The 600 year old city was known as Kalyanpuri until it was changed to Karauli. The princely state of Karauli was founded by the royal family of Yaduvanshi Rajput, Raja Arjun Pal in 1348 AD.

The magnificent city of Karauli boasts of abundant visiting attractions to be pulled towards. The remarkably built official home of the royal family in Karauli, the City Palace was built in 1635 A.D. The exquisitely looking place appears regally sculptured with red decorated stuccowork and frescoes. The city once ruled by the descendants of lord Krishna is surrounded by red stone fortifications with well-constructed security check posts worth seeing.

Tourists are always willing to go on exploring the city and its little secrets. There is this camel ride to experience with local handicraft shopping like bangle making, wooden toys, lacquer work, and bamboo items etc. Before returning for lunch, lovely paintings and meticulous carvings are ready to be bought.

Legendary Kaila Devi Temple is one pious spot for devotees to pay homage to Goddess Kaila Devi. It sits bold on the banks of the Kalisil River. The fair held in the honor of Kaila Devi in the month of March-April within the premises of the temple. This annual fair continues with lively devotional song and dance performances.

Apart from that, two major religious fairs keep the city of Karauli busy in the months of March-April and September-August respectively. An intriguing animal fair is also held in the month of February which is the oldest fair being held since olden days. This fair continues for a week in which thousands of animals are bought for sale and purchase.

Karauli’s Madan Mohan ji temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and attracts visitors from all places. The other royal castle is named as Bhawar Vilas Palace and now has been converted into a heritage hotel.

Giving it a touch of the wild beauty, Kaila Devi National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in Karauli. Situated 25 km from Karauli city, the sanctuary is a part of the Project Tiger and it acts as a buffer zone to Ranthambhore National Park. The park dynamically transforms into a lush green beauty during monsoons and looks magnificent with proximities with the River Chambal. Interestingly, the river provides a wonderful experience for crocodile safari and migratory birds worth watching. There are various other conservation projects carried on in the outskirts of Karauli by various NGOs too.

Apart form staying at the estate of the former Maharaja, Bhanwar Vilas Palace, tourists can always choose to be at Fort Ramathra Hotel, Karauli.