Discover Dungarpur: Rajasthan’s Green, Soulful & Unexplored Heritage Destination

shivanjali46
Dec 16, 2025
3 min read

When people think of Rajasthan, images of deserts, forts, and crowded tourist cities often come to mind. But tucked away in the southern part of the state lies Dungarpur, a destination that feels refreshingly different — greener, quieter, and deeply rooted in culture, spirituality, and slow living.

Dungarpur is not about rushing from monument to monument. It is about pausing, connecting with nature, understanding local traditions, and experiencing Rajasthan in its most authentic form.

Where Is Dungarpur Located?

Dungarpur is located in southern Rajasthan, close to the Gujarat border, making it easily accessible from cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat. The region is part of the Vagad belt, known for its hills, forests, lakes, and strong tribal heritage.

Unlike western Rajasthan, Dungarpur enjoys a greener landscape, especially during and after the monsoon, earning it the reputation of being one of Rajasthan’s most scenic districts.

Why Dungarpur Is Different from Other Rajasthan Destinations

What truly sets Dungarpur apart is its balance:

Green hills instead of sand dunes
Lakes and forests instead of crowded streets
Living culture instead of staged tourism
Spiritual calm instead of loud sightseeing

Dungarpur appeals to travellers looking for offbeat Rajasthan, slow travel, and meaningful experiences rather than checklist tourism.

Udai Bilas Palace: More Than a Palace Stay

At the heart of Dungarpur stands Udai Bilas Palace, a stunning lakeside heritage palace overlooking Gaib Sagar Lake. Built in the 19th century, the palace reflects a blend of Rajput architecture and colonial influences, with arched corridors, white façades, vintage interiors, and peaceful gardens.

Today, Udai Bilas Palace functions as a heritage retreat, offering guests the rare experience of staying in a historic palace without the noise and crowds often associated with famous royal destinations.

But Udai Bilas Palace is more than just royal heritage.

It is:

A lakeside escape
A place for slow living
A base to explore culture, spirituality, and nature
A retreat for travellers who value silence and authenticity

Nature & Slow Living in Dungarpur

Dungarpur is ideal for travellers who want to slow down.

At Udai Bilas Palace, mornings begin with birds by the lake, afternoons invite long walks and reading, and evenings are best spent watching the sunset reflect off Gaib Sagar Lake.

Nature here is not dramatic — it is gentle, grounding, and restorative.

Popular slow-living experiences include:

Lakeside tea and breakfasts
Quiet palace walks
Journaling and reading in heritage corridors
Digital detox stays
Seasonal greenery during monsoons

This makes Dungarpur perfect for couples, solo travellers, creatives, and anyone seeking a break from city life.

Spiritual & Temple Heritage of Dungarpur

Dungarpur is also a deeply spiritual destination, home to several important temples that attract both locals and pilgrims.

Key Temples in and around Dungarpur:

Shri Nathji Temple – A serene Krishna temple with strong devotional significance
Beneshwar Dham – A major tribal pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at the river confluence
Deo Somnath Temple – An ancient Shiva temple surrounded by hills and forests
Bijayrajrajeshwar Temple – A historic and highly revered Shiva temple
Govind Devji Temple – A vibrant Krishna temple visited daily by locals

For guests staying at Udai Bilas Palace, temple visits often blend beautifully with the slow rhythm of the town — morning darshan followed by a relaxed palace breakfast.

Culture & Tribal Heritage of the Vagad Region

Dungarpur’s identity is deeply influenced by Bhil tribal culture, one of the oldest tribal communities in India. Their traditions, festivals, music, and relationship with nature form an essential part of the region’s character.

Visitors can experience:

Local village life
Traditional markets
Folk customs and stories
A lifestyle rooted in simplicity and sustainability

This cultural depth makes Dungarpur especially appealing to international travellers and culturally curious Indian tourists.

Local Food of Dungarpur: Simple, Seasonal & Honest

Dungarpur’s cuisine reflects its land and people — simple, nutritious, and seasonal.

Popular local dishes include:

Makki ki roti and bajra roti
Dal, kadhi, and gatte ki sabzi
Dal baati churma (local-style)
Lapsi and malpua for desserts
Cooling chaas (buttermilk)

At Udai Bilas Palace, local flavours can be thoughtfully incorporated into meals, allowing guests to experience southern Rajasthan’s culinary traditions in a refined yet authentic way.