While the princes of Rajasthan built stately palaces and forts, their noblemen were not for behind in building stately mansions. Deogarh is one such feudal estate in Mewar, the premier state of Rajasthan. The chieftains of this region were titled Rawats (feudal barons) and their estates were called thikanas. The thikana of Deogarh lies on the border of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 135 kilometres north-east of Udaipur and 280 kilometres south-west of Jaipur.

Sightseeing

The town of Deogarh has limited sightseeing options, its only attractions being the Deogarh Fort and Palace and the Anjaneshwar Mahadev temple. The magnificent Deogarh Palace now functions as a heritage hotel. Gokal Vilas is the residence of present Rawat, who is also a well-known art historian. The ruined Anjaneshwar Mahadev temple is supposed to be more than 2,000 years old.

Excursions

An excursion trip from Deogarh will take you to a number of sites of historical as well as religious importance. Most of the places have links with the Mewar dynasty of the state. The Eklingji Shiva temple, the Nagda and the fascinating Kumbhalgarh fort are some of the excursion itineraries you must not miss to visit.

Excursions for Deogarh

Deogarh Fort

The fort of Deogarh with its greying battlements stands magnificent high up on a hillock towering over the town. The fort was built in the year 1670 by then Rawat Dwarkadasji of the Chaudawat clan of the Sisodia Dynasty. The fort went through many modifications in the years to come. The palace here has more than two hundred rooms, exotic mural paintings on the walls, and numerous balconies with carved pillars. The use of marble in a big way enhances the aesthetic value of the palace. The fort and the palace today is a magnificent heritage hotel run by the Rawats.

Gokal Vilas

This magnificent palace situated over a hillock is the home of the present Rawat. Set in a picturesque locale around Raghosagar Lake, the palace is around 200 years old.

Anjaneshwar Mahadev

It is an extraordinary cave temple believed to be 2,000 years old. This ruined temple is situated on an island in the Raghosagar Lake.

Eklingji

Eklingji is a small town famous for its temples. The Eklingji Temple is dedicated to Shiva, who is regarded to be the guardian deity of the Mewar. The deity was regarded as the virtual ruler by the Maharajas of Mewar who considered themselves to be the regents (dewans) under Eklingji.

Kumbalgarh Fort

Built in the in 15th century AD by Maharana Kumbha, the Kumbhalgarh fort is situated at a taxing height of 1,100 metres above sea level amidst a cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravali range. Today, the fort stands like a prudent sentinel to the past glory of its kings and princes. The fort was considered highly important, as it was here that the rulers of Mewar retreated during times of danger.

Nagda

Nagda has three the ruined Jain temples—Adbhutji Temple and the Vaishnavite Sas-Bahu Temples—all dating back to the 11th century. Nagda is situated in the vicinity of Eklingi and can be reached by bicycles.

Fact File

Area:24 sq. km

Population:13,933 (1991)

Altitude :211 metres above sea level

Best Time to Visit: September to May

Languages:Hindi, Rajasthani, and English

STD Code: 02951

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