Dungarpur

Best Tourist Season (October – March)
Airport: Nearest Airport is at Udaipur 105 km
Railway: Dungarpur is linked by rail with Udaipur, Ajmer and Jaipur.
Road: Udaipur 105 km, Ahmedabad 174 km, Indore 323 km, Jodhpur 363 km, Ajmer 374 km, Bhopal 484 km, Jaipur 519 km, Jaisalmer 605 km, Mumbai 647 km, Delhi 783 km .

Introduction

Dungarpur – a city in the southernmost part of Rajasthan state, India. Dungarpur is the administrative headquarters of Dungarpur District. The rail line between Udaipur and Himmatnagar in Gujarat runs through Dungarpur town. National Highway No. 8 is just 20 km from Dungarpur town.

Dungarpur was founded in 1258 AD by Rawal Veer Singh, the eldest son of Karan Singh (the ruler of Mewar) after he drove out the local Bhil chieftain named Dungariya.

Dungarpur is as exotic as the green marble found here and shipped globally. Harsh and wild in the northeast and teeming with life in the fertile plains of the southwest, it is irrigated by two rivers, Mahi and Som.

Dungarpur’s rise to tourist fame is because of the exceptional architecture of its palaces and royal residences. These stone structures are adorned and Jharokhas (windows) and built in a style that was born during the time of Maharawal Shiv Singh (1730-1785 AD). Dungarpur’s goldsmiths and silversmiths are famous for their lacquer-painted toys and picture frames.

Climate
Dungarpur’s climate is dry.
Temperatures peak in May and coldest month is January.

Demographics
Dungarpur had a population of 42,514
Male: 54%
Female: 46%
Everage Literacy: 76% higher than the national average of 59.5%

Sightseeing in Dungarpur/Things to see in Dungarpur

Udai Bilas Palace: The Udai Bilas Palace was named after Maharawal Udai Singh II. The striking design of Udai Bilas Palace follows Rajput architectural style and boasts of detailed designs in its balconies, arches and windows. A beautiful wing called Pareva overlooks the lake, built of the local bluish grey stone. The palace has segregated into Raniwas, Udai Bilas and Krishna Prakash – also known as EkRhambiya Mahal. This EkThambiya Mahal is a veritable marvel of Rajput architecture featuring intricate sculptured pillars and panels, ornate balconies, balustrades, bracketed windows, arches and frieze of marble carvings. Now Udai Bilas Palace functions as a heritage hotel.

Juna Mahal or the Old Palace: Juna Mahal is a 13th century, seven storied edifice built on a high platform constructed from Pareva stone and its rugged exterior gives it a resemblance of a citadel. This Juna Mahal has been elaborately planned with fortified walls, watchtowers, narrow doorways and corridors to delay the enemy for as long as possible. What lies inside is completely contrast to the exterior. Tourists will be spellbound by the beautiful murals, miniature paintings and delicate glass and mirror work that adorn the interiors.

Gaib Sagar Lake: This Gaib Sagar Lake is famous for the shrine of Srinathji that rests on its banks. The shrine complex contains numerous exquisitely carved temples and one core temple – the Vijay Rajrajeshwar Temple. The temple of Lord Shiva displays the skilled craftsmanship of the famed sculptors or ‘shilpkars’ of Dungarpur.

Government Archaeological Museum: This museum was established with the objective to display sculptures collected by the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Rajasthan, mainly from the Vagad region. The Royal family of Dugarpur helped set up the museum by gifting land and its own person collection of charming sculptures and historically important inscriptions. The collection includes statues of various deities, stone inscriptions, coins and paintings dating back to the 6th century.

Badal Mahal: The Badal Mahal is another splendid palace of Dungarpur and built using Pareva stone. Located on the banks of Gaib Sagar Lake, it is renowned for its elaborate design and a fusion of the architectural styles of the Rajputs and the Mughals. This monument comprises two taxes, three domes and a veranda. Each dome sports a carved half ripe lotus while the largest dome sports three.

Surpur Temple: About 3 km from Dungarpur, the ancient shrine is located on the banks of the Gangdi River. Other attractions around the Surpur Temple are Bhulbhulaiya, Madhavrai Temple, Hathiyon Ki Agad and several inscriptions.

Vijay Raj Rajeshwer Temple: This Vijay Raj Rajeshwer Temple is located along the banks of Gaib Sagar Lake and dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati, displays the fine architecture of its times. The temple construction was ordered by Maharawal Vijay Singh and was completed in 1923, during the reign of Maharawal Lakshman Singh.

Shrinathji Temple: Srinathji Temple was built in 1623 by Maharawal Punjraj. The idols of Shri Radhikaji and Goverdhan Nathji are the main attractions. The complex also houses several shrines dedicated to Shri BankeBihariji and Shri Ramchandraji.

Goodh Mandap: Goodh Mandap is a three-storied hall meant for the common use of three temples located in its vicinity. Supported by 64 legs and 12 pillars, this hall is a marvel to behold.

Boreshwar: The Boreshwar Mahadeo temple was built during the reign of Maharawal Samant Singh sometime in 1179 A.D. The temple is situated on the banks of the Som river.

Kshetrapal Temple: This 200 years old Kshetrapal Temple is situated in Khandagada. This temple has its known popularity from the name of goddess Bhairav the manuscript of the temple. The temple is surrounded by other small temples of Ganapati, Lord Shiva, Goddess Laxmi and Hanuman.

District Library
Shri Adinatha Jain Swetamber Temple
Rokadia Ganesh Temple
Sarneshwar Mandir Temple
Shree Samorjee Temple in Kherasamor, Aspur

Excursions:

Nagfanji: Nagfanji is famous for its Jain shrines which attracts devotees from Dungarpur and also from other parts of India besides foreign tourists. This Nagfanji temple houses statues of Devi Padmawati, Nagfanji Parshwanatha and Dharnendra. The Nagfanji Shivalaya, located close to Nagfanji, is also a tourist attraction.

Baneshwar Dham: The Beneshwar Temple is situated on a delta, devoted to Lord Shiva containing the most revered Shiva Linga of the region, formed at the confluence of Som and Mahi rivers. This Shiva Linga is believed to be Swayambhu or self created. It stands 5 feet high and is spilt broken at the top in five parts. Very near to the Baneshwer temple is the Vishnu Temple, constructed in 1793 A.D. by Jankunwari, daughter-in-law of Mavji, a highly revered saint and believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple is said to be constructed at the place where Mavji spent his time praying to God. Two disciples of Mavji called Aje and Vaje built the Laxmi Narayan temple. Though these are other Gods and Goddesses, people identify them as Mavji, his wife, his son, his daughter-in-law and disciple Jiwandas. There is also a temple of Lord Brahma, besides these temple. 

Deo Somnath: On the bank of Som river, an old and beautiful Shiva temple called Deo Somnath built in the 12th century. One can see sky from within the temple. The temple having 3 exits, one each in the east, the north and the south. The entrances gates are two storied and The Garbha Garah has a high dome. In front of it is the Sabha Mandap, built on 8 majestic pillars. There were 20 Torans, of which 4 still exist, others were destroyed by the flood waters of the Som. the idol of the deity is in a chamber, eight steps below and the entrance is from the Sabha Mandap. There are several inscription by pilgrims, the oldest belongs to 1493 A.D. Several warriors were cremated near this temple and memorials have been raised in their honour.

Galiyakot (Syedi Fakhrudd in Shaheed Dargah, Dawoodi Bohra Community): Galiakot is located on banks of River Mahi, just 58km from Dungarpur. This place is known for Syed Fakhruddin’s shrine – a renowned saint who was buried on the helmet after death. The shrine is made of white marble and has his teachings engraved on its walls. The inner portion of the shrine is decorated by beautiful foliage while teachings of the Quran are engraved in golden letters on the tomb.

Baroda (Dungarpur): Baroda was initially the capital of Vagad and famous for the old Shiv Temple made up of white stone and an ancient Jain Temple that has the images of all 24 tirthankaras.

Bhuvaneshwar: Bhuvaneshwar, just 9 km from Dungarpur, is famous for a Shiva temple which is perched on a mountain top. This temple is built around a naturally formed Shivaling. Tourists can also visit an ancient monastery located atop the mountain.

Poonjpur: Poonjpur is a temple devoted to Mavji – the incarnation of Lord Krishna and houses the manuscript of 3 books called Chopra, written by Mavji. This temple also has an idol of Nishkalank taking a ride on a horse.

Saroda
Antri – Maragiya Dam
Sagwara
Jaisamand Sanctuary
Shyamlaji
khadagada ShreeShetrapalji Temple
katkeshwar temple katisour
Sabla(Mavaji Maharaj)
Shree Raghunathji Mandir (Bhiluda)
Kalaji Temple {Varda}
virat andheri mata
Navratri mela in samor ji temple in kherasamor

Fairs & Festivals:
Baneshwar fair
Vagad festival
Deevo
Amit Egyaras
Ghotia-Amba fair
Vitthaldeo fair
Urs Mubarak in Galiyakot (Syedi Fakhruddin Shaheed)
ShreeShetrapaljidada fair Khadagada
Very famous Purnima Garba [Bhiluda]
Stone throwing Holi [Bhiluda]
Bhedmata Fair near Antri
Shree Samor Sai Temple(Kherasamor)David Patel
Jammu Khand Dhoni (Kathadi) David Patel