General
Information
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.
The 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.