Bundi

One of the renowned tourist destinations in Rajasthan is situated in the southern part of the state, 39 km from Kota. Bundi has many destinations to visit that include Taragarh Fort, Bundi Palace, Baoris & Tanks, Sukh Mahal and 84 Pillared Cenotaphs, which can be explored during your vacations. Bundi is known for art and beautiful paintings. However, markets available are not much modern, but there medieval charm is the memorable identity.

It is a great place for shopping. Tourists don’t loose the chance of shopping in Bundi . There are several things available in the market like Cotton carpets, famous Kota paintings and Kota doria sarees, stone statues, wooden toys, lac bangles or simply a colourful odhni, etc. These items reflect the real meaning of art and reveal the traditions of this place itself.

If we flip the pages of history, Bundi reveals a vast history. During the Jehangir rule, Bundi was separated into two parts, Kota and Bundi . With the rise of Kota, Bundi lost its earlier prestige, though it continued as an independent state during the British rule. But after independence, it was included into the Rajasthan.

Climate

Summers: Max: 43 degrees C; Min: 35 degrees C
Winters: Max: 37.5 degrees C; Min: 5 degrees C

Fairs & Festivals

Kajli Teej (next 30th & 31st August, 2007): Teej is a very famous festival held in August to mark the advent of monsoons. It is essentially a festival that is celebrated by women.

Chandrabhaga Fair (next 23rd to 25th November, 2007): The fair is held in Keshariapatan in the month of November during Kartik Purnima. Cattle and camels are traded during this festival and pilgrims come take bathe in the river. The date of this fair coincides with Pushkar Fair. If there is too much crowd in Pushkar, Chandrabhaga fair could be the next best option for you.

How to reach

Air: There are domestic flights connecting Jaipur to all the major destinations of India. The Jaipur airport is called Sanganer Airport, which is 206 km from Bundi . This is the nearest airport from Bundi .

Train: Bundi is approachable by road from Kota (40 km), Jaipur (206) and many other cities.

Road: A convenient mode of travel to Bundi is regular bus service of Express Buses. Bundi is well connected to the prominent destinations in Rajasthan by these buses. Some of these destinations connected by road are Ajmer (five hours), Kota (50 minutes), Sawai Madhopur (4½ hours), Udaipur (6½ hours) and Jaipur (five hours). It is on National Highway no – 12, which connects Jaipur to it via Sanganer, Tonk and Devli.

PLACES

Taragarh Fort
Taragarh Fort is one of the most famous destinations in Bundi . It was built in the 14th century. During the sunset, view from the fort is very beautiful and unique. The fort is the perfect piece of architecture and art. The Bhim Bhurj tower dominates the fort and provided the platform for a huge cannon ‘Garbh Ganjam’. There are several stepped water tanks inside the fort. The eastern wall of the fort is crenellated with high ramparts and the main gate to the west is flanked by octagonal towers.

Bundi Palace
Bundi Palace is one of the attractions in Rajasthan where every visitor goes while spending vacations here. Its magnificent look and vast history makes it unforgettable and attracts people from all over the world. Wooden gate leads you to the Bundi Palace. Beautiful murals draw the attention of people here. The entire palace walls covered by beautiful murals takes you back into the era of Bundi royalty. However, these areas are restricted for public viewing barring the Chitrashala. Photography is not allowed for preserving its originality, because lights of the camera can be harmful for the palace.

Baoris & Tanks
Bundi is prominent for its baoris or stepwells. There are around 50 step wells, out of which only few have been maintained till date. Most famous among them are the Nagar Sagar Kund, Raniji ki Baori and Nawal Sagar.

Raniji ki Baori
While vacationing in Bundi you will come across to the Raniji ki Baori, set up by Rani Nathavatji is famous for its wonderful carvings and attractive shape. The step well was built in 1699. The temple of Lord Varuna, half submerged in the water of the Naval Sagar (lake) is one of the well-known attractions in Bundi . People can visit this temple by boat, because it is located between the lake.

Sukh Mahal
If you are going Bundi for some excitement and fun don’t leave the chance to visit Sukh Mahal. Sukh Mahal was built during the reigns of Umed Singh on the banks of Sukh Sagar or the Jait Sagar. The main attraction of the palace is white marble chhatri, which stands in the centre of the roof at the second storey. This is the best place to visit in summers. The palace located on the bank of the lake creates the relaxing environment and people enjoy a lot of its beauty. Visit to this palace is regarded one of the most memorable moments due to its vast history and unimaginable attractions.

84 Pillared Cenotaphs
The 84 Pillared Cenotaphs (Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri), the unimaginable and prominent place is one of the well-known tourist places in Bundi . It is a pavilion supported by 84 pillars, located south of the town. Rao Anirudh Singh built the pavilion in the year 1683 to honour the services of Deva, his wet nurse. This two storeyed structure not only serves as a cenotaph, but also a temple. But with passage of time the value of the cenotaph seems to have deteriorated. The ceilings on both the floors are adorned with paintings of Rajput battles and fish symbols.

HOTELS

• Ishwari Niwas
  
• Royal Retreat

 

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