Dungarpur City
| Dungarpur in Rajasthan is a haven of natural beauty further enhanced by majestic architectural marvels. Located at the foothills of the Aravalli range, it is often called the 'City of Hills'. Noticing the mesmerising landscape from the rugged terrain in the northeast to fertile plains in the southwest with Mahi and Som rives flowing through it, Rawal Veer Singh founded the city way back in 1282 wresting it from the native tribals Bhils. After that, it became the realm of the Rajput rulers of Mewar. Tourist Attractions At Dungarpur Juna Mahal: Major attraction of Dungarpur, presently the royal family of Dungarpur resides here. This seven-storied structure is embellished with frescoes, miniature paintings and exquisite glass and mirror works in the interior. It was built in the 13th century having crenulated walls and towers interconnected by narrow access ways. Udai Bilas Palace: Now converted into a plush heritage hotel, it is a 19th century palace nestled amidst the Aravallis. Maha Rawal Udai Singhji built this palace for his own residence. This bluish grey stone structure is beautifully adorned with intricately designed balconies, bracketed windows, and open courtyards. It stands on the banks of Gaib Sagar Lake where numerous species of birds find their home. The famous Shrinathji Temple is also worth a visit. The complex encloses number of beautifully built shrines; the main one Vijay Raj Rajeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Rajmata Devendra Kunwar State Museum and Cultural Centre: The museum was built in the year 1988. The sculpture gallery will unfold the history of the region. Other places worth your time are the group of temples at Baneshwar, the white stone Deo Somnath temple of Lord Shiva; the shrine of Muslim Bohra saint, Syed Fakhruddin, at Galiyakot; the ancient Shiva temple at Boreshwar; the temple of Lord Shiva at Bhuvaneshwar especially during the fair and the temple of Boreshwar Mahadeo. Apart from these architectural wonders, do go on a wildlife safari in the woodsy and hilly areas. Covered in teak, mahua, mango and khajur trees, you will surely chance upon jackal, jungle cat, Indian fox, hyena, black-faced monkey, porcupine, common mongoose roaming about. Bird species commonly seen here are partridges, peafowl, quails, cuckoos, eagles, vultures, etc. But to capture the essence of the region, time your visit with the local fairs and festivals such as Baneshwar, Khetrapal, Neelapani, Urs Peer Fakhruddin, Bhuvneshwar,Ganeshji, Vijvamata, Sheetlamata, Sidhnath, Gangeshwar, Kallaji, Janmaastmi,Gujreshwar, Jhijhwa, Kallaji, Murla Ganesh, Mahadeo Bhuwali, Ashapura Gamdi and Bhedmata. |
