Entry

Tourism in Dungarpur.

Apr 5th, 2008 02:06
kumar gaurav,

Location Southern Rajasthan, 120 km from Udaipur
Must Visit Juna Mahal, Badal Mahal, Museum, Uday Vilas Palace
Temperature Max 43 ºC, Min 26 ºC (summer); Max 25 ºC, Min 09 ºC (winter)
Languages Hindi, Rajasthani and Marwari
Ideal Time October to February is the ideal time to visit Dungarpur
Dungarpur STD Code 02964
Albeit a small town in Rajasthan, Dungarpur attracts a sizable number of
tourists. The town is situated in the south of Rajasthan. The legend has
it that Dungarpur once used to be a Bhil Pal or the village of Dungaria,
a Bhil chief. It is from him that the city got its name. It is believed
that Rawal Veer Singh assassinated Dungaria and founded the city of
Dungarpur (the City of Hills) in 1282. Dungarpur, once, used to be a
major territory of the Vagad region with Vatpadrak (present Baroda) as
its capital.
The city used to be ruled by a splinter group of the Sisodias (ruling
dynasty of Udaipur), estranged from the main branch in the 12th century.
In 1818, the East India Company took over Dungarpur. Located at the
foothills of the Aravalli range, Dungarpur in Rajasthan, India consists
of a mesmerizing landscape. From the wild and rugged terrain in the
northeast to fertile plains of in the southwest, the city has a diverse
topography. Further enhancing the scenic beauty of the city, are two
rivers, River Mahi and the River Som flowing through it.
The landscape of Dungarpur is covered with teak, mahua, mango and khajur
trees. Dungarpur travel and tourism is also noted for the wide variety
of wildlife present in the town. Jackal, jungle cat, Indian fox, hyena,
black-faced monkey, porcupine, common mongoose can be seen roaming
around the hills. Along with that, you may also get to see a number of
bird species including partridges, peafowl, quails, cuckoos, eagles,
vultures, etc. The beautiful palaces, noble residences, etc of the town
display its rich architecture. Even the style of architecture is unique,
dating back to the rule of Maharawal Shiv Singh (1730-1785 AD). Both in
terms of natural beauty as well as architecture, Dungarpur is a city
worth seeing, while on a tour of Rajasthan.
Sight Seeing In Dungarpur : 
Given below is a list of the main places that should be included in a
Dungarpur, Rajasthan sightseeing tour:
Juna Mahal
One of the main tourist attractions of Dungarpur is the Juna Mahal. 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.
Udai Bilas Palace
Maharwal Udai Singh II built this palace to serve as the royal
residence. The palace, a magnificent example of Rajput architecture, is
adorned with sculpted pillars and panels, balconies and spectacular arches
Gaib Sagar Lake
The famous places to see in Dungarpur include the Gaib Sagar Lake. Set
amongst scenic environs, 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.
Rajmata Devendra Kunwar State Museum and Cultural Centre
Rajmata Devendra Kunwar State Museum and Cultural Centre, Dungarpur” was
opened to the general public in the year 1988. The museum has a
beautifully sculpture gallery that brings to fore the history of Vagad
Pradesh, which spreads over present day Dungarpur, Banswara and Kherwara
How to Reach Dungarpur 
By Air : The nearest airport is Udaipur, approx 110 Km 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 : A network of roads connects Dungarpur to cities and towns of
Rajasthan and North India. State transport as well as private bus
service is easily available for different cities and towns.