Dungarpur

Situated about 110 km south of Udaipur, Dungarpur, or the City of Hills, was founded in the 13ht century. You can visit the Juna Mahal which is adorned with beautiful frescoes, paintings, mirror work and glass inlays; the well maintained Government run Rajmata Devendra Kanwar Museum and the beautiful Deo Somnath Temple.

Dungarpur district is the stronghold of the Bheels, a tribe whose history of occupancy in the Aravalli range is said to date back to 4000 BC.Founded in 1197. The rulers of Dungarpur claim descent from the Rajput house of Mewar. The first rulers of Dungarpur were Kunwar Mahap and his descendants who resided in the town of Galiankot, where their ruined castle still stands. Towards the end of the 12th century, Samant Singh, the eldest son of the ruler of Mewar, had to leave Mewar in favor of his younger brother Kumar Singh. Samant Singh drifted into the hilly area of Bagar and, within the next century, Samant Singh's successors controlled the whole province of Bagar. Rawal Udai Singh of Bagar was killed at the battle of Khanua in 1527, fighting for Mewar against Moghul Emperor Babur. His territory was thereafter divided between his two sons, forming two separate states. Prithvi Raj remained in Dungarpur while his brother Jagmal Singh became independent ruler of Banswara.

Excursion
Juna Mahal
A deserted old palace, built in stages between 13th and 18th centuries, this crumbling, seven storey palace is filled with old frescoes and paintings.

The Aam Khas, or main living room, has impressive mirror work and glass inlays. The former royal hunting lodge, on a nearby hilltop, has sensational views over the town and its many temples.

Rajmata Devendra Kunwar State Museum
A government run museum having displays which date back to 6th century.

Deo Somnath Temple
A beautiful 12th century temple. Built in white stone, the temple has imposing currants. It gives an impression of the antiquity. There are several inscriptions in the temple.

Baneshwar
Situated at the confluence of three holy rivers, the main attraction of Baneshwar is the week log Baneshwar fair held in January - February. It attracts thousand of Bhil people.

Galiakot
An important Muslim pilgrimage center, Galiakot is famous for the tomb of the Saint Fakruddin. Each year thousands of Bohra Muslim pilgrims flock here to pay homage to the saint.

About 50 km south east of Dungarpur is the important Muslim Pilgrimage center of Galiakot. This town is famous for the tomb of the saint Fakruddin, who spread the word of Mohamad in the 10th century. Each year, thousands of local and international Bohra Muslims flock here to pay homage to the saint.

Top    

Getting There
By Air
Nearest airport is Udaipur (110 km).

By Bus
Dungarpur is approchable by road from Udaipur (110 km).

By Train
Rail Nearest railway station is in Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh) (80 kms) connected with all the major cities of the country.

Getting around
Cycle - rickshaw and tongas are available.

Top