The holy city of Karauli is located at a distance of 160 kms from the capital city of Jaipur. The city of Karauli was earlier known as Kalyanpuri, the name given after the local deity Kalyanji. The city of Karauli was established keeping in mind the danger of frequent attacks. Therefore the city was fully equipped with arms and was surrounded by a wall made up of red sandstone with citadels at various places. The surrounding wall of the city has 6 gates and eleven posterns.
The city of Karauli has extreme climate. The maximum temperature during summer season is 49'C while the minimum during winter season is as low as 2'C. The city receives an average rainfall of 68.92 cm. Therefore the city has a rather dry climate.
The city of Karauli is located at a distance of 160 kms from the capital city of Jaipur and at a distance of 23 kms from Kaila Devi.
Raja Arjun Pal founded the city of Karauli, earlier known as Kalyanpuri in 1348 AD. It is believed that Yaduvanshi Rajputs who are descendents of Lord Krishna ruled the city of Karauli, one of the most loved gods of Hindu mythology. As such they occupy the topmost rank among the Yaduvanshi Rajputs and their family history is rich with tales of valor and glory. Karauli was an erstwhile princely state in eastern Rajasthan.
The city of Karauli that is famous for its pale red sandstone is also famous as a holy place. One could see many old monuments, explore the rural way of life and visit the Kaila Devi game sanctuary during his tour to Karauli. The most famous attractions of the city of Karauli are Bhanwar Vilas Palace, City Palace- Karauli, Kaila Devi Fair, Temples of Madan Mohan Ji and Kalyan Ji.
The then ruler Maharaja Ganesh Pal Deo Bahadur constructed the Bhanwar Vilas Palace in the year 1938. The palace built for the royal family to stay in has majestic architecture and antique furnishings.
The old monument of City Palace is exemplary in architecture, stone carvings and paintings. To witness the exquisite beauty of the Darbar Hall is a lifetime experience for the visitors.
The fair is held in the Chaitra month on Chaitra Budi 12 and lasts for a fortnight every year. This fair is held in the honour of Kaila Devi or Mahalakshmi and holds a special place in the hearts of devotees who attend this fair at Kaila village every year.
The ancient temples of Madan Mohan Ji and Kalyan Ji are visited by thousands of devotees every year. The city is also said to be home of Shri Madan Mohan Ji.
The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary that was once a favorite hunting place for the princes of Bharatpur has now been accepted as a world heritage and houses more than 350 different species of birds. This sanctuary is at a distance of 110 kms from the city of Karauli.
Maharaja of Jaipur earlier frequented this park as it used to be the hunting ground for the ruler of Jaipur. Earlier in 1955, it was granted the status of game sanctuary while it became a national park in the year 1980. The place famous for tigers is also at a distance of 110 kms from Karauli.
The game sanctuary situated adjacent to the city of Karauli is a extension of Ranthambore tiger project. This sanctuary is famous for species like Chinkaras, Wild Boar, Blue Bull, Jackal, Leopard, Panther, Tiger, Sloth Bear, Hyena, Wolf, Sambhar and a variety of birds. This sanctuary is located at a distance of 25 kms from Karauli.
The Mahaveerji Jain Temple is a famous pilgrimage of the Jain community and is frequented by thousands of devotees every year.