Bundi Travel Guide

Bundi lies embraced by hills, the capital of the Hada Rajputs who established their craggy stronghold in these forested hills, but fate and the forces of power created Kotah, a breakaway part of Bundi that went on to become larger and more powerful than its parent state. And yet, the strength and the delicacy of the fort of Bundi has not been recaptured by that in Kotah. Not that it is any less impressive for that. For the kings of Bundi and Kotah were patrons of art and commissioned Chitrashalas or picture rooms where scenes of hunting and paintings of the court cover entire rooms in the particular Bundi and Kotah schools. In these halls, elephants trumpet, horses march to battle, scenes from shikar are delicately recreated, complete with trapped tigers and hunters on horseback. The size of both forts is impressive, and their collection of royal memorabilia recounts centuries past.

FESTIVAL:
Bundi is famous for its Kajli-teej festival. This annual festival is held in July–August. Travelers must make it a point to visit Bundi during this festival.
CLIMATE:
Summer max. 43.0 degree C min. 35.0 degree C
Winter max. 30.7 degree C min. 5.0 degree C
Rainfall 75 cms.

EXCURSION:

Ishwari Niwas: Ishwari Niwas in Bundi was built during the reign of Maharao Ishwari Singh to house the Dewan of Bundi. It was later turned into a guest house and today it is the residence of Maharao's brother-Maharaj Kesri Singh. A seventy years old building, is a combination of Indian as well as European style of architecture.The rooms inside it have been furnished comfortably and provide the guests with all modern amenties.

Haveli Braj Bhushanji: Haveli Brij Bhushanji was built 150 years ago. The haveli is situated on the road to the palace and the terraces of this building allow one a magnificient view of the city palace, the fort as well as the city. Built in traditional rajasthani style, this four storeyed haveli has a lot of open spaces and courtyards and the rooms too are large and airy. Haveli location make it very convenient for tourists to visit other places of interest in the city and even those located a little distance away.

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

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

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

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

City Palace and Fortress, Bundi
City Palace and Fortress, Bundi

Town, from Bundi Palace, Bundi
Town, from Bundi Palace, Bundi

Taragarh Fort, Bundi
Taragarh Fort, Bundi

Sukh Mahal: A magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Sagar 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.)

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

Attractions and Places to Visit in Bundi

Sukh Mahals: Sukh Mahals evokes memories of RUDYARD KIPLING who not only stayed here but found inspiration for his famous work KIM.

Sar Bagh: has 66 royal cenotaphs. Step wells (Bawari) are another prominent highlights of Bundi, these served as water reservoirs in the months of summers, there were over 50 wells but many of them had to suffer the ravages of the time. The CHHATAR MAHAL is adorned with beautiful wall paintings of the famous Bundi School. And so are the ZANANA MAHAL (palace for the queens) and BADAL MAHAL.
How to Reach Bundi

Air : Jaipur 206 km is the nearest airport.

Rail : Bundi railway Station - 5 km, Kota 36 km is the convenient railhead.

Road : Good road connections link Bundi with important places around.