Home :: Rajasthan India Travel :: Dungarpur

Area : 3780 sq km
Languages : Hindi and English
Best time to visit : October to February
STD code : 2964

Dungarpur is a small city located in the western Indian state of Rajasthan and is famous for its temples and palaces. The district of Dungarpur extends from latitude 23°50' in the north to longitude 73°50' in the east. There is a good road network that connects Dungarpur to other cities in Rajasthan.

The district is named after the capital of the former princely state of Dungarpur. Dungar means a hill or a mountain and pur means a town, thus Dungarpur means a 'hill-town'.

Rawal Veer Singh Dev took over this part of the state from the Bhil Chieftain Dungaria and laid the foundation of the city as well as of the Old Palace on October 14, 1282 AD.

Dungarpur is famous for its unique style of architecture. The palaces of the Dungarpur princes and the residences of the noblemen are adorned by a new style of jharokhas, which was developed during Maha Rawal Shiv Singh's reign (AD 1730-1785). The gold and silversmiths of Dungarpur and Banswara are well known for their lacquer painted toys and picture framing.

Places To See
Udai Bilas Palace: The royal residence named after of the Maharawal Udai SinghII,a patron of art & culture, the palace is a veritable example Rajput architecture ornate with intricately sculptured pillars and panels impressive balconies bracketed windows and marvelous arches.

Juna Mahal: The 13th century seven storied structure resembling a fortress with crenellated walls, turrets, narrow entrances and corridors to slow down the enemy. The splendid interiors embellished with beautiful free scope, miniature painting and glass and mirrors work, make it an impressive creation.

Gaib Sagar lake: A famous shrine of Shrinathji lies along the lake. The shrine is a conglomeration of several exquisitely built temple with one main temple. The Vijay Raj Rajeshwar Temple, Dedicated to Lord Shiv is an architectural splendor and a fine example of craftsmanship of the shilips of Dungapur.

Govt. Archaecological Museum: The museum houses a fine a fine collection of ancient status.

Excursion
Baneshwar (60km): At the confluence of the som and Mahi rivers, stands the Baneshwar Temple with a Shiva Lingam. Nearby is the Vishnu temple belived to be built on a spot where Mavij an incarnation of Lord Krishan, meditated another noteworthy temples is the Braham Temple -a spacious two storied structure exquisitely carved pillars and gateways. The temple is the venue of an annual fair.

Deo Somnath (24kms): A splendid 12th century temple of Lord Shiva built in. White stone the temples has imposing turrets. The brilliant juxtapositions of huge stone slans to create this impressive edifice epitomizes the craftsmanship of the ancient times.

Galiykot (58km): Once the capital of parmars, this tiny village is renowned for its magnificent shrine of Sayeed Fakhruddin. Thousand of devotees through here. During the Urs. The shrine is beautiful decorated and illuminated for the occasion. The jain temples closely are also worth visit.

Baroda (41km): An erstwhile capital of Vagad, the village has some beautiful temples. Of particulars note are the old Shiva temple in while stone and an ancient Jain temple whose black wall has exquisitely carved image of the 24 tirthankars.

Bhuvenshwar (9km): A famous temple of Lord Shiv 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 (37km): A beautiful temple dedicated to Mavij preserve the manuscript of a book-Chopra' written by Mavij and an idol of Nishkalank riding a horse .

Fairs and Festivals
During Holi, Gair dances by tribals wearing colourful dresses and carrying swords, arrows and sticks are the major attraction. Bar Bij Fair is held a month after Diwali on the occasion of Bar Bij and is an important celebration of the district. The Bhils in their traditional finery, dance, sing and make merry on this day.

Where to Stay
Accommodation is not a problem in Dungarpur and options suiting all categories of tourists are available. Heritage hotels are the best options to stay if one really wants to explore the heritage of this state.

How to Get There
By Air: Udaipur (120 km) is the nearest airport, connected to Jodhpur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai.

By Rail: Dungarpur is connected to Udaipur and Ahmedabad by regular trains. The Railway station is three km from the city.

By Road: National Highway No. 8, which runs between Delhi and Bombay, passes through the district for a total distance of 31 km. The Sirohi-Ratlam State Highway passes through the district too. There are regular buses for almost all the major cities in India.