Distance : 110km south of Udaipur
Area : 3780sq km
Temperature : Max 43°C and Min
26°C in summer, Max 25°Cand Min 9°C in winter
Rainfall : October to February
Clothes : Light tropical in summer,
Light woollen in winter
Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani
History :
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. Later this
rough country was taken over by the East India Company
in 1818.
Wildlife and The Scenic
Splendor
Secure at the foothills of the Aravallis, this region
of Rajastan is a beautiful blend of wild and rugged
terrain towards its northeast and fertile alluvial
plains in the southwest. The Mahi and the Som rivers
quietly flow through here, the former separating
it from Banswara and the latter forming a natural
boundary from Udaipur. Originally the native place
of the Bhils and once quite inaccessible, Dungarpur
still retains its isolation. Anyone in love with
nature and wildlife can look forward to a peaceful
sojourn here.
Rich Vegetation
Rich in teak, mahua, mango and date trees, Dungarpur
town of Rajistan also plays residence to a wide
variety of wildlife including the jackal, jungle
cat, Indian fox, hyena, monkey, porcupine, and mongoose.
Thick forests also have a substantial aviary population
like eagles, vultures, peafowls, partridges, quails
and cuckoos. Apart from the flora and fauna, the
terrain here is perfect for trekkers and for those
who would love to take a walk in the jungles.
Festivities
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.
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.
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.
Art & Architecture
The city is pretty well known for its distinguished
style of architecture which has been extensively
followed in the royal palaces and havelis (mansions).
These palaces were distinctly decorated with stone
jharokhas (windows) built in the style developed
during the rule of Maharawal Shiv Singh (1730-85).
Shop At 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.
Heritage
Culture 
