Dungarpur owes its origin from the Rajput of Mewar whose first ruler Kunwar Mahap resided in the town of Galiankot. The ruins are still visible In this place. It has an interesting topography ranging from rugged terrains in the north to the fertile plains of the alluvial soil to the south.The two rivers Mahi and the Som flows through the place separating it from the district of Udaipur. Dungarpur is famous for its style of architecture, as can be seen in the palaces and noble residence adorned by Jharokas built in stone. The silversmith of this place are known for making wonderful toys and picture framing.

Dungarpur town is said to have been a Bhil ' or a hamlet of Dungaria, the Bhil Chieftain, whom Rawal Veer Singh Dev assassinated in the fourteenth century.


Location
It is located in the southern part of Rajasthan between 23 °north latitude and 73°east longitude. Dungarpur lies at a distance of 120 km from Udaipur .

Climate
Maximum temperature goes to a high of 42°C in the summers, while it is very cold during the winters as temperature tumble down to 0°C. The best time around the year to visit the place is between October to March.


Major Attractions
Udai villa Palace - Named after the Maharaja Udai Singh II, the place is an example of Rajput architecture, exquisitely decorated with sculptured pillars and large balconies with bracketed windows having marvellous arches. It dates back to the 19th century, and is the royal residence till today.

Juna Mahal - This seven storied structure built in the 13th century resembles a fortress with turrets, narrow corridors and crenallated walls to protect itself from the sudden attacks waged upon it. The interiors are ornamented with beautiful scopes, miniature paintings as well as mural works.

Gaib Sagar Lake - Along the banks of this scintillating lake lies the shrine of Shrinath, which is a conglomerate of several magnificently built temples. The main temple, the Vijay Raj Rajeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a fine show of ancient craftmanship .

Deo Somnath - The temple, situated to the north east of Dungarpur, is on the banks of the Som River, where the old beautiful Shiva temple is placed. The temple built around 12 th century has imposing currants giving an impression of antiquity.

Baneswar fair - The Baneswar fair is held at a small delta formed by the river Som and Mahi, from Magh Shukla Ekadashi to Magh Shukla Purnima. Baneshwar means the 'Master of the Delta' in the local Vagdi language, and this name was given to the Shivlinga. Thousands of Bhils from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan gather at the confluence of the Mahi and Som rivers for a holy dip. It is an occasion to worship, sing and dance. Magic shows and acrobatic displays are held.


Nearby Attractions
Baneswar - The Baneshwar Temple with a Shiva Lingam stands at the co joins of the Mahi and the Som river. Another Temple is the Brahman Temple, built with a spacious two storied structure carved on pillars and gateways.

Baroda - The village, once capital of Vagad is situated 41 km from Dungarpur, and is popular for a number of beautiful temples. Near the temple is a Shiva temple made of white stones and a kundli bearing an inscription of Samwat during the period of Maharaj Veer Singh. The principal idol is that of Parshvanath identified by Bhattarak Devendra Suri.