Malpura — Travel Guide
Truth is, Malpura, historically praised as the sacred gateway to the hallowed Diggi Kalyan Ji pilgrimage shrine along the Banas and Mashi river valleys, is one of the most culturally grounded, spiritually profound, and historic craft towns in the Tonk district of central Rajasthan.
Resting in the fertile semi arid Dhundhar plains along State Highway 12, it sits just 12 km south of the famous Diggi Kalyan Rai temple, 85 km southwest of state capital Jaipur, and 50 km northwest of Tonk district headquarters.
The crisp desert morning breeze carries the sweet scent of burning incense, holy Tulsi leaves, roasting wheat Baatis in cow dung ash, and spun sheep wool.
Vast mustard farmlands, shimmering reservoir waters, and ancient white marble temple spires frame this hospitable Rajasthani countryside. Malpura is celebrated across Western India as the sacred home of the historic Malpura Dadabari Jain Tirth (honoring Dada Gurudev Shri Jin Kushalsuri), the direct threshold to the 5,600 year old Diggi Kalyan Ji Mandir, and a world renowned hub for handcrafted Namda woolen felt rugs.
It's a wonderful stop if you appreciate grand temple yatras, peaceful Jain meditation retreats, exploring 800 year old stepwells at Todaraisingh, and enjoying rich Rajasthani food.
Look, the surrounding Tonk and Dhundhar region holds immense historical prominence spanning Chauhan Rajput rulers, Nawab of Tonk princely estates, and ancient Jain merchant guilds. From the vast waters of Bisalpur Dam to the intricate stone steps of Hadi Rani Ki Baori, rewarding cultural discoveries greet you on every outing.
Thing is, the local atmosphere is remarkably peaceful and rooted in traditional Rajasthani warmth. You can watch skilled artisans press pure wool into embroidered Namda carpets, sip hot spicy masala chai in earthen kullads, and relish authentic local meals featuring ghee dipped Dal Baati Churma, spicy Ker Sangri, and sweet Mawa Kachori.
Mind you, neighboring travel destinations like Bundi, Chittorgarh, and Phulera highlight Rajasthan's rich fort, stepwell, and royal palace circuits. Adding Malpura and the Diggi pilgrimage trail to your travel plan is worth every rupee for devotees, culture lovers, and road trippers.
Whether you're joining the grand annual Diggi Padyatra or marveling at the quiet marble pavilions of Dadabari, Malpura delivers true peace. It's an authentic jewel of Central Rajasthan.
Timing your trip around the historic Diggi Padyatra, pleasant winter sunshine, or Dadabari annual fairs will make your journey across Rajasthan memorable. Worth every rupee. Here is the seasonal and cultural breakdown:
Best Time to Visit by Season
• Winter Season (October to March): The ideal travel window. Daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 27°C with dry, sunny weather, perfect for temple darshans, stepwell exploration at Todaraisingh, and birdwatching at Bisalpur Dam.
• Monsoon Season (July to September): Moderate rainfall turns the semi arid countryside green and fills the Banas River and Bisalpur Dam. The grand Diggi Padyatra takes place during this season.
• Summer Season (April to June): Warm and dry with daytime temperatures reaching 43°C. Early morning temple visits and indoor afternoon rests are advised.
Major Annual Cultural & Religious Celebrations
• Shri Diggi Kalyan Ji Shravan Padyatra & Mela: Over a million devotees walk barefoot from Jaipur to Diggi in a massive colorful procession with decorated chariots, flags, and bhajans.
• Malpura Dadabari Gurudev Mela: Annual Jain festival celebrating Dada Gurudev Shri Jin Kushalsuri with special snatra pooja, aarti, and community feasts.
• Maha Shivratri at Jadeshwar: All night vigil with continuous holy water abhishekams and traditional rural fairs.
• Holi & Gangaur: Colorful traditional festivals celebrated with folk Ghoomar dances, sweet Ghewar delicacies, and community gatherings.
What Malpura is Famous For
• Diggi Kalyan Ji Gateway: Sacred threshold to the 5,600 year old Vishnu shrine.
• Malpura Dadabari: Renowned Shwetambar Jain tirth of Shri Jin Kushalsuri.
• Namda Felt Rugs: World famous woolen handicraft carpets and floor mats.
Reaching Malpura in Rajasthan is smooth and straightforward thanks to State Highway 12 (Jaipur Diggi-Malpura corridor) and rapid connectivity to Jaipur International Airport and major railway junctions. No doubt about it. Here is your transit guide:
By Air
• Jaipur International Airport (JAI), Sanganer: Located just 85 km northeast of Malpura (approx 1.5 hours drive via smooth four lane SH 12 expressway).
• Kishangarh Airport (KQH), Ajmer: Located 75 km northwest (approx 1.5 hours drive via Arai and Kekri).
• Airport Transfers: Pre paid taxis, app based cabs, and RSRTC express buses connect Jaipur airport directly to Sanganer, Diggi, and Malpura.
By Train
• Town Railway Station: Diggi Malpura Railway Station (Station Code: DGI) sits on the broad gauge railway branch.
• Major Mainline Junctions: Jaipur Junction (Station Code: JP) is 90 km northeast, Phulera Junction (Code: FL) is 65 km north, and Ajmer Junction (Code: AII) is 95 km west on the North Western Railway network.
• Connecting Trains: Vande Bharat Express, Ajmer Shatabdi, Ashram Express, and Jaipur Bhopal Express link Jaipur and Ajmer directly to Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
By Road
• State Highway 12: Four lane smooth state highway connects Jaipur, Sanganer, Phagi, Diggi, Malpura, Kekri, and Bhilwara.
• State Highway 37A: Connects Malpura directly to Todaraisingh, Tonk, and Deoli.
• Bus Services: Rajasthan State Road Transport (RSRTC) operates frequent ordinary and express buses from Jaipur Sindhi Camp and Tonk to Malpura every 10 minutes.
Local Commuting
• Auto Rickshaws: Shared and private auto rickshaws operate between Malpura bus stand, Dadabari, and Diggi temple.
• Rental Taxis: Local cabs are ideal for full day excursions covering Diggi Kalyan Ji Temple, Malpura Dadabari, Bisalpur Dam, and Todaraisingh Stepwells.
Exploring local traditional markets and tasting authentic Rajasthani cuisine is a wonderful part of traveling in Rajasthan. Here are the top items to buy and try:
What to Buy (Namda Rugs, Wool & Sweets)
• Handmade Tonk & Malpura Namda Rugs: Pure sheep wool felt rugs decorated with colorful thread embroidery and geometric block printed patterns.
• Pure Mustard Oil (Kachchi Ghani): Freshly pressed, highly pungent cold pressed mustard cooking oil direct from local expeller mills.
• Authentic Diggi Peda & Mawa Sweets: Rich, golden brown milk fudge sweets prepared from fresh buffalo milk and cardamom.
• Sun Dried Ker & Sangri Beans: Wild desert berries and beans packaged for cooking traditional desert delicacies.
• Handwoven Cotton Durries: Durable, colorful flat woven floor rugs crafted by regional village weavers.
Famous Local Food Specialties
• Authentic Dal Baati Churma: Crisp baked whole wheat dough balls crushed and dipped in pure desi ghee, served with spicy five lentil dal and sweet crushed churma.
• Spicy Ker Sangri Sabzi: Tangy desert beans and berries cooked with dry red chilies, fenugreek, and aromatic spices.
• Rajasthani Gatte Ki Sabzi: Steamed gram flour dumplings simmered in a spiced yogurt and tomato gravy, served with hot rotis.
• Crispy Mawa Kachori: Flaky deep fried pastry stuffed with sweet khoya and dry fruits, coated in saffron cardamom sugar syrup.
• Chilled Masala Chhach: Refreshing roasted cumin and mint flavored spiced buttermilk served in clay cups.
Must-Visit Places in Malpura
Malpura and the surrounding Tonk Dhundhar corridor offer an extraordinary collection of ancient Vishnu pilgrimage shrines, sacred Jain Dadabaris, massive river reservoirs, and 800 year old stepwells. Here are the top attractions you'll want to explore during your stay.
1. Shri Kalyan Ji Maharaj Mandir (Diggi Kshetra)
An ancient 5,600 year old pilgrimage temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Kalyan Rai Ji / Diggi Naresh), famous for the massive annual Shravan Jaipur Padyatra.
Visiting Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM daily
Entry Fee: Free darshan
Route Note: Located 12 km north of Malpura.
2. Malpura Dadabari Jain Tirth (Shri Jin Kushalsuri)
A sacred Shwetambar Jain tirth honoring the 3rd Dada Gurudev Shri Jin Kushalsuri, featuring pure white marble sanctums, peaceful gardens, and dharamsalas.
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Entry Fee: Free entry
Route Note: Located in central Malpura.
3. Bisalpur Dam & Banas River Reservoir
A massive gravity dam on the Banas River surrounded by the Aravalli hills, offering sweeping water views, sunset points, and winter birdwatching.
Visiting Hours: Daylight hours
Entry Fee: Free public access
Route Note: Located 45 km south near Todaraisingh.
4. Todaraisingh Ancient Heritage & Hadi Rani Ki Baori
An 800 year old historic town featuring 300 ancient stepwells, including the spectacular 3 tiered Hadi Rani Ki Baori, Ruti Rani Mahal, and havelis.
Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Entry Fee: Free public access
Route Note: Located 32 km south of Malpura.
5. Sri Jadeshwar Mahadev Mandir (Malpura)
An ancient stone Shiva temple situated in quiet natural surroundings, celebrated for special holy water abhishekams and Maha Shivratri fairs.
Visiting Hours: 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM daily
Entry Fee: Free darshan
Route Note: Located on town outskirts.
6. Malpura Traditional Namda (Felt Rug) Artisan Cottages
Visit authentic artisan workshops to see craftsmen manually card, roll, and press sheep wool into thick, colorful floral felt carpets.
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (working days)
Entry Fee: Free workshop visits
Route Note: Located in local artisan quarters.
7. Historic Malpura Fort & Town Bastion Gateways
Medieval Rajput fortified gateways and stone defensive walls that once guarded the strategic trade routes connecting Jaipur, Ajmer, and Mewar.
Visiting Hours: Daylight hours
Entry Fee: Free public viewing
Route Note: Located in old city center.
8. Shree Adinath Bhagwan Digambar Jain Mandir (Todaraisingh)
An ancient Jain temple housing a revered monolithic idol of Lord Adinath, featuring carved stone pillars, ceilings, and peaceful prayer halls.
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free darshan
Route Note: Located 32 km south in Todaraisingh.
9. Tordi Sagar Lake & Palace Heritage Trails
A scenic historic lake and 16th century heritage fortress village offering boat rides, sand dune camel safaris, and tranquil rural farm walks.
Visiting Hours: Daylight hours
Entry Fee: Free access; safari charges apply
Route Note: Located 15 km west in Tordi village.
10. Shri Balaji Mandir (Malpura Bazaar)
A popular town temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, celebrated for Tuesday evening Sunderkand recitals, deepa aartis, and sweet laddu prasad.
Visiting Hours: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free darshan
Route Note: Located in central market area.
11. Shri Hanuman Mandir (State Highway Pass)
A popular roadside shrine where highway travelers stop for safe journey blessings, Saturday evening aartis, and sweet boondi offerings.
Visiting Hours: 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free darshan
Route Note: Located along SH 12 highway.
12. Malpura Mega Wool, Grain & Mustard Krishi Mandi
One of central Rajasthan's major wholesale agricultural yards where farmers auction thousands of quintals of yellow mustard, wheat, and wool.
Visiting Hours: 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free access
Route Note: Located at APMC market yard, Malpura.
Malpura Photo Gallery & Attractions
Explore high-resolution photographs of iconic temples, historical monuments, and scenic landmarks in Malpura.
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