Bundi

Bundi

Location: Bundi, is on the Northwest part of Rajasthan
Climate of Bundi: Summer- 30 °C to 45°C., Winter- 18° C to 5° C
Best time to visit October to March
Language spoken Rajasthani, Hindi, English
Attraction Forts, Palaces, Museums, Lake
Religions Hinduism and Islam

 

The realm of the Hada Chauhans, Encircled by the Aravali range and fenced in by an inviolable boundary with four entrances, Bundi is a must visit tourist hub. Team up your sight-seeing with a dash of adrenaline rush, by indulging in rock climbing and para sailing adventure sports. Home to magnificent palaces and imposing forts, it has witnessed great battles and legendary tales of valour.

Blessed by the bounty of nature, the land is crisscrossed with sparkling rivers, lakes and spellbinding waterfalls. The verdant greenery of nature plays host to varied and rare flora and fauna. Bundi has inspired great painters, authors and artists. It is of particular architectural note for its ornate forts, palaces, and stepwell reservoirs known as baoris. It is famous for its fort which is known as Bundi Fort. Other places in the city are Taragarh Fort (Star Fort), Bundi Painting, 84 pillared cenotaph (Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri), Sukh Mahal etc.

Places to visit

84 pillared cenotaph (Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri)

The stunning 84 pillared cenotaph(Chaurasi Khambhon-ki-Chatri), set among the well maintained gardens, is a treat to watch when it is lit up at night.

Archaeological

Bundi is known for its Archaeology in India. Here various kind of archaeological branch studies prehistoric people, their cultures and things.

Badal Mahal

The Badal Mahal is located in the premises of the Taragarh Fort. This Mahal or palace is most remembered for the beautiful murals and paintings. The walls of this majestic palace are covered with exquisite paintings. The fabled paintings in the Badal Mahal are interesting since they depict the influence of the Chinese culture in this quaint little town. The faces and the flowers that have been depicted in the paintings are a hint of the source of wealth of the city; the poppy seeds that were traditionally cultivated to carry on opium trade with China.

Bhoraji ka Kund

Bhoraji ka Kund is one of the famous step wells, near Bundi. The meaning of Kund is tank and such water bodies were constructed in the olden days as a source of water to the drought hit areas of Bundi. It was build in 16th century and attract birds of many species especially after monsoon season. Bhoraji-ka-Kund is surely a must see spot and will definitely impress you by its beauty.

Bundi Fireworks

This city has several fireworks companies which manufacture various crackers etc.

Bundi Painting

It has huge collection of various paintings. These paintings are basically “Rajasthani Painting” of old time.

Bundi Palace

The palace is reached from the north – western end of the bazaar, through a huge wooden gateway and up a steep cobbled ramp. Only one part of the outer perimeter of the palace, known as the Chittra Shala, is officially open to public. It is a fascinating pavilion and has a gallery of miniature murals that embellish the palace. Elaborate colourful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the ‘Raga mala’ ‘Raslila’ — the Radha-Krishna story. You can see the renowned Bundi murals at the Chattar Mahal and Badal Mahal within the palace complex.

Chattar Mahal is 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. Flash photography is officially prohibited. The palace looks beautiful, from a distance and when illuminated at night.

Chhatra Mahal

Among all the palaces around the Taragarh Fort, the Chatar Mahal is possibly the best. It was built in the year 1660 by Chatar Sal, and bears a strong proof of the state of independence that the Rajput rulers enjoyed from Mughal power. Chatar Sal was perhaps the only Rajput who was made The Governor of Delhi since he proved his loyalty to the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. However, his affection and loyalty for Mughal coalition did not get in his way while he planned the magnificent Chatar Mahal using stones from the quarries in Bundi. The Mughals traditionally constructed all the monuments using red sandstone.

Chitrashala (Ummed Mahal)

The Chitrashala, which is also known as the Ummed Mahal, is a part of the Garh Palace. This area of the palace has a separate entrance and is open for visitors though some other portions of palace are closed for visitors. The Chitra Shala was built in the 18th century, and forms a set of rooms on an elevated podium above the garden courtyard. The walls and ceilings of the Chitra Shala are adorned with beautiful paintings like those depicting the stories of Ragmala or Raaslila.

Dhabhai Kund

Dhabhai Kund is located to the south of Raniji-ki-Baori and is one of the numerous tanks seen in Bundi. Dhabhia Kund is the name given to a step well; which was constructed in the olden days to provide water to the drought prone regions of Bundi. It is fascinating in its geometric construction and has steps that lead to the main tank itself. Despite its dreadful state, it is worth a visit. A couple of matching step wells outside the Choughan gate is known as the Nagar Sagar. Such tanks are very commonly found in Bundi. They are worth visiting owing to their magnificent style of construction and utility purpose.

Dugari

Established during the reign of Solanki Rajputs this village has a beautiful and lovely lake which is covers an area of 36 kms. Constructed in the 10th century, this magnificent lake is home to hundreds of migratory birds during the winter months.

The fort is situated on the bank of the lake. It is famous for the wall paintings which are based on Bundi style; the paintings are still beautiful and attractive.

The walls of the palace are covered with elaborate paintings depicting scenes from the Raslila, the Radha Krishna story. Charming spotted deer, peacocks, lions and elephants are also painted on the walls. Ram Mandi of Dugari is very famous; it has remnants of 200 year old wall paintings. The garden of Dugari is famous for chandan (sandalwood) trees. The place holds natural and scenic beauty which attracts many visitors.

Garh Palace

The Garh Palace has a number of petite palaces built encircling the central majestic residence. The various rulers of the city built these small palaces. Sitting atop a small hill, most of the portions of the fortress now lie in wreck, but some parts have retained their splendor. A wall encircles the palace premises and makes it seem more like a fort. Rao Balwant Singh commissioned the palace. The palace has many tales attached to it. Hada Rani was a queen of one of the rulers who ran away from the battlefield. She was so filled with disgust that she chopped off her head and presented it to him upon his entry into the palace.

Hathi Pol

The literal meaning of ‘Pol’ is entrance or doorway. The Hathi Pol is an entrance into the Garh Palace of Bundi. Two enormous gates are seen at the end of a steep climb to this palace. The Hathi Pol is a massive entrance that has two trumpeting elephants that form an arc. Rao Ratan Singh built this arc shaped entrance. The elephant statues that form the arc were most likely to be initially cast in brass, but were later reinstated in a concrete form. These elephants were painted in brilliant colors. The Hathi Pol is the way to a patio beyond which is a domed portico for stables.

Hindoli

Hindoli is a small town in Bundi district. It is famous for following places :

– A big lake : Ramsagar lake in Hindoli, that is surrounded by hills and trees.

– An old fort that speaks glorious history of Hindoli.

– Temples those are older than 300 years.

– Paal Bhagh : A garden at the cost of Ramsagar lake.

– BarahDwari : A small auditorium having 12 gates in Paal Bhagh garden.

Indragarh

Nestled in a narrow valley fortified by huge walls with four gates, the beautiful and charming Indragarh town was established by Inder Saal Singh Rao Raja of Bundi state. The fort of Indragarh holds an extraordinary architecture and sculpture. The town of Indragarh and the nearby places are famous for the renowned temples of Mother Goddess Kali and Kamleshwar. The tank of Indargarh is considered as one of the most attractive places in the Bundi district especially during the rainy season.

Jait Sagar Lake

Jait Sagar, in the north of Bundi, is a picturesque lake flanked by hills and strewn with pretty lotus flowers during the monsoon and winter months.

Keshoraipatan

The temple of Keshav Raj Ji Maharaja (God Vishnu), standing on a huge platform at the bank of river Chambal, has a unique and wonderful architecture and sculpture. It is important pilgrim center for Hindus. The ancient Jain Tirthankar temple has made Keshoraipatan an important Jain pilgrim centre also. Famous writer Nemi Chandra wrote the renowned and holy granth (Vrahed Dravaya Sangrah) in this temple. The Mratunjaya Mahadev temple is one of the oldest temple of Rajasthan. Keshoraipatan is one of the oldest towns in India and was named as Ashram Nagar in the ancient times.

Kshar Bagh

The Kshar Bagh is a very old yet beautiful garden near the Shikar Burj. The striking commemorative plaques of previous Bundi rulers are placed in these majestic gardens. They are excellent examples of the majestic architecture, which is a typical feature of Rajasthan. The Kshar Bagh is not open for the public and prior consent is necessary for visiting the garden.

Moti Mahal

Moti Mahal is one of the royal apartments of the fort. It has gorgeous ceiling embellished with mirror work. It is said that 80 pounds gold was used for creating such a masterpiece.

Nagar Sagar Twin Step Wells

The Nagar Sagar twin step wells are identical step wells crafted in pristine masonry on either side of the main spine of Bundi town. The kunds (pools) are currently full of waste from the ancient vegetable market in the vicinity.

National Chambal Wild Life In Bundi

It has wild life sanctuary which has enormous collection of animals and birds. Mainly it has Pallas’s Fish-eagle, White-rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture, Greater Spotted Eagle, Sarus Crane, Indian Skimmer etc.

Nawal Sagar Lake

The Nawal Sagar is a large square-shaped artificial lake in the centre of Bundi containing many small islets. A temple dedicated to Varuna, the vedic god of water, stands half-submerged in the middle of the lake. the lake feeds the numerous bavdis in the old city by creating an artificial water table.

Phool Sagar Palace

To the west of Bundi is a modern palace known as the Phool Sagar Palace. There is a charming artificial tank in the gardens that is a good place for bird watching, especially from November to February.

Rameshwaram

The cave temple of Lord Shiva is surrounded by the Aravalli ranges. It is an idyllic picnic spot.

Ramgarh

The Ramgarh sanctuary is situated on Nainwa road. Permission of the forest department is essential to visit this sanctuary.

Rani Ji Ki Baori

The very impressive Rani Ji-Ki-Baori is 46m deep and has some superb carving. One of the largest of its kind; it was built in 1699 by Rani Nathavatji.

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.).

Sar Bagh

Situated on the opposite side of Jait Sagar, Sar Bagh has a beautiful collection of royal cenotaphs, with some of them having beautifully carved statues.

Shikar Burj

Nearby Sarbagh in Bundi, Sahkar Burj is a small erstwhile hunting lounge and picnic spot.

Sports in Bundi

Sports mainly boating, archery, bike racing, water skating, parachuting, bungee jumping are held at bundi.

Sukh Mahal

Sukh Mahal is a magnificent palace situated on the Sukh Mahal Lake in Bundi, Rajasthan. It is the place where Rudiyard Kipling once stayed. The palace is now an irrigation rest house. The doors of the palace are inlaid with ivory and sandal wood. The marble rooms are cooled by water perforations in the centre of the wall. It is believed that an underground tunnel runs from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace.

Talwas

A magnificent fort was built by Ajit Singh, adjacent to it is the temple of Dhooleshwar Mahadev and a wonderful waterfall which makes the place worth a visit. Apart from this is the beautiful Ratan Sagar Lake. During the rainy season, animals like leopard, bear and deer could be spotted. Ramgarh sanctuary is located just near to Talwas.

Taragarh Fort (Star Fort)

The Taragarh Fort, or ‘Star Fort’ is the most impressive of the city’s structures. It was constructed in AD 1354 upon the top of steep hillside overlooking the city. The largest of its battlements is the 16th century bastion known as the Bhim Burj, on which was once mounted a particularly large cannon called Garbh Gunjam, or ‘Thunder from the Womb’.

The fort is a popular tourist viewpoint of the city below. The fort contains three tanks which never dry up. The technique with which they were built has been long since lost but the tanks survive as a testament to the advanced methods of construction and engineering in medieval India.

Taragarh is reached by a steep road leading up the hillside to its enormous gateway. The views over the town and surrounding countryside from the top are magical, especially at sunset. The huge reservoirs within the fort were carved out of solid rock and the Bhim Burj, the largest of the battlements, on which there is mounted a famous cannon.

Other Places
Rock Paintings, Bardha Dam, Kedareshwar Dham, Kshar Bagh, Various Temples etc.

How to reach Bundi

Bundi by Air
The Sanganer Airport of Jaipur is the nearest airport to Bundi. The Sanganer airport is at a distance of approximately 200 kilometres from Bundi. One can take taxi to travel between Bundi and the airport.

Bundi by railways
Kota Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the city. It is at a distance of 35 kilometres. Various trains play between Kota railway station and other railway stations of major Indian cities. One can take taxi or bus to reach Kota railway station.

Bundi by road
Bundi is well connected through a network of roads. It is at a distance of 35 kilometres from Kota and nearly 200 kilometres from Jaipur. Other important cities that are accessible from here include Jaipur, Ajmer, Agra and New Delhi, which are situated at a distance of 170 KM, 155 KM, 310 KM and 390 KM respectively. The state transport buses connect the city with major cities in the state of Rajasthan. You can also avail taxi or private bus services to reach the desired city
from Bundi.

Distance Charts to Bundi

Delhi to Bundi        7 hours 34 mins    497 km
Jaipur to Bundi    3 hours 35 mins    227 km
Agra to Bundi        6 hours 22 mins    375 km
Ajmer to Bundi    3 hours 15 mins    172 km

 

Major Attractions:
(1)  Taragarh Fort

(2)  The Palace

(3)  Chhattar Mahal or Palace of Towers

(4)  Ratan Daulat Monument

(5)  Chitrashala: Gallery of Miniatures and Murals

(6)  Nawal Sagar Lake

(7)  Raniji ki Baori Wells

(8)  Sukh Mahal Palace

(9)  Phool Sagar Palace

(10)  Shikar Burj

(11)  Keshar Bagh

 

Major Excursions:
(1) Jait Sagar Lake (3 Kms)

(2) Rameshwaram Cave Temple (20 Kms)

(3) Keshavraipatan Temples (45 Kms)

(4) Ramgarh Sanctuary (45 Kms)

(5) Bijolia Fort (50 Kms)

(6) Menal Temples (70 Kms)

(7) Talwas Fort and Temples (53 Kms)

(8) Dugari Fort and Paintings (65 Kms)

(9) Indragarh Fort (77 Kms)

Major Events Kajli Teej (July-August)

* kindly double check the exact travel distance & the train/flight timing with us in case of any last minute changes.