Bundi City Information

Bundi which is just 36 kms from Kota, is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is surrounded by a massive wall with four gateways. This unexplored city has a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans - who sprang from the famous Chauhan dynasty; rulers of Delhi and Ajmer.

What adds a special touch to this city is its 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.

Bundi is also known for its baolis or step-wells. Unique to Rajasthan and Gujarat, the step-wells served as water reservoirs for the months of summer when there was a scarcity of drinking water. At one time, there were over fifty such wells in Bundi but most of them have suffered the ravages of time.

Bundi is also famous for its intricate carvings and murals. There’s an interesting collection of local souvenirs at the Bundi Cafe Crafts shop (at the Haveli Braj Bhushanjee), including miniatures and jewellery. Although there isn’t anything remarkable to buy in Bundi itself, you should take a stroll through the little markets just to soak in the medieval ambience of this town.

Best Season
In summer it becomes very hot and uncomfortable and so Bundi is best visited between August-February.

Places to See

Taragarh or The Star Fort
Taragarh Fort, built in 1354,is situated atop a thickly wooded hill. It is a marvelous white fort with a huge reservoir which once supplied water to the palace.

Apart from the huge reservoir carved out of stone,there is the Bhim Burj, the largest of the battlements, on which is mounted a famous cannon. One can get lovely views over the town and surrounding countryside from here.

Doordarshan has its transmission tower right next to the fort. It is indeed sad to see a timeold monument sharing its place with a modern tower.

The Palace
The Taragarh palace is reached from the north-western end of the bazaar, through a huge wooden gateway. Only two parts of the palace, the Chitra Mahal and Ummed Mahal, are open to the public. Some of the famous Bundi murals can be seen on the upper level. Photography is prohibited.

Chhattar Mahal or Palace or Towers
Visiting this palace is worth it, for the Hazari Pol or Gate of the thousand, the Naubat Khana, the Hathi Pol with its old water clock and the Diwan-e-Aam.

Ratan Daulat
This structure built by Rao Raja Ratan Singh,is a stable for horses and a Hatia Pol. (Prior permission required for visit.)

Chitrashala
This palace has a fascinating pavilion and a gallery of miniature murals.It has elaborate colourful paintings on the walls which depict scenes from the ‘Ragmala’ and ‘Raaslila’-the Radha - Krishna story.

Nawal Sagar
This is a square artificial lake broken up by islets;it can be seen from the fort. 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.

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
This is a magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Mahal Lake surrounded by lush beautiful gardens. It is believed that an underground tunnel runs from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace.

Phool Sagar
This is a 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
This is a nice picnic spot and it is a royal hunting lodge set amidst the lush surroundings.

Kshar Bagh
This is an ancient garden near the Shika Burj with beautiful chhatris of the Bundi rulers and their queens. (Prior permission required for visit.)

84 Pillared Cenotaph
This is a fabulous memorial with 84 pillars in a single cenotaph, along with a Shiva lingam. It was built by Rao Anirudh.

Excursions

Jait Sagar Lake(3 km)
This picturesque lake cradled in the hills, was built by Jaita Meena. It has a swirling fountain which is a visual delight at night.

Rameshwaram (20 km)
This is a nice picnic spot which has a cave temple of Lord Shiva surrounded by the Aravalli ranges.

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

Ramgarh (45 km)
This is a sanctuary 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)
The city of Bijolia is situated on the Bundi-Chittoorgarh road. It has an ancient fort.
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.

Talwas (53 km)
There is a magnificent fort here which was 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)
This is an imposing fort housing a Ram Mandir where remains of ancient wall paintings can be seen.

Indragarh (77 km)
This place is worth visiting for the imposing Indragarh fort,palaces which are famous for the temples of Mother Goddess Kali and Kamleshwar. The Palace is also famous for wall paintings.