The Undiscovered Splendour

Bundi is 36 km from Kota is and is one of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans- an offshoots of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.

In 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors move towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals-thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separates states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the river Chambal. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.

Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.

Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.

Places to Visit

Taragarh or The Star Fort: Built in 1354 A.D., the fort is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a marvelloous white fort with a huge reservoir which once supplied water to the palace.

The Palace: This magnificient edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi murals.

Ratan Daulat: Built by Rao Raja Ratan Singh,, it is a very interesting structure forming a stable for nine horses and a Hatia Pol. (Prior permission required for visit.)

Chhattar Mahal or Palace or Towers: A steep, paved carafe-way is the only way to reach the monument. Of special interest in the palace is the Hazari Pol or Gate of the thousand, the Naubat Khana, the Hathi Pol with its old water clock and the Diwann-e- Aam.

Nawal Sagar: Visible from the fort is the square artificial lake of Nawal Sagar,broken up by islets. A temple dedicated to Varuna, the Aryan god of water,stands half submerged in the centre of the lake. The reflection of the entire city and its palaces can be seen in the lake -making it a unique attraction of Bundi.

Chitrashala: A fascinating pavilion and a gallery of minature murals embellish the palace.Elaborate colourful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Ragmala' and 'Raaslila'-the Radha-Krishna story.

Raniji-ki-Baori: It is 46 m. deep stepped dwell with some superb carvings on its pillars and a high arched gate built in 1699 A.D. by Rani Nathavatji. This well is one of the largest of its kind.

Sukh Mahal: A magnificient summer palace on the Sukh Mahal Lake amid the lush surroundings of a beautiful garden. An underground tunnel is believed to run from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace.

Phool Sagar: The 20th century palace with an artificial tank and picturesque gardens. Presently, it is the residence of the former ruler (Prior permission of Secretary is required for a visit.)

Shikar Burj: The royal hunting lodge set amidst thel lush surroundings. It is a favorite picnic spot.

Kshar Bagh: An ancient garden near the Shika Burj with beautiful chhatris of the Bundi rulers and their queens all examples of the town's rich architecture. (Prior permission required for visit.)

Eighty Four Pillared Cenotaph: An amazingly magnificent memorial with 84 pillars in a single cenotaph along with a Shiva lingam. It was erected by Rao Anirudh.

Excursions

Jait Sagar Lake(3 km): A picturesque lake cradled in the hills, built by Jaita Meena. The swirling fountain at night a visual delight.

Rameshwaram (20 km): The cave temple of Lord Shiva surrounded by the Aravalli ranges. An ideal picnic spot as well.

Keshavraipatan (45 km): It is an ancient city famous for the temple of Keshavraiji(Vishnu). The architecture and sculpture at this temple is unique. It was constructed in the year 1601 A.D. by Maharaja Shartusal of Bundi. A famous Jain Temple is also there.

Ramgarh (45 km): The Ramgarh Sanctuary is located on the Nainwa road. One needs to take permission of the State Forest Department prior to a visit to the sanctuary.

Bijolia (50 km): An ancient fort and the city of Bijolia is situated on the Bundi- Chittaurgarh road. A high paved courtyard on the side of the fort has a large temple of Lord Shiva in its centre with a fine image of Lord Ganesha standing as a guardian at the entrance. A carved archway leads to the temple.

Menal (70 km): The menal River runs over a bed of granite slabs and plunges into a cavernous 122 metres deep gorge.

On the other side of the broken wall is the temple complex with fascinating carvings on the walls of the shrine that depict various Hindu deities. It is located on the Chittaurgarh- Bundi road.

Talwas (53 km): A magnificent for built by the ruler Ajit Singh. A temple of Dhooleshwar Mahadev and a picturesque waterfall adjoining the fort are worth a visit. The beautiful Ratna Sagar Lake is close by and is a haven for fauna like bear and deer during the monsoon.


Dugari (65 km): Remnants of ancient wall paintings can be seen in the Ram Mandir within the imposing fort of Dugari.


Indragarh (77 km): The Indragarh Fort and the nearby palaces are famous for the temples of Mother Goddess Kali and Kamleshwar. The Palace is also famous for wall paintings.

Access

Airways

Bundi has no airport of its own. The one at Kota, lying at a distance of 40 km has not got any flight yet. Jaipur's Sanganer is practically the nearest airport (about 210 km away). For details see our section on Jaipur.

Railways

Train links exist between Bundi and Agra, Kota, Chittaur and Neemuch. For enquiries contact Railway Station

Roadways

The place is well connected by the state highway and places. Some important road distances (approx) are :

• Ajmer : 170 km
• Chittaur (via Bijolia) : 155 km
• Delhi (via Jaipur) : 470 km
• Indore (via Kota,Jhalawar) : 370 km
• Jaipur : 155 km
• Jodhpur (via Ajmer, Jaitaran) : About 415 km
• Kota : 40 km
• Sawai Madhopur : 130 km
• Udaipur : 310 km
• Ujjain : 320 km

Accommodation

A part from quite a few good hotels, paying guest accommodation is also available, for which should get in touch with Tourist Officer, Bundi.

Circuit House : Located near Central Bus Stand, charges around Rs 450

Haweli Brij Bhushanji : Located near Nahar ka Chhotta Bundi, charges Rs 350-1000.

Ishwari Niwas Heritage Guest House : Located near Central Bus Stand, charges Rs 200-600

Hotel Retreat : Charges Rs 500-600

Sukh Mahal Rest House : Located near Jait Sagar Lake, Charges around Rs 300.

Climate Conditions