Dungarpur is a small city located in the state of Rajasthan and is famous for its temples and palaces. Established by Rawal Veer Singh in 1282, Dungarpur (the City of Hills) was one of the major cities of the Vagad region. Veer Singh acquired this land from the Bhil chief Dungaria from whom the place got its name. The rulers here were a faction of the Sisodias (ruling dynasty of Udaipur) who had separated themselves from the main branch in the 12th century.
Several stories relate to this fact, among which the best is the one that refers to the misunderstanding between the heir apparent of Mewar and his father, the Rana. In those days it was customary for the bride’s family to send a ceremonial coconut to the groom’s family which was to be accepted by the groom himself. It so happened that the Rana mistakenly accepted the coconut sent for the prince. Whereupon the prince got annoyed and said that since the father had received the coconut he might as well marry the girl. With this parting shot he left for Dungarpur with his followers to establish a kingdom by the same name. The prince’s younger brother inherited the Mewar kingdom while the elder happily ruled the Dungarpur region of Rajistan.
Area of Dungarpur : 3780 sq. kms. (approx.)
Population in Dungarpur : 1107037 (approx.)
STD Code of Dungarpur : 02964
Best time to visit Dungarpur : October to February
Languages Spoken in Dungarpur : Rajasthan, Marwari, Hindi and English
Dungarpur Tourist Attractions :
Gaib Sagar Lake : Set amidst the strikingly scenic locale of Dungarpur, is the famous Gaib Sagar Lake. It is the famous bird paradise, with trees lined on the pathway of the lake.
Juna Mahal : The 13th century seven storeyed structure resembles a fortress with crenellated walls, turrets, narrow entrances and corridors to slow down the enemy. The splendid interiors embellished with beautiful frescoes, miniature paintings and glass and mirror work, make it an impressive creation.
Udai Bilas palace : The royal residence named after Maharawal Udai Singh II, a patron of art and architecture, the palace is a veritable example of the Rajput architecture ornate with intricately sculptured pillars and panels, impressive balconies, bracketed windows and marvellous arches.
Urs - Galiyakot : Galiyakot is a small village of Tehsil Sagwara in Dungarpur District. It is located on the banks of the river Mahi and holds special significance for Dawoodi Bohras, a sect of the Ismaili Shia Muslims. They converge at Galiyakot for 'ziyarat' (pilgrimage) at the memorial of the revered saint, Sayyed Fakhruddin.
Museums in Dungarpur :
Govt. Archaeological Museum : A newly constructed museum named "Rajmata Devendra Kunwar State Museum and Cultural Centre, Dungarpur" was opened to the public in 1988.The sculpture gallery of the museum throws light on the history of Vagad Pradesh that was spread over the present areas of Dungarpur, Banswara and tehsil Kherwara of Udaipur district.
Dungarpur Museum : A newly constructed museum named "Rajmata Devendra Kunwar State Museum and Cultural Centre, Dungarpur" was opened to the public in 1988.
Fairs and Festivals in Dungarpur :
Vagad Festival : In the celebration Dungarpur does not lack in festivals. The Vagad Festival is a beautiful amalgamation of folk music and local amusement like archery competitions.
Baneshwar Fair : Baneshwar Fair (17-23 Feb 2000), a famous tribal festival at the Baneshwar Temple. This fair is held on the full moon day in the month of February when hundreds of Bhils from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh take a holy dip at the confluence of the Mahi and Som rivers. Magic shows and acrobatic skills are on display as a part of the festivities.
Diwali : Diwali is an important festival of Hindus and is also celebrated thoroughly by the Bhils of Dungarpur. The tribals show up in all their finery and sing, dance and revel in their celebrations.
Holi : Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated in an interesting way with gair dances by the tribals in their bright clothes and swords, arrows and sticks.
Bar Bij Fair : The Bar Bij Fair is held a month after Diwali, the festival of lights.
Shopping in Dungarpur :
Dungarpur is also famous for its lacquer toys and the art of picture framing, which can be abundantly seen on display during the fairs and festivals here. Artisans first make toys from wood and coat them with lacquer, giving them a shining coat. Semi liquid lacquer is also moulded into a certain shape and then left to dry, eventually being shaped into animal and human figures.
Accommodations in Dungarpur :
Accommodation is not a problem in Dungarpur and options suiting all categories of tourists are available. Heritage hotels are the best options to stay if one really wants to explore the heritage of this state.
How to Reach Dungarpur :
By Air : Udaipur (120 km) is the nearest airport, connected to Jodhpur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai.
By Train : Dungarpur is connected to Udaipur and Ahmedabad by regular trains. The Railway station is three km from the city.
By Road : National Highway No. 8, which runs between Delhi and Bombay, passes through the district for a total distance of 31 km. The Sirohi-Ratlam State Highway passes through the district too. There are regular buses for almost all the major cities in India.
