A walk through history
As you ascend through the thick green forest and rugged terrain towards the site, you'll reach a white arched gate with carvings at the entrance. Beyond the gate are beautifully maintained gardens and ample parking. As you walk in, two statues of lions and a statue of Lord Ganesha welcome you to the old bungalow. On the left side, there's a small cactus garden with different varieties of cactus in planters.
Inside the bungalow, the corridors on the left and right sides have been turned into a mini-museum with galleries displaying household and other items commonly used a century ago. You'll see various kitchen utensils used to grind grains and spices, an old lantern, account books, an inkpot, a water bottle given to a soldier in World War I, medals given to martyrs of the same war, and swords, among other things. There's also a room dedicated to Colonel Tod (after whom the village is named), where his diaries, in which he made all the entries pertaining to his work, and some photographs are on display.
When you finally reach the top of the bungalow, the massive Pragya Shikhar greets you as it stands tall in the centre. The pillar is filled with inscriptions, with a plaque in front mentioning that the writings will help people learn the lesson of humanity for thousands of years to come!
Embrace the cultural legacy
While you’re in the area, you can explore deeper into Rajasthan's cultural legacy by visiting the magnificent sites in Ajmer. Visit the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah, which enchants millions of tourists with its timeless charm every year. Marvel at the stunning Soniji Ki Nasiyan Temple, also known as the ‘golden temple’ of Ajmer, a Jain temple dedicated to Lord Adinath. Then step into the majestic Taragarh Fort, which dates back to the reign of the Chauhan Kings in the 1300s and served as an important military stronghold during the Mughal Empire times. To round off your journey perfectly, you can also visit the famed Brahma Temple in nearby Pushkar, a temple dedicated to the creator of the universe.