{"id":2327,"date":"2012-03-21T13:49:27","date_gmt":"2012-03-21T08:19:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/?p=2327"},"modified":"2021-05-18T17:33:10","modified_gmt":"2021-05-18T12:03:10","slug":"dungarpur-city-of-hills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/rajasthan\/dungarpur-city-of-hills.html","title":{"rendered":"EXPLORING DUNGARPUR, THE ANCIENT \u2018CITY OF HILLS\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>It wouldn\u2019t be an exaggeration to say that Rajasthan is the most colourful state in India. Its grandeur speaks for itself. The temple, forts, lakes, sand dunes, and palaces are a tourist\u2019s dream-come-true.<\/p>\n<p>Just like its Western, Eastern and Northern counterparts, Southern Rajasthan has plenty of attractions for tourists. Dungarpur is an ancient town in Southern Rajasthan which stands in testimony to the vibrant culture of Rajasthan. Often referred to as the \u201cCity of Hills\u201d, it was founded in the 13<sup>th<\/sup> century AD. The town gained prominence under the Guhilot Ahara Suryavanshi Rajputs. Its residents fought many a historic battles against the invaders. Some 700 odd years later, Dungarpur still remains a scenic town set in the rugged peaks of the rocky Aravalli range. The town is also renowned for its distinguished style of architecture, a style which is comprehensively followed in royal palaces and mansions (havelis).<\/p>\n<p>Dungarpur has an average elevation of 225 metres (738 feet). It has Banswada and Udaipur on the Eastern and Northern side respectively and shares its Southern border with the state of Gujarat. The rail line between Udaipur\u00a0and\u00a0Himatnagar\u00a0in Gujarat passes through the town and it is located just 20 km away from National Highway 8.<\/p>\n<p>The area is a fine blend of wild and rugged terrain and fertile alluvial plains. The Mahi and Som rivers quietly flow through the area. It is a dream destination for people who love history, isolation, nature and wildlife. The Dungarpur area also boasts of rich flora and fauna. Teak, mahua, mango and date trees are found in great abundance. It is also home to a diverse variety of wildlife including jungle cat, Indian jackal, Indian fox, apes, and porcupine. Thanks to its thick and plentiful forests, one can easily spot birds like eagles, vultures, peafowls, partridges, quails and cuckoos in the area. Add to this, a rugged terrain that is a trekker\u2019s delight and also great for nature walks.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Page Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/rajasthan\/dungarpur-city-of-hills.html\/#Major_Tourist_Attractions_in_the_Dungarpur_Area\" >Major Tourist Attractions in the Dungarpur Area<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/rajasthan\/dungarpur-city-of-hills.html\/#Deo_Somnath_Temple\" >Deo Somnath Temple<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/rajasthan\/dungarpur-city-of-hills.html\/#Baneshwar_Fair\" >Baneshwar Fair<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/rajasthan\/dungarpur-city-of-hills.html\/#Juna_Mahal\" >Juna Mahal:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/rajasthan\/dungarpur-city-of-hills.html\/#Rajmata_Devendra_Kunwar_State_Museum\" >Rajmata Devendra Kunwar State Museum<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Major_Tourist_Attractions_in_the_Dungarpur_Area\"><\/span><strong>Major Tourist Attractions in the Dungarpur Area<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Deo_Somnath_Temple\"><\/span><strong>Deo Somnath Temple<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><a class=\"highslide\" href=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Deo-Somnath-Temple-Dungarpu.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-2328 size-medium\" title=\"Deo-Somnath-Temple-Dungarpu\" src=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Deo-Somnath-Temple-Dungarpu-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"Deo-Somnath-Temple-Dungarpur\" width=\"266\" height=\"208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Deo-Somnath-Temple-Dungarpu-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Deo-Somnath-Temple-Dungarpu.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 266px) 100vw, 266px\" \/><\/a><\/strong>The grand Deo Somnath temple is situated 25 km away from Dungarpur. It dates back to the 12<sup>th<\/sup> century. It stands majestically on the banks of River Som and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is built in white stone. The temple is the exact replica of the original Somnath Temple in Gujarat. A giant Banyan tree which must be hundreds of years old is also a major point of attraction.<\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Baneshwar_Fair\"><\/span><strong>Baneshwar Fair<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><a class=\"highslide\" href=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/1230969697326.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-2329 size-medium\" title=\"1230969697326\" src=\"https:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/1230969697326-300x210.jpg\" alt=\"Baneshwar Fair Dungarpu\" width=\"300\" height=\"210\" srcset=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/1230969697326-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/1230969697326.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/strong>It is a popular week-long tribal fair held in Dungarpur. &#8216;Baneshwar&#8217; means the \u2018Lord of the Delta\u2019 which is derived from the Shiva Linga worshipped in the\u00a0Mahadev\u00a0temple which stands confluence of three holy rivers: the Mahi, Som and Jakham. It attracts thousands of Bhil people.<\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Juna_Mahal\"><\/span><strong>Juna Mahal: <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><a class=\"highslide\" href=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/dungarpur2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-2330 size-full\" title=\"dungarpur2\" src=\"https:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/dungarpur2.jpg\" alt=\"dungarpur2\" width=\"219\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><\/strong>The seven-storied Old Palace, or \u2018Juna Mahal\u2019 as it is colloquially known, was built between the 13<sup>th<\/sup> and 18<sup>th<\/sup> centuries. It resembles a fortress with crenellated walls, turrets and narrow entrances and passageways which were intended to check the advances of the enemy. The interior of the Mahal is no less than an incredible marvel. The palaces are colourful and vivacious. The Aam Khas, or main living room, has impressive mirror work and glass inlays.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rajmata_Devendra_Kunwar_State_Museum\"><\/span><strong>Rajmata Devendra Kunwar State Museum<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The newly constructed<strong> \u2018<\/strong>Rajmata Devendra Kunwar State Museum and Cultural Centre\u2019 was thrown open to the public in 1988. The huge gallery in the museum houses an extensive collection from the 6<sup>th<\/sup>-7<sup>th<\/sup> century, 11<sup>th<\/sup>-12<sup>th<\/sup> century, and 16<sup>th<\/sup>-18<sup>th<\/sup> century excavations of the Vagad region. The museum is also home to the panel of portraits of the erstwhile Maharajas of the Dungarpur state.<\/p>\n<p>Other major tourist attractions in and around Dungarpur include Sita Mata Sanctuary, Rishabdeo Temple, Gaib Sagar Lake and Shrinathji Temple, Poonjpur, Antri &#8211; Maragiya Dam, Jaisamand Sanctuary.<\/p>\n<p>Dungarpur offers a wonderful retreat away from the din and bustle of our hectic lives. Anyone in love with history, nature and wildlife can look forward to a peaceful sojourn in Dungarpur.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It wouldn\u2019t be an exaggeration to say that Rajasthan is the most colourful state in India. Its grandeur speaks for itself. The temple, forts, lakes, sand dunes, and palaces are a tourist\u2019s dream-come-true. Just like its Western, Eastern and Northern [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2327","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-rajasthan"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2327","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2327"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2327\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7195,"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2327\/revisions\/7195"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2327"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2327"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2327"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}