It also has several temples, and visiting the local markets gives a sense of the traditional Rajasthani rural lifestyle.
The Natural Beauty of Falna and its Surroundings
Falna is nestled in the Aravalli Range, which is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. The town and its surroundings are blessed with natural beauty, including lush forests, rolling hills, and serene lakes. This makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking peace and solitude.
The Aravalli Hills: The Aravalli Range offers great opportunities for trekking, bird-watching, and photography. Surrounded by hills, Falna offers a peaceful environment with ample opportunity to connect with nature. The hills are home to various species of wildlife, including deer, wild boars, and numerous birds.
Banas River: The Banas River, which flows near Falna, is an important water source for the region and adds to the town’s natural charm. The riverbanks are peaceful, offering a good spot for a quiet evening stroll or a picnic surrounded by nature.
Lakes and Waterfalls: Nearby, there are several lakes and waterfalls that add to the scenic appeal of the region. These include Kundal Lake and various smaller water bodies that attract migratory birds, making the area an excellent location for bird watchers.
Cultural Experience: A Peek into Rural Rajasthan
Falna, like much of rural Rajasthan, offers a glimpse into the authentic village lifestyle. Here, the rhythm of life moves at a slower pace, and the local people are known for their hospitality and warmth.
Rajasthani Cuisine: The cuisine of Falna reflects the rich culinary tradition of Rajasthan. Known for its use of spices and rich flavors, some dishes you must try include dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri, and laal maas (a spicy mutton curry). Falna also offers a variety of sweet treats, such as ghevar, mawa kachori, and jalebi, which are popular during festivals.
Local Festivals and Traditions: Falna celebrates several traditional Rajasthani festivals, including Diwali, Holi, and Gangaur. The colorful processions, local fairs, and the traditional folk dance performances are an integral part of the town’s cultural life. Visitors can enjoy the rich folklore, including ghoomar, kalbeliya, and chari dance, often performed during these celebrations.
Handicrafts and Shopping: While in Falna, you can explore local markets that offer beautiful Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, and pottery. From bandhani (tie-dye fabrics) and block-printed textiles to hand-painted pottery and silver jewelry, the local markets provide an authentic shopping experience for those looking for unique souvenirs.
How to Reach Falna
Falna is well connected to major cities in Rajasthan, making it easy to reach by road, rail, and air.
By Rail: Falna Junction is the main railway station in the town and is well-connected to other major cities in Rajasthan and Gujarat. There are direct trains from cities like Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad, making it easy to travel by train.
By Road: Falna is located around 100 kilometers from Udaipur and Pali and can be easily reached by road via National Highway 62. The town is well-connected to nearby towns and cities by bus and taxi services.
By Air: The nearest major airport to Falna is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, about 100 km away. This airport is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Falna.
Conclusion: Why Visit Falna?
Falna may not be a mainstream tourist destination, but it offers everything that a traveler seeking peace, culture, and natural beauty could want. With its proximity to historical sites like Ranakpur Jain Temple and Kumbhalgarh Fort, combined with its serene surroundings and traditional Rajasthani charm, Falna is the perfect place to unwind and soak in the rural beauty of Rajasthan.
Whether you’re an explorer of history, a lover of nature, or simply someone in need of a tranquil retreat, Falna is a place that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and with a deep appreciation for the simplicity and beauty of Rajasthan.
Comments
Post a Comment