Huddled in the foothills of the Aravali, Dungarpur has a fascinating landscape of an array of wild and rugged terrain in the northeast to fertile plains of alluvial soil in the southwest. Two rivers the River Mahi and the River Som flow through the area. Rawal Veer Singh founded Dungarpur in 1282 A. D., when he took over this part of the state from Bhil Chieftain Dungaria.

The area is rich in teak, mahua, mango and Khajur trees. Dungarpur is also noted for its wildlife variety - jackal, jungle cat, Indian fox, hyena, black-faced monkey, porcupine, common mongoose are the common inhabitants. The commonly seen bird variety includes partridges, peafowl, quails, cuckoos, eagles and vultures.

Various migratory birds also visit the area during the winters. Dungarpur is famed for its unique style of architecture as seen in its palaces and noble residences. These royal residences are adorned by 'jharokhas' built in stone in a unique style typical of the area developed during the reign of Maharawal Shiv Singh (1730-1785 A. D.) The district gold and silversmiths are renowned for lacquer painted toys and picture framing.


Places to See :

Juna Mahal
The 13th century seven-storied structure resembles a fortress with crenulated 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. One requires prior permission of the resident royal family to visit the Palace.

Gaib Sagar Lake
A famous shrine of Shrinathji lies along 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 craftsmanship of the sculptors or shilpkars of Dungarpur.

Govt. Archaeological Museum
The museum houses a fine collection of ancient statues.


Excursions in Dungarpur :

Deo Somnath (24 km) 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 epitomizes the craftsmanship of a magnificent era .

Galiyakot (58 km)
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 (41 km)
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 (9 km)
A famous temple of Lord Shiva is situated here and is the venue of a colourful fair held on the fifth day after Holi. Gair dance by the Bhils is the major highlight of the fair .

Poonjpur (37 km)
A beautiful temple dedicated to Mavji preserves the manuscript of a book - 'Chopra', written by Mavji and an idol of Nishkalank riding a horse.


Fair & Festival of Dungarpur :

URS AT GALIYOT
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.

The mausoleum is called Mazar-e-Fakhri. The followers of the saint arrive here not only from the States of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan but also from abroad. Urs which is celebrated on the 27th day of Moharram, the first month of the Muslim calendar. Many devotees seek blessings of the saint to have their wishes fulfilled.

This is called mannat and generally the devotees come to the shrine again to express their gratitude after their wishes are fulfilled. The tomb is decorated with flowers and lit up with lamps before the ceremonies begin. The Urs is initiated with mass prayers and recitation of the Holy Quran.

A devotional gathering called 'majlis' is held wherein songs are sung in praise of the saint. The ceremonies of the Urs are headed by the Dai-UI-Mutlaq, who is the religious head of the community.

People make offerings at the shrine consisting of sweets, fruits, coconut and jaggery. Besides Dungarpur, the nearest rail head is Dahod, on the Delhi-Mumbai route and the 96 kms distance from here to Galiyakot can be covered by bus. Another route is from Ratlam, 144 kms . A bus service connects the village to Udaipur, 160 kms.

How to reach :

Air :
The nearest airport is Udaipur (120 km). Ahmedabad Airport (175 kms ) .

Train :
It is connected to Udaipur and Ahmedabad. The Railway station is 3 kms from the city. Some important train connections are 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. Shirohi - Ratlam highway .



Dungarpur Travel Guide, Reservation Form