Happy TravellerWelcome to Lakheri, a small town located in the southeast of Rajasthan, India. Often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, Lakheri boasts a rich history, unique geography, and an industrial heritage that is second to none. Join us as we explore the many attractions of Lakheri and reveal why this hidden gem should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
One of the most distinctive features of Lakheri is its cement manufacturing unit of Associated Cement Companies Ltd. (ACC), the longest-running cement plant in Asia. This plant opened in 1912–1913 and has undergone several expansions to incorporate the latest technology in cement production. The managing director of ACC has predicted a 12–15% rise in cement production from the Lakheri plant. While industrial tourism is not yet a well-developed concept in India, cement enthusiasts and industrial heritage lovers should not miss visiting this iconic plant in Lakheri.
Lakheri is also surrounded by agricultural lands and villages, with the River Mej passing through the outskirts of the town. The river serves as the main water source for the city, and a water pump house with a capacity of 3240 kilolitres per day has been built by Lakheri’s cement works ACC Limited. The Mej dam is also on the river near Lakheri, and a small water reservoir and a zigzag dam has been constructed to store rainwater in the town.
The city is surrounded on three sides by small hills of Vidhyan range, adding to the unique geography of Lakheri. The city has fertile land and greenery with irrigation supplied through a series of canals. There is a small pond named Mahesh Sagar located in the town, and the city is also home to the second-largest population in the district, after Bundi.
Lakheri has a semi-arid climate with high temperatures throughout the year. Summers are long, hot, and dry, beginning in late March and lasting until the end of June. The temperatures average above 40 °C (104 °F) in May and June and frequently exceed 45 °C (113 °F). The monsoon season follows with comparatively lower temperatures but higher humidity and frequent, torrential downpours. The brief, mild winter starts in late November and lasts until the last week of February. The average annual rainfall in the Lakheri is 659 mm (25.9 in).
As of the 2011 Indian census, Lakheri had a population of 29,572 with an average literacy rate of 76.87%. The majority religion in the city is Hinduism, followed by Muslims, Jains, Sikhs, and Christians. Harauti, a dialect of Rajasthani, is widely spoken in Lakheri, with Hindi and English being the other languages spoken.
The city lies in between the main Delhi-Mumbai line and is connected to Bundi through SH29 and to Kota and Jaipur through SH1. More than 1000 travelers commute daily from Lakheri to Kota, Jaipur and many other large cities by local train. The education sector of Kota has become a major contributor to the city’s economy, and many hostels and PGs for students are located in Kota in the vicinity of the coaching centres, with students living here for 2–3 years and preparing for their exams.
While Lakheri may not be the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of visiting Rajasthan, it is a unique destination that offers a glimpse into India’s industrial heritage and a natural beauty that is all its own. Whether you’re a cement enthusiast, an industrial heritage lover, or just an intrepid traveler in search of lesser-known destinations, Lakheri should definitely be on your bucket list.
