Tourist Places in Dungarpur

Dungarpur is one of the prominent city of the Vagad region in Rajasthan. The word Dungar means hills in the common language and hence the Dungarpur means the city of hills. Dungarpur has an interesting topography ranging from rugged and wild terrain in the north east to the fertile plains of the alluvial soil in the south west. This region was also the stronghold of the Bhils. It is built around the huge Gaibsagar Lake and is enclosed by lolling hills on three sides. History of Dungarpur

The chiefs of Dungarpur who bear the title of Maharawal are descended from Mahup who was the eldest son of Karan Singh, chief of Mewar in the 12th century and claim the honours of the elder line of Mewar. Mahup was disinherited by his father, he took refuge with his mother's family the Chauhans of Bagar and made himself master of that country at the expense of the Bhil chiefs.Dungarpur was founded towards the end of the 14th century by Rawal Bir Singh who named it after Dungaria who was an independent Bhil chieftain whom he had caused to be assassinated. Dungarpur became well-known under the Guhilot Ahara Suryavanshi Rajputs who trace their ancestry from the elder branches of the main lineage at Chittorgarh. After the death of Rawal Udai Singh of Bagar at the Battle of Khanwa in 1527, where he fought alongside Rana Sanga against Babar his territories were divided into the states of Banswara and Dungarpur.

Festivals in Dungarpur
An important fair which is celebrated in Dungarpur is the Baneshwar Fair, it take place in the month of February at Baneshwar, a small delta formed by the river Mahi and Soma which is about 50 km from Dungarpur. It is a religious fair with traditional and simple rituals. It is one of the biggest and most important fair of the Bhils. 'Baneshwar' means the ‘master of the delta’ it is derived from the Shiva Linga kept in the Mahadev temple in Dungarpur. The tribal folks of Bhils assemble here from the neighbouring states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

Tourist Attractions in Dungarpur
Important tourist attractions in Dungarpur are Juna Palace and Udai Bilas Palace. Udai Bilas Palace is a good example of the Rajput architecture with its intricately sculptured pillars and panels, impressive balconies, bracketed windows and marvellous panels. The Udai Bilas Place was built in the mid-19th century by Maharawal Udai Singh-II, by the bluish-grey sandstone. The Udai Bilas Palace has been now converted into a heritage hotel and still under the control of the royal family of Dungarpur and a royal residence.

Juna Mahal is a seven storeyed structure which resembles a fortress with crenellated walls, narrow entrances, corridors and turrets. Interiors of the Mahal are decorated with miniature paintings, attractive frescoes, mirror and glass work. Other attractions include: Temple of Shrinathji – It is a famous temple which is dedicated to the Shrinathji, it lies on the banks of the Gaib Sagar lake. Various lakes and forests in Dungarpur attract a large variety of migratory birds during the winters.

Baneshwar Fair
This name Baneshwar meaning delta was taken from the venerated Shivlinga kept in the Mahadev temple at Dungarpur. Every year this fair is organized at the place where the rivers Som and Mahi form a delta and the time of the fair is from Magh Shukla Ekadashi to Magh Shukla Purnima every year.

Dungarpur Museum
This is a newly constructed museum and is officially known as Rajmata Devendra Kunwar State Museum and Cultural Centre, Dungarpur. It was opened for the public in the year 1988.

Gaib Sagar Lake
The famous Gaib Sagar Lake is situated amidst the picturesque surroundings at Dungarpur. It is a bird's paradise and has beautiful plantation on its banks.

Juna Mahal
The 13th century seven storeyed building looks a lot like a citadel with stonewalls, towers, narrow entrances and hallways to retard the advancing of the enemy. The marvelous interiors overstated with beautiful frescoes, miniature paintings, glass and mirror work. This building is surely worth a visit on your trip to the city of Dungarpur.

Udai Bilas Palace
This palace was constructed as a home or the royal family and was named after Mahrawal Udai Singh II. The building has excellent work of Rajput architecture with sculpted pillars and panels, balconies and spectacular arches.

Urs- Galiyakot
A small village in Dungarpur district, Galiyakot holds special significance for the sect of Ismaili Shia Muslims who gather there for ziyarat at the memorial of Sayyed Fakhruddin.

Baneshwar Temple
This temple is located at the place where the rivers of Som and Mahi for a delta. This temple has three Shivlings. The Vishnu temple is located near this temple and is believed to be built on the spot where Mavji, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, meditated. A temple of Lord Brahma is also located nearby which is the venue of an annual fair.

Baroda (Dungarpur)
It was initially the capital of Vagad and is famous for the old Shiv Temple made up of white stone and an ancient Jain temple that has the images of all 24 tirthankaras carved a black wall.

Bhuvaneshwar Temple
A colorful fair is held every year five days after holi at the temple of Lord Shiv situated here. Gair dance of the Bhil tribe is the major attraction of the fair.

Deo Somnath
Deo Somnath is an ancient temple of Lord Shiv made up of white stone that was constructed in the 12th century. The temple has an exemplary architecture and symbolizes the art of the ancient times.

Galiyakot
The village of Galiyakot is famous for the shrine of Sayyed Fakhruddin and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The village also has Jain temples that are worth seeing.

Poonjpur
Poonjpur is a temple dedicated to Mavji who was the incarnation of Lord Krishna and houses the manuscript of 3 books called Chopra. Mavji himself wrote Chopra. The temple also has an idol of Nishkalank taking a ride on a horse.