DUNGARPUR, INDIA

Dungarpur was founded in 1358 A.D. It is situated on the Udaipur-Himmatnagar section of the western Railway. It is well connected by road with Udaipur.

 Dungarpur is a picturesque town surrounded by hills on three sides. Udai Bilas Place which's built by the side of a lake is famous for its fine architecture and carvings. Juna Mahal is a treasure house of miniature paintings, frescoes, glass and mirror work. There are a number of old temples in and around Dungarpur. A temple on the banks of the river Som, Dev Somnath is an excellent specimen of Indian temple architecture..

Prime Site :

Udai Bilas Palace:- The royal residence named after Maharawal Udai Singh. II, a patron of art & architecture, the palace is a veritable example of the Rajput architecure ornate with intricately sculptured pillars and panels, impressive balconies, bracketed windows and marvellous arches,

Juna Mahal :- The 13th century seven storeyed structure resembling a fortress  with crenellated walls, turrets, narrow entrances and corridors to slow down the enemy. The splendid interiors embellished with beautiful frescoes, miniature painting and glass and mirror work, make it an impressive creation.

One requires prior permission of the resident royal family to visit the Palace.

Gaib Sagar Lake:- A famous shrine of Shrinathji lies alnog the lake. The shrine is a conglomeration of several exquisitely built temples with one main temple.

The Vijay Raj Rajeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is an architectural splendour and a fine example of craftmanship of the shilpis of Dungarpur.

Govt. Archaeological Museum:- The museum houses a fine collection of ancient status.

Excursions :

Baneshwar :-At the confluence of the Som and Mahi rivers, stands the Baneshwar Temple with a Shiva lingam.  Nearby is the Vishnu temple, believed to be built on the spot where Mavji, and incarnation of Lord Krishna, meditated. Another noteworthy temple is the Brahma temple-a spacious two storeyed structure with exquisitely carved pillars and gateways.

The temple is the venue of and annual fair.

Deo Somnath:- A splendid 12th century temple of Lord Shiva built in white stone, the temple has imposing turrets.  The brilliant juxtaposition of huge stone slabs to create this impressive edifice epitomises the craftsmanship of the ancient time.

Galiyakot:- Once the capital of Parmars, this tiny village is renowned for its magnificent shrine of Sayed Fakhruddin. Thousands of devotees throng here during the Urs. The shrine is beautifully decorated and illuminated for the occasion.
The Jain temples close by are also worth a visit.

Baroda:-An erstwhile capital of Vagad, the village has some beautiful temples. Of particular note are the old Shiva temple in white stone and an ancient Jain temple whose black wall has exquisitely carved image of the 24 tirthankaras.

Bhuvaneshwar:-A famous temple of Lord Shiva is situated here and is the venue of a colorful fair held on the fifth day after holi. Gair dance by the Bhils is the major highlight of the fair.

Poonjpur:-A beautiful temple dedicated to Mavji preserves the manuscript of a book - 'Chopra', written by Mavji and an idol of Nishkalank riding a horse.

How to Get there 

Air:-Nearest Airport is in Udaipur (120 kms) and Ahmedabad Airport is just 175 Kms. away.

Rail:-It is connected to Udaipur and Ahmedabad. The Railway station is 3 Kms. from the city. Some important train connection are: 9643 Express (Himatnagar-Dungarpur-Udaipur); Mewar Pass. (Himatnagar-Dungarpur-Udaipur)

Road:-National Highway No.8 which runs between Delhi and Bombay passes through the district for a total distance of 31 kms. The State Highway passes through the district viz. Sirohi-Ratlam highway.