Madareshwar Shiva Temple
A Shiva shrine set into a hillside cave, reached on foot — close to town but a genuine climb.
- From the hotel
- 7 km approx.
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Timings
- Early morning to evening
- Entry
- No charge
- Best time
- October to March; Shivratri is busiest
Madareshwar is a Shiva temple built into a natural cave in the hillside a short way outside Banswara.
The climb
The temple is reached on foot, up a stepped path. It is not a long climb but it is a real one, and in the middle of the day in summer it is hard work. Go early.
The reward is partly the shrine and partly the position — cave temples have an atmosphere that free-standing ones do not, and the view back over the surrounding country from the approach is good.
Shivratri
Like most Shiva temples, Madareshwar is at its busiest during Mahashivratri, when large numbers of pilgrims make the climb. It is a striking thing to witness, but if you would rather have the place quiet, come on any ordinary morning instead.
Visiting notes
Footwear comes off at the shrine. Dress modestly. The path can be slippery after rain. Carry water — there is no reliable source on the way up.
Getting there
About fifteen minutes by road from Udaipur Road to the base of the climb, then the walk up. Close enough to do before breakfast if you are an early riser, and it pairs with Singpura in one short morning.
Combine it with
Singpura
A quiet village site close to Banswara, of local historical interest and almost never on a tourist itinerary.
Kagdi Pick Up Weir
Gardens, fountains and water channels three kilometres from the hotel — the easiest outing in Banswara.
Mahi Dam
The dam that made Banswara the city of a hundred islands — and the single sight most visitors come here for.