Historical

Situated on the majestic Chilh-ka-Tola or the hill of eagles, the lofty walls of the Jaigarh Fort spread over a vast expansion of three kilometers. This impregnable fort of the Rajput was built purely for the defense activities. Doongar darwaza and Awani darwaza are the entry points to this mighty fortress. What makes this elegant fort so famous is its huge canon, which is believed to be the largest one of its kind in the world. Ironically this was not used for a single time in the long history of the fort.

Prettily placed in the middle of a majestic lake, the Jal Mahal palace is a delight to watch. Built in the year 1799, with red sand stones, this Water Palace is a quixotic place. The unruffled water of the lake reflects the elaborate carvings makes a fabulous spectacle one could ever dreamt of. A five-storied building, its first four floors are under the lake and only the top floor is seen above the lake. The palace also offers the enchanting scenery of migratory and other exotic verities of the chirping flock.

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A favourite hot spot of the tourist folk, Moti Doongri is famous for its swanky palace, the Ganesh and Lakshmi Narayan temples. The palace at the uphill was a small fortress earlier and it was renovated by Sawai Man Singh II. It was the residence of the Rajmatha, Gayathri Devi. Monti Doongri palace is built in the style of a Scottish castle and its peculiar architecture is worth mentioning.

Constructed by Sawai Jaya Singh, Nahargarh Fort houses a mysterious tale with it. Its massive walls and bastions still hold the royal elegance, though much of it was not able to with stood the ramification of time. A tedious but delightful trek of two kilometers will fetch one on the uphill from where one can watch the fabulous view of the entire city.

The town of Dungarpur was founded in 1335 A.D. There are temples erected by Rawal Veer Singh, in the memory of Dungaria's widows. On the hill, there is also a small fortress where Maharawal Bijai Singh built a place called Bijaigarh, which overlooks a lake. In the east of the town, there is Udai Bilas Place, named after Udai Singh II, surrounded by hills and enclosed by a small lake. Dungarpur town presents a picturesque appearance.

Maharwal Udai Singh II built this palace to serve as the royal residence. The palace, a magnificent example of Rajput architecture, is adorned with sculpted pillars and panels, balconies and spectacular arches.

Bhandarej is famous for walls, sculptures, decorative lattice work, terracotta utensils etc found in excavation. It is situated at about 10 Kms from the district headquarter towards Sikandra on NH-11. The Bhandarej Baori (Step Well) and Hotel Bhadravati Palace are important places to visit. The Baori is a magnificent architectural creation and has 150 wide steps going towards the main well, approximately 70 feet in width. The Palace is an interesting blend of both Mughal and Rajput architecture having courtyards, arched windows and traditionally painted verandahs.

Gatolav at the district headquarter, is famous for the birth of Sant Sunderdas who had been preached by his master, Sant Dadudayal, the founder of Dadupanthi religion. This place has been improved for tourist purpose, particularly for swimming and boating.

Khawaraoji is famous for residence of the then rular Raoji and natural beauty. It is situated at about 25 Kms from the district headquarter towards Sikrai. Though, it has typical way to reach this place, the fort like residence is converted into the Khawaraoji Heritage Hotel. Surrounded by hills at the three sides, and having Amol Ghati nearby with natural beauty, this place has worth to visit by tourists.

A few kilometres away from Dausa lay Vair. This is where the historic Pratap Vatika spreads itself. The once-lively fort-palace complex is now in ruins, and this makes an ideal location for a quiet picnic. The Pratap Mahal with its rounded roofs and small pillared balconies is very much in keeping with Rajput architecture. Within the complex is a small temple - Mohanji ka Mandir - made of red sandstone. Mohan is another name for Krishna, the dark and mischievous Hindu god with a flute. The arches and pillars of the temple, badly damaged, add to the romantic ambience greatly.