According to legend, back in the 12th century, restless young
nobles of the warrior Chauhan clan conquered the Bhil and Meena tribals of these
lands. One group chose the neighbouring area of Kota, the other settled in Bundi.
Kota was a part of Bundi until its separation in 1624 at the instigation of
the Moghul emperor, Jehangir.
What to See | Other attractions | How to Get There | Hotels to Stay
What to See
The town's Rajput legacy is well preserved in the shape of
the massive Taragarh fort ( it is also known as Star Fort )which
broods over the town in the narrow valley below and the huge palace which stands
beneath it. This Fort was built in 1354. It is reached by a steep road leading
up the hill side to its enormous gateway, topped by rampant elephants. Inside
are huge reservoirs carved out of solid rock and the Bhim Burj, the largest
of the battlements, on which is mounted a famous cannon. Views over the town
and surrounding countryside are excellent.
The Palace is one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture.
It is massed across a rocky height , approached by a road of stone steps and
ramps meant for horsemen and chariots. Here, the Chitra Mahal is an absolute
delight. In a gallery built around a sunken court open to the sky, there are
beautiful murals done in the Bundi style of miniature paintings. Above the palace,
accessed through the impressive Elephant Gate are the royal apartments, murals,
balconies, corbels, pavilions, fretted windows, domes.
Sunset dusts the memorial pavilions, or Chhatris, of
the former rulers with gold. This quiet place is set in a grove of old trees
and the high platforms of the memorials are decorated with horses and elephants.
Bundi has a couple of beautiful baoris (step wells)
right in the centre of town. The Rani ki Baori is 46 metres deep and
has some superb carving, and is one of the largest of its kind. A former princess,
Rani Nathavatji built this in 1699. This beautiful stepwell with torana arches
set between soaring pillars to frame the steps leading down to the water; panels
have been carved in the images of the avatars : those age-specific redeemers
whose sequence follows the line of animal-human evolution.
The Nagar Sagar Kund is a pair of matching step-wells
just outside the Chogan Gate to the old city, right in the centre of the town.
Other attractions
Bundi's other attractions are all out of town. The modern palace,
known as the Phool Sagar Palace, built in the 20th century in contemporary
style, has a beautiful artificial tank and gardens. Another small palace, Sukh
Mahal, built on Sukh Sagar Lake is set in a beautiful formal garden. Shikar
Burj is a small hunting lodge. Nestling in the woods amidst lush greenery
south of Phool Sagar, it makes a beautiful picnic spot .
For all the bustle of the city, there is a timeless, trapped-in-amber,
atmosphere about Bundi which, for many visitors, is oddly reassuring in a fast
changing world.
It is better to visit during the Kajli Teej (July- August)
festival time.
How to Get There
Air: Nearest airport is Jaipur, 206 km away.
Rail: Kota, 36 km is the convenient railhead.
Road:Tourist taxis and buses are available from Jaipur
and Kota.
Hotels to Stay
Bundi Cafe & Crafts, Bundi (0747-2755 or 3322)
The Circuit House (2336)
RTDC Hotel Vrindavati
