General
Information
The
pride and glory of Rajasthan. Chittaur echoes with
the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput
tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past
lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and
spectacular 'chhatris'.
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Hotels
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THE
FORT AMIDST THE SAND DUNES
Dundlod is a tiny town right in the heart of the
Shekhawati region. It offers an interesting stopover
against picturesque surroundings. Although it has little
of tourist interest, the fort here dates back to 1750 AD,
though much of it is more recent. It is owned by a direct
descendent of Rawal who built the place.
T
he
Diwan-I-Khas audience hall is still in very good
condition. Kila of Dundlod, the 17th century Rajputana
fort, studded with monumental nostalgia of Shekhawats, the
warrior Rajputs who withstood the onslaught of Mughal
hordes. Since then, the cultural heritage of splendid
Rajasthan is preserved as its ethos are imbibed in
architectural grandeur of the Dundlod Fort. The silent
ripples of the golden sand dunes, which besiege the fort
lure and enchant tourists and villagers alike.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
FORTS
AND PALACES
The Fort of Dundlod: It is an embodiment of
cultural amalgamation of Rajputana and Mughal School of
Art and Architecture. Its motif of flowers and foliage,
minarets, mythological paintings, archaic furniture, wall
hangings of arrows and shields have remained unchanged
since hoary past. The family of Dundlod is the descendant
of Kesari Singh, the fifth son of Sardhul Singh. Dundlod
castle was built by him in 1750 AD.
Suraj Pole, Bichla Darwaza, Uttar Pole: As one
enters the imposing Suraj Pole gateway of the fort, one
feels that one has stepped into a bygone era. Then comes
the Bichla Darwaza, which turns into the main courtyard of
the fort from the Uttar Pole, to face the steps leading to
the majestic Diwan Khana.
The Diwan Khana: Built in Mughal architecture and
furnished with 'Louis The XIV furniture', the Diwan Khana
is truly majestic. It has a magnificent library, with a
very rich collection of rare books on Indian History. You
can also see the family portraits, which remind you of the
times gone by in history. Above this lies the Duchatta,
from where the ladies watched the court ceremonies in 'purdah'.
Havelis of the Goenkas: The famous Goenka Haveli is
also located here. The magnificent sight of the
beautifully painted havelis is a treat to the eyes
EXCURSIONS
PALACES
Jhunjhunu: The aesthically painted havelis of
Tibriwals and the Modis; the Khetri Mahal, known for its
purity and the ornate frescoes of the Bihariji Temple are
worth seeing
Nawalgarh: Some of the finest frescoes can be seen
here.
CITIES
Mukundgarh: This town built around a temple square,
where one can shop for the local handicrafts, brass items
and textiles.
HOW TO GET
THERE
Air:
Shekhawati can be approached
by road from Delhi, Jaipur or Bikaner, all of which are
connected by air.
Rail: Railway Station is Dundlod, Mukundgarh.
Road: Well connected to the surrounding areas
through roads. The distance of some of the cities from
dundlod is: Delhi to Dundlod via Dharuhera, Rewari ---
250-km; Jaipur to Dundlod via Sikar --- 160-km, Bikaner to
Dundlod via Laxmangarh --- 230-km.
Local transport: Jeeps and taxis are available.
PLACES TO STAY
Dera
Dundlod Kila (98), is a very low-key affair offering
comfortable but far from palatial accommodations.
For other accommodation options check out Castle Dundlod,
Dundlod, Dist. Jhunjhunu.
SHOPPING
One can
shop for the local handicrafts in the nearby bazaars