Dungarpur

Dungarpur is a town in the far south of Rajasthan whose name refers to hills. It was founded in the 13th century by the Rajput ruler Rawal Veer Singh; local legend says he was inspired by a dream of a mongoose defending its young against a tiger. The town is known for its palaces and its living craft traditions.

The seven-storey Juna Mahal, a palace fort of the 13th century set on a huge rock, is filled with colourful frescoes, carving and mirror work. Udai Bilas Palace, a 19th-century work of Maharawal Udai Singh II, mixes Rajput and Mughal styles and is now a heritage hotel. Gold and silver smiths still work in the lanes, and the town is also known for lacquer-painted toys and decorated picture frames. The Bado Devi Temple is another place of pilgrimage.