EXPLORING BATESHWAR
The tour of Bateshwar begins with a visit to the Kunj. Your guide will begin by showing you the views from the rooftop, followed by a private boat ride along the temples and ghats. Upon disembarking you will proceed on a walk along the temples, entering some of the more interesting shrines such as Pataleshwar – with its subterranean inner sanctum and intricate paintings. The walk ends at the ancient Bateshwarnath temple where guests may take part in a brief prayer conducted by the temple pujari (priest).
The Maha Aarti on the temple ghats every full-moon, as well as on special request, is a divine spectacle reverberating with the sights & sounds of an age-old tradition that visitors may enjoy with the faithful on the ghats or on boats facing the temples.
After a lapse of several decades a Horse Show was held at Bateshwar on the 25th of October 2011. The Mounted Police force riders and the Royal Awagarh Risala riders treated the large crowd of spectators to professional displays of horsemanship such as tent-pegging and trick riding. Local riders and trainers also participated enthusiastically displaying the skills of their horses and riders. It is hoped that the Horse Show will regain its former prominence and once again become a regular feature at the animal fair.
A short walk beyond the temples lie the mud caves of the Sadhus. This inter-twining maze has been created over centuries and is an architectural marvel of sorts. None of the architects we know have been able to understand how these caves withstand the pressure of the load above them and why this warren has not collapsed on itself. The Sadhus however, have no such concerns and are still busy extending and re-inventing their little realm. They are quite happy to show guests around and will oblige you with the requisite picture. Their rather generous offer to share their smoking pipes (chillums) is however another matter and not one we would recommend!
Guests may also explore numerous other attractions of the Chambal Valley including a River Safari in the National Chambal Sanctuary in search of rare wildlife, Jeep Safari for Black buck or to the Fort and Shiva Temple at Bhareh, Camel Safari to the ruins of Fort Ater, Village walks and Nature walks with trained naturalists.
