Travel Circuits in Rajasthan
Vagad Circuit:
Places of Interest: Dungarpur- Bhanswar.
The area is rich in teak, mahua, and mango trees. The unspoilt-forested areas
provide shelter to the jackal, jungle cat, Indian fox, hyena; black faced monkey
and porcupine. This area is ideal for those interested in outdoor life. The
terrain is ideal for walks and treks; you can spend your time studying the flora
and fauna that is unique to this area. This region is so different from the
rest of Rajasthan that it is like being in a different state. Also, not being
on the tourist circuit, the facilities are a little limited here but you will
find enough to make you trip comfortable. In fact, it is just the place to explore
if you're looking for the unexpected. Let yourself be surprised.
Dungarpur and
Banswara are the two important cities of the
Vagad
region. They have an interesting topography, ranging from the wild and rugged
terrain in the northeast to fertile plains of alluvial soil in the southwest.
Places of Interest
Daungarpur was founded in the early 13th century. It is famous for its
unique architectural style. The areas of interest here are
Udai Bilas Palace
and Juna Palace. Another interesting place to visit is the famous shrine
dedicated to Shrinathji that lies on the bank of the Gaib Sagar lake. The water
bodies in
Dungarpur attract a large variety of migratory birds during
the winters. Other commonly seen birds are partridges, peafowls, quails, cuckoos,
eagles and vultures.
Udai Bilas Palace is a good example of Rajput architecture
with its intricately sculptured pillars and panels, impressive balconies, bracketed
windows and marvelous panels.
Juna Mahal is a seven storied structure,
resembling a fortress with crenellated walls, turrets, narrow entrances and
corridors. The interiors are embellished with beautiful frescoes, miniature
paintings, glass and mirror work. While some of the most beautiful palaces all
over Rajasthan were vandalised by invaders,
Dungarpur was fortunate to have been located in the deep interiors. Its
wall paintings are well preserved and there is very little damage to the buildings.
The surrounding areas are full of interesting little temple towns, archaeological
sites of great importance and ruins of ancient kingdoms.
Visit
Beneshwar located at the confluence of the Som and Mahi rivers.
The Baneshwar temple is much revered by the Bhils. Other temples dedicated to
Lord Vishnu and
Lord Brahma are worth seeing for their exquisitely
carved pillars and gateways. Tis is also the place to be in when the Bhils celebrate
their biggest and most important fair- the Baneshwar Fair. Dedicated to Lord
Shiva, this is the largest gathering of the Bhils who collect here from all
over, including Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. A visit to the fair can be great
fun as you mingle with the crowds and watch the simple tribal folk enjoying
themselves.
Dev Somnath is a splendid 12th century temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva.
It is an exact replica of the original Somnath temple in Gujarat. When the original
temple was destroyed several times by the Muslim invaders, devout Hindus decided
to create this replica in the interiors so that it would remain safe.
Galiyakot
was once the capital of the Parmar kings but today it is renowned for its magnificent
shrine dedicated to Sayed Fakhruddin. Thousands of devotees gather here during
the Urs. Other important places to see are Baroda, the erstwhile capital ofVagad,
where some temples still survive and Bhuvaneshwar, which can be visited for
its famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Banswara is another big town of Vagad to be visited for its natural beauty.
The name Banswar, too has been derived from bans, or bamboo which once grew
in abundance here. The undulating green hills, deep forested valleys and lakes
give this area its own unique feel. More than its architectural heritage, this
region is nature lover's paradise. You cn go for walks and treks, can watch
birds and study the flora and allow you to enjoy the simple pleasures that keep
the Bhils happy.
Bhils constitute half of the total population of Banswar.
A stonewall, now in ruins, surrounds the ancient town. An impressive palace
of the former rulers of Banswar stands overlooking the town. There are several
areas of interest tht can be explored in and around Banswar. The Mahi river
has a number of islands that make for interesting spots, there is also a well
maintained garden at the Kagdi Pick up and the Mani Dam. Other lakes like the
Anand Sagar and Dalab Lake are also worth a visit.
For the adventurous, there are several interesting places located a short distance
away from Banswar. Arthuna is famous for its 11th century temples, Talwar has
ruins of some ancient temples that are famous for their carved idols, the temple
of goddess Tripur Sundari is dedicated to Goddess Durga and has a beautiful
idol of the goddess helped out of black stone.
