Banswara is presently known as the City of Hundred Islands due to the river Mahi, which borders the district and surrounds a number of islands. The Mahi River, revered by the locals, separates the Banswara and Dungarpur districts into two distinct regions.
Banswara lies on the southeast of Rajasthan and is bounded by Udaipur in the west, Chittaurgarh in the north and the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat in the east and the south respectively.
Banswara can be best described as the native place of the Bhils who form 39% of the tribal population of India. Banswara either got its name from bans or bamboo trees (Dendorocalamus stricus) which once grew in abundance here, or from a Bhil chieftain named Bansna.
This Bhil chief was killed by Maharawal Jagmal Singh in the battle over the possession of the region. But Jagmal was quite impressed by Bansnas bravery, and true to his generous nature he named the place after his rival.

Tourist Attractions in Banswara
Anand Sagar Lake:
On the eastern side of the town is an artificial lake and is also known as the Bai Talab.
This lake has been constructed by Lachhi Bai of Idar, the Rani of Maharawal Jagmal, nearby lies the chattris or cenotaphs of the rulers of the state. They have a very peculiar structure triple storeyed in the rear and double storeyed in the front.
The lake is beautifully adorned by "Kalp Vriksha" which is couple of holy tree and it fulfills the desires of every travellers. The charming surroundings also attract many visitors over here.

Dialab Lake
Dailab Lake is again one of those numerous lakes found in the desert state of Rajasthan. Covered with beautiful lotus flowers round the year the lake has a beautiful structure named Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds).
This magnificent palace previously the resort of its erstwhile rulers is now an important tourist spot. It is one of the most frequented sites of the town apart from its temple complex.

Abdulla Pir:
This is a Muslim shrine of Bohra saint and is mostly visited by Bohra Muslims who visit this place during URS. Apart from the Muslim festivals of Id and Muharram celebrated here, Urs forms an annual occurrence.
Abdullah Pir tomb here is an important shrine for the Bohra Muslims who were originally Hindus but later became Mustali Ismaili Muslims. The Urs is a commemoration of the death anniversary of Abdullah Pir. Muslims in Banswara follow an absolute preacher, the Dai Mutlaq, and are chiefly traders.
The shrine of Abdullah Pir is visited by Muslim devotees from various parts of the country as well as abroad. Set amidst beautifully laid out gardens, the shrine with a domed roof is a solid white marbled structure with four entrances.
Mahi Dam:
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.