Location: 120-km From Udaipur,
Rajasthan
Attractions: Gaib Sagar Lake, Govt.
Archaeological Museum
Founded In: 1282 AD
Best Time To Visit: October-February
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Tourism in
Dungarpur
The Land of Varied Wonders
Nestled in the foot hills of the Aravallis,
Dungarpur has an interesting topography,
ranging from wild and rugged terrain in the
north-east to fertile plains of alluvial
soil in the south-west. Two magnificent
rivers - the Mahi and the Som flow through
the area. While the former separates the
district from Banswara, the latter draws a
natural boundary between the district and
Udaipur
Dungarpur was founded in 1282 AD by Rawal
Veer Singh.- when he took over this part of
the state from the Bhil Chieftain, Dungaria.
The area is rich in Teak, Mahua, Mango and
Khajur trees. Dungarpur is also noted for
its wildlife variety--Jackal, Jungle Cat,
Indian Fox, Hyena, Black Faced Monkey,
Porcupine, Common Mongoose are the common
inhabitants. The commonly seen bird variety
includes Partridges, Peafowls, Quails,
Cuckoos, Eagles and Vultures. Various
migratory birds also visit the area during
the winters.
Dungarpur is famous for its unique style of
architecture as seen in its palaces and
noble residences. These royal residences are
adorned by 'jharokhas' built in stone in a
unique style typical of the area, developed
during the reign of Maharawal Shiv Singh
(1730-1785 A.D.) The district's gold and
silver smiths are renowned for lacquer
painted toys and picture framing.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
PALACES
Udai Bilas palace: The royal residence named
after Maharawal Udai Singh II, a patron of
art and architecture, the palace is a
veritable example of the Rajput architecture
ornate with intricately sculptured pillars
and panels, impressive balconies, bracketed
windows and marvellous arches.
Juna Mahal: The 13th century seven storeyed
structure resembles a fortress with
crenellated walls, turrets, narrow entrances
and corridors to slow down the enemy. The
splendid interiors embellished with
beautiful frescoes, miniature paintings and
glass and mirror work, make it an impressive
creation.
One requires prior permission of the
resident royal family to visit the Palace.
LAKES
Gaib Sagar Lake: A famous shrine of
Shrinathji lies along the lake. The shrine
is a conglomeration of several exquisitely
built temples with one main temple.
The Vijay Raj Rajeshwar Temple, dedicated to
Lord Shiva is an architectural splendour and
a fine example of craftsmanship of the 'shilpis'
of Dungarpur. more...
MUSEUMS
Govt. Archaeological Museum: The museum
houses a fine collection of ancient statues.
more...
EXCURSIONS
TEMPLES
Baneshwar (60-km): At the confluence of the
Som and Mahi rivers, stands the Baneshwar
Temple with 3 Shivlingas.
Nearby is the Vishnu temple, believed to be
built on the spot where Mavji, an
incarnation of Lord Krishna, meditated.
Another noteworthy temple is the Brahma
temple - a spacious two storeyed structure
with exquisitely carved pillars and
gateways.
The temple is the venue of an annual fair.
Deo Somnath (24-km): A splendid 12th century
temple of Lord Shiva built in white stone,
the temple has imposing turrets. The
brilliant juxtaposition of huge stone slabs
to create this impressive edifice epitomises
the craftsmanship of the ancient time.
Bhuvaneshwar (9-km): A famous temple of Lord
Shiva is situated here and is the venue of a
colourful fair held on the fifth day after
Holi. Gair dance by the Bhils is the major
highlight of the fair.
Poonjpur (37-km): A beautiful temple
dedicated to Mavji preserves the manuscript
of 3 books - 'Chopra', written by Mavji and
an idol of Nishkalank riding a horse.
CITIES
Baroda (41-km): An erstwhile capital of
Vagad, the village has some beautiful
temples. Of particular note are the old
Shiva temple in white stone and an ancient
Jain temple whose black wall has exquisitely
carved image of the 24 Tirthankaras.
OTHERS
Galiyakot (58-km): Once the capital of
Parmars, this tiny village is renowned for
its magnificient shrine of Sayed Fakhruddin.
Thousands of devotees throng here during the
Urs. The shrine is beautifully decorated and
illuminated for the occasion.
The Jain temple close by are also worth a
visit. more...
HOW TO GET THERE
Air : Nearest airport is in Udaipur (120-km)
and Ahmedabad Airport is just 175-km away
from Dungarpur.
Rail : It is connected to Udaipur and
Ahemdabad. The Railway station is 3-km from
the city. Some important train connections
are: 9643 Express (Himatnagar-Dungarpur-Udaipur);
Mewarpass. (Himatnagar-Dungarpur-Udaipur)
Road : National Highway No.8, which runs
between Delhi and Mumbai passes through the
district for a total distance of 31-km. The
State Highway passes through the district
viz. Sirohi-Ratlam Highway.
PLACES TO STAY
Udai Bilas Palace : Single and double room
suites also available. Udai Bilas Palace - a
running Heritage Hotel offers facilities,
which include picnic lunch spots at ancient
fort ruins, folk concerts of tribal dances,
boat trips at Gaib Sagar Lake and excursions
to nearby lakes.
In the city near Bus Stand, budget class
hotels are also available.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Holi: Gair dances by tribals wearing
colourful dresses and carrying swords,
arrows and sticks are the major attraction.
Baneshwar Fair: On the full moon day - Magh
Shukla Purnima (February), thousands of
Bhils from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and
Rajasthan gather at the confluence of the
Mahi and Som rivers for a sacred dip. It is
an occasion to worship, sing and dance.
Magic shows and acrobatic displays add
interest to the celebrations. more...
Bar Bij Fair: Held a month after Diwali on
the occasion of Bar Bij, it is an important
celebration of the district. The Bhils in
their traditional finery, dance, sing and
make merry.
NEARBY CITIES
Udaipur: 120-km
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area : 3870-sq-kms
Climate : Mean Max Mean Min
Summer : 43°C 26°C
Winter : 25°C 9°C
Rainfall : 47-76 cms.
Best Season : October-February
Clothing :
Summer : Light Tropical
Winter : Light Woolen
Language Rajasthani, Hindi & English. |
