India Tourism » Travel to Dungarpur

The area around Dungarpur known as Vagad belt is where the largest concentration of the Bhil tribe is found. The region is more or less untouched of modern civilization and there is not much of urban landscape. There are a few places in this region, which are reasonably equipped to enable the tourists to appreciate the area's beauty.

There is a charming 18th century palace by the picturesque Gaib Sagar Lake known as Udai Bilas Palace, part of which is an idyllic hotel. Juna Mahal is the treasure trove of breathtaking miniature paintings.The palace has a certain old-world appeal that extends right to the rooms and even bathrooms. Its dining room with Burmese teak ceiling and lounge known as Africa Room has uncountable numbers of stuffed beasts watching down from every point of the walls! The stay and dining here is a completely personal affair with its friendly owners as ideal companions. The courtyard of the palace has a unique Ek Thambia Mahal (One pillared palace), which has carvings on blue-grey stone.

Nearby is Juna Mahal, the old palace dating back to the 13th century. Quite contrary to the decaying exterior of this seven-story palace, the inside has stunningly beautiful chambers with walls covered with beautiful paintings and glass works.

One pillared Palace at Udai Bilas Dungarpur50kms from Dungarpur is Galiakot - a popular Muslim pilgrimage center at the tomb of Saint Fakruddin.

Rishabdeo towards Udaipur is a popular Jain pilgrimage place, the temple here has beautiful carvings.

Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful stretch of virgin forest, having untouched areas of countryside around it. There are rock carvings of the Mesolithic era, old temples and overwhelming tribal population. Dhariyawad and Dhamotar are two places where accommodation is available.

Beneshwar is the place where the rivers Mahi, Som and Jakham meet. It is the auspicious place for the Bhil Tribals to take their annual ritual holy dip. The scene of Beneshwar fair is extraordinary and worth seeing.