Bundi

One of the greatest treasures of Rajasthan, the fortress town of Bundi is bounded on three sides by the Aravalli Hills and boasts an impressive array of architectural marvels including the Garh Palace and the Taragarh fort. Beautiful temples, step wells, crumbling stucco havelis and cenotaphs are the cherries on the cake. Gloriously romantic and seductive, Bundi is also famous for its intricate miniature paintings and murals known as the Bundi school of painting in popular parlance.

Founded in 1241, Bundi was one of the princely states in British India. Bundi had entered into the Subsidiary Alliance System applied by Lord Wellesley.

Places of Interest in Bundi

Bundi Palace

The Garh Palace has been described by Rudyard Kipling in glowing words. He states, “Jeypore Palace may be called the Versailles of India; Udaipur's House of State is dwarfed by the hill round it and the spread of the Pichola Lake; Jodhpur's House of strife, grey tower on red rock, is the work of giants, but the Palace of Bundi, even in broad daylight, is such a palace as men build for themselves in uneasy dreams - the work of goblins rather than of men.”

Taragarh Fort

Overlooking the town of Bundi, the Taragarh Fort, or 'Star Fort’ is another attraction that offers breathing view across the landscape. A steep walk from The Garh Palace will lead you to the Taragarh Fort.

Raniji-ki-Baori

Out of the some 60 beautiful baoris in Bundi, Raniji-ki-Baori is one of the most impressive step wells in Rajasthan. Situated in the middle of the Bundi town, , the step well dates from the 17th century and features elaborately carved pillars and gates.

Sukh Mahal

Another attraction of Bundi is Sukh Mahal, a summer palace where Kipling authored Kim. Surrounded by terraced gardens, the palace is adjascent to the Jait Sagar lake, surrounded by hills. 1.5km-long Jait Sagar lake is full of beautiful lotus flowers. Shaar Bagh containg the royal cenotaphs is another important attraction.

Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri

Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri ( eighty-four pillared cenotaph) is another prime attraction of Bundi. Set in gardens the cenotaph presents a spectacular sight when illuminated at night.

Side trips from Bundi

Rameshwar

20 km from Bundi, Rameshwaram is visited by the people for its cave shrine of Lord Shiva. Set in the picturesque landscape dominayed by the Aravalli ranges. Rameshwaram is a sacred place for the devotees who come here to offer prayers and have aglimpse of a waterfall falling on the Shivaligam.

Bijolia fort

50 km from bundi on the way to Chittorgarh., Bijolia is home to an ancient fort and the large shrine of Hajaresvara Mahadeva, dedicated to Lord Shiva and a Jain temple.

Menal

19 km from Bijolia and 70 km from Bunndi is the scenic spot of menal known for its temples datig back tot ehe Gupta period , waterfall created by the Menal River, forests and ruined palace of Rutirani, belived to be reatre of Chauhan ruler Prithviraj Chauhan who was defeated by Muhammad Ghori in the second battle of tarain paving the way of Musim rule in India.

Hindoli

22 km from Bunndi on the way to jaipur is located Hindoli, visted by tourists for its huge lake and a ruined fort perched on a hill.

Ramgarh Sanctuary

45 km from bundi, Ramgarh Sanctuary attartced willdfe li=vovers. Once the private hunting ground of the rulers of the Bundi state, the sanctuary is home to the wild boar, hyena, jackal, tiger leopard and nilgai

Talwas

53 km from bundi Talwas is home to a fort, the shrine of Dhoondaleshwar Mahadev and a waterfall.

Dugari

65 km from bundi is located Dugari home to a fort where you can find beautiful Bundi paintings on its walls.

Indragarh

An important excursion from Bundi on the way to Ranthambore, Indragarh boasts a fort which contains Bhawani Mata Ji temple. Indragarh is located 77 km from Bundi town.

Where to stay in Bundi

Once in Bunndi a tourist can find accommodation to suit their taste. Hotel Hadoti Palace, located near Ranjit Talkies, Hotel Ishwari Niwas near Circuit house are popular hotels in Bundi.

How to reach Bundi

38 km from Bundi, Kota is a major railway junction connected with important cities and places in India. Bundi is also a railhead. The nearest airport is Jaipur which is 206 km from Bundi. Good roads connect Bundi with Kota (36km ), Bundi (118km), Jaipur (250km), Jodhpur (368 km) and Udaipur (279 km) in Rajasthan.