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 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.
Connectivity
By Air : The nearest airport is located at Udaipur is about 120 kms away and Ahmedabad is about 175 kms away from Dungarpur.
By Train : The nearest railway station from Dungarpur is Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh), which is 80 km away and connected to major cities and towns of the country.
By Road : Dungarpur is about 25 km from national Highway 8. One can easily get regular buses to Dungarpur from other major cities of the country.
Best Season to Visit
The best season to visit will be from October to March.
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.
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 Palace: It is a seven-storied structure that resembles a fortress, dating back to the 13th century. Crenulated walls, towers, narrow access ways and passages were built in this fortress to impede the enemy. Adorning the interiors of the Mahal are beautiful frescoes, miniature paintings and exquisite glass and mirror work. The royal family of Dungarpur still resides inside the palace.
Gaib Sagar Lake: The lake is a bird watcher’s paradise. The picturesque surroundings of the lake house numerous species of birds. Also situated along the lake is a famous Shrinathji temple. The temple complex has a number of beautifully built shrines inside it, with one being the main temple. One of them is the Vijay Raj Rajeshwar Temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
