TONK
Location: 96kms from Jaipur, Rajasthan
Attractions: Sunnier Kothi, Toda Rai Singh Town.
Best Season: October to March.
THE UNIQUE AMALGAM: Located 96 kms from Jaipur, on the way to Ranthambore is the quiet little town of Tonk, which was ruled by a tribe of Pathans from Afghanistan. Tonk is a city in eastern Rajasthan in northwestern India. It lies just south of the Banas River. The old walled town, which was capital of the former princely state of Tonk, was founded in 1643 AD and lies on the slopes of a small hill range. Tonk was once the stronghold of the Pathan tribesmen of Afghanistan who came to India.
Nawab Ameer Khan founded the modern Tonk as a result of a treaty with the British in 1818 AD. Tonk is a quaint amalgamation of cross-cultural influences. It became a part of the state of Rajasthan in 1948.
PRIME ATTRACTIONSThe Arabic & Persian Research Institute: Houses a superb collection of Arabic & Persian manuscripts, some of them lavishly ornamented with gold, rubies, emeralds and pearls. The Nawabs of Tonk were avid book lovers and collectors. In the nineteenth and early decades of the present century, they built up a large collection of rare and magnificent manuscripts and books in Arabic and Persian. more...
CITIESToda Rai Singh Town: Surrounded by hills, the picturesque town of Toda Raisingh is situated in Tonk district. It is an ancient town of archaeological significance. In earlier times, it was also known as Takshakagadha or Takshakpur, Todapattan, Ishtikapur, etc. Founded by the Nagas in or around 4th century, this town was also ruled by Yuhilas of Chatsu and Chauhans of Ajmer.
In 15th & 16th centuries, it was the capital of Solanki Rajputs. The town got its present name from Rail Singh Sisodia, the famous ruler of this place. He was a Mughal 'Mansabdar' during the reign of Shahjahan. Toda Rai Singh is blessed with glorious historical past as well as rich cultural heritage.
It has a number of places of tourist interest. Prominent among them are - Hadi Rani Ki Baori (kund), Raja Rai Singh’s Mahal, Isar Baori, Bhopat Baori and beautiful temples of Kalyanji, Raghoraiji, Gopinathji,, Govinddeoji, etc. Bijolia inscription of V.E. 1226 suggests that Toda Rai Singh was a popular centre of Jainism
OTHERSSunheri Kothi: The golden mansion is the focal point of Tonk. A fairly ordinary monument from outside, the interior is richly ornamented with stained glass, mirrors, stucco and gilt. Other interesting buildings are those built to accommodate the British officers.

EXCURSIONS

Sawai Madhopur: In the 13th century AD, Govinda the grandson of Prithviraj Chauhan took over the land. Later, his successor Vagbhatta, beautified the city and built a noteworthy temple at Jhain. It is also the gateway to the world-renowned Ranthambore National Park.

WILDLIFE
The Ranthambore National Park: The prominent tiger-reserve is a famous wild life reserve

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Jaipur, 96 kms, is the nearest airport.

Rail: There is no direct rail connection to Tonk.

Road: A network of bus service links Tonk with several cities. It lies on National Highway no. 12.

PLACES TO STAY

It is more of a stop over enroute to Ranthambore and Sawai Madhopur from Jaipur.One may find some guesthouses but staying at Sawai Madhopur is a better option.

SHOPPING

There is thriving leather and felt industry in Tonk and one can pick up some good bargains in the markets here. The watermelons of Tonk are known for their quality and sweetness.
NEARBY CITIESJaipur:96 km
Sawai Madhopur:75 km
Ranthambore:91 km
Bundi:113 km
Ajmer:180 km

GENERAL INFORMATION