Dundlod lies in the Shekhawat region of Rajasthan. This place is a reflection of the grace and elegance of the Rajputs in the seventeenth century. It lies in the semi desert region of Rajasthan. Dundlod is full of elegant structures and palaces, also known as Havelis. The antiquity reflects their sense of aesthetics and elegance.
History:
Dundlod used to be a place under the Shekhawat rulers under Jaipur state. Keshari Singh, a Rajput ruler, built the famous fort in 1750. Major additions were made in the early 19th century by his descendant Sheo Singh. The Kila (fort) of Dundlod is indeed a mirror to the architectural grandeur and elegance of Rajasthan. This sense of royalty has become an identity of Rajasthan.
The maximum temperature here is around 47 Degrees C and the minimum drops to 15 Degrees C. The best time to be here is between October and March.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the acceptable form of currency here. Dundlod is a small town in the Jhunjunu district of Rajasthan. One may not find shops that would accept credit cards and there is dearth of the ATM centers in this place hence it is best to get your money changed at one of the larger cities before arriving at Dundlod.
A tourist visa applicable for the entire country (India) is sufficient.
The nearest international airport is Jaipur [180 kms approx.]. Few International flights operate from Jaipur. Air Arabia operates between Jaipur and Sharjah. Indian Airlines operates to Bangkok, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and Oman Air to Muscat.
By Road: Dundlod is well connected by road. Between Jaipur and New Delhi it forms a triangle. One can take NH 8 from Jaipur en route Sikar and then take a state highway to the district of Jhunjunu. From New Delhi, take NH 8 southwards and take a diversion at Narnaul to reach Dundlod. Frequent taxis and buses are available from the nearby cities to Dundlod.
The Fort of Dundlod:This is the major attraction of Dundlod. This fort stands for the richness of culture and the grandeur that is synonymous with the Rajputs. It is a blend of the Rajputana and Mugal style of architecture.
Suraj Pole, Bichla Darwaza, Uttar Pole: These are the parts meant for entering the imposing fort of Dundlod. The walls embodied with the stories of valor and courage in stone are very inspiring.
The Diwan Khana: This is an example of the tasteful Mughal architecture. It has a magnificent library with a very rich collection of rare books on Indian History. There is also a room called Duchatta, from where the royal ladies watched the court ceremonies in 'purdah' (veil).
Goenka Haveli: The Goenka haveli reflects the true splendor in the 17th century Royal India. The paintings, the carvings and the architecture makes the palace one entity that remains frozen in time and still captivates the tourists. Notable are delicately preserved paintings mostly in round frames.
Satyanarayan Temple built by the Goenka family is another place worth a visit. On the wall of the temple is a huge fresco with modern trappings showing British men and women on bicycles and cars, it also shows a long train and has a backdrop of telegraph wires. Another painting shows a turbaned man hold a bird while yet another portrays a woman admiring herself in the mirror.
Where To Eat: Try the authentic Rajasthani cuisine at Dundlod. Dal Batti Churma, Mawa Kachori, Ghewar, Mirchi bada and Rajastani subji are some of the most popular Rajasthani dishes.
Where To Stay:
Dundlod is a very small town and you can find some comfortable guesthouses. If you are looking for some luxurious hotels, then Jaipur is recommended.
Not recommended as a stand alone destination. Dundlod is an ideal place for those with an interest in history . Best when combined with a trip to the nearby places in the Shekhawati region like Fathehpur, Mandawa, Nawalgarh and Ramgarh.
