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 t is quite known as a
non-descript sleepy little town. Watch it closely and discover, it is different.
Located in one of t he most untouched tribal areas of Rajasthan, the small city of Dungarpur is picturesque town with hills around it. It acts as bazaar for the tribal population in the countryside hence its forever colorfully buzzing. The town is so small that a short walk in any direction makes you reach
nearest countryside.
There is nothing known as nightlife and after sunset it usually goes to sleep immediately.
The town also has a very serene lake known as Gaib Sagar. Several migratory birds can be seen basking
on
it's banks. Just
touching the lake on one of its sides is the
Udai Bilas Palace. It has one of the most interesting heritage
hotels
of
India. The current royal family still resides here an d treats the hotel guests as its personal guests. The rooms and suites are as big as playgrounds and bathrooms are more like rooms. Some of the rooms have very beautiful
paintings on the walls, one even has floor made of glass. This place can also be stayed for the only
reason of knowing how a grand suite should be. I n the main
courtyard is
Ek Thambia Mahal which is a unique piece of architecture. Made of finely carved blue gray stone
available locally, it looks like a small vertical palace wrapped around a pillar. The
jharokhas and carvings are very fine. Piece de resistance is
its dining hall with Burma teak ceiling. Dinner at the giant table here is
made special by several, rather uncountable, stuffed beasts seemingly watching down ! The lounge known as Africa Room has even more such animals all brought during hunting sprees in
Africa. Those who couldn’t find place on the walls are placed on floor. Evening coffee is romantically set by the lake side under the setting sun.
Part of Royal family’s possession is the old Juna Mahal Palace located a short
d
> istance away in the
wilderness. The seven
storey palace is one big
surprise of Dungarpur. W
 hile externally it seems like any
other old decaying
building, it's stunning interiors belie all expectations. Each chamber is a virtual treasure in
the extremely fine art of wall embellishments. There are depictions of Gods, legends, heroes, hunting
scenes, birds, etc in most vibrant and brightest of colors. The
windows have colored glasses and there is even a
mirror palace with floor also covered with mirrors. The riot of colors does not end here, there is even an
almirah that has erotic paintings revealing sexual postures described in
Kamasutra.
Dungarpur also promises great excursions such as Rishabdeo temple, Sufi Dargah of
Galakot, Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary and Dhariyawad. The annually held Baneshwar
tribal fair is also held nearby.
Dungarpur though rather unknown is a big pleasant surprise. A dark horse
among tourist attractions of India.
| QUICK FACTS |
| Getting there |
Udaipur is nearest Airport. Dungarpur has got its own railway station as well as good road link with rest of Rajasthan and Gujarat. |
| Further connections |
Udaipur and Ahmedabad. |
| Best time to visit |
Pleasant winter months (October to March). Monsoon months are also enjoyable. Summer months are very hot. |
| TOURS TO DUNGARPUR | |
 
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