Home to the tribal with Bhils constituting half of the total populations Banswara has its name derived from Bans or bamboo trees, which once grew here in abundance. Maharawal Jamal Singh founded the erstwhile state. With Udaipur and Chittorgarh, forming its boundaries, the district presently comprises of the territories of former Banswara State and the Chieftainship of Kushalgarh. While the central and western portion of the district are fertile plains, the scattered ranges of the Aravali form the eastern region.

The ancient town is surrounded by a stone wall, now in ruins. A palace of a former ruler of Banswara stands overlooking the town. The teak forests are found on the slopes of the Aravalli hills. Mango, Khajur and Mahua trees are also a part of the vegetation of the district. Banswara has rich wildlife including squirrels, lizards, snakes, chinkara, ronj and four horned antelope. Panthers can be seen rarely. The avian variety includes the black drongo, grey shirke, green bee-eater, parrot, jungle crow, wood pecker and common myna. Grey jungle fowl and grey partridge are generally spotted in the remote parts of the forests.

Mahi Dam (18 Km)
Under the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project, various dams and canals have been built over the Mahi river amid beautiful surroundings. The Mahi river has a number of islands at intervals and hence Banswara is at times referred to as ‘the city of hundred islands’. The Mahi Dam and the Kagdi Pikup have a picturesque fountain garden, surely worth a visit.

Dialab Lake
A beautiful lake covered with lotus flowers. On the bank of the lake is Badal Mahal, the summer resort of former rulers.

Abdulla Pir
A popular shrine of a Bohra Muslim saint, attracting a large number of Bohra Muslims from all over during the annual Urs festival.

Madareshwar
A temple of Lord Shiva Mahadeo Temple. Kali Kalyani Dham and Padoli Rathore are other spiritual centers near the town which attract thousands of people from all over the country every year.