BundiBundi, which is one of the unexplored cities, with a rich historical wealth

The Undiscovered Splendour 36-km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town, Bundi, which is one of the unexplored cities, with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Hada Chauhans - an off shoot of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.

Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. 

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, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.

HISTORY

In 1193 AD, when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles sought shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved towards the Chambal Valley and over powered the Meena and Bhil tribals - thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separate states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the River Chambal.

CULTURE

Kajli Teej
The festival starts with the procession of goddess Teej in a decorated palanquin from the beautiful Naval Sagar. It passes through the main bazaars and terminates at Azad Park. The procession has decorated elephants, camels, bands, performing artists and colourfully dressed people.

Teej festival is celebrated all over the state with each region having its own unique touch. Kajli Teej of Bundi is different in several ways- while Teej is celebrated on the third day of the month of Shravana, in Bundi it is celebrated on the third day of the month of Bhadra. 

ENTERTAINMENT 

Bundi Palace
This magnificent edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi murals

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.

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.

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

Kshar Bagh
An ancient garden near the Shikar Burj with beautiful 'chhatri' of the Kshar Bagh, an ancient garden for the Bundi rulers and their queens - all examples of the town's rich architecture. (Prior permission required for visit.)

Nawal Sagar
Visible from the fort is the square artificial lake of Nawal Sagar broken up by islets, 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 - making it a unique attraction of Bundi.

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.)

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.

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.)

Shikar Buri 
The royal hunting lodge set amidst the lush surroundings. It is a favourite picnic spot.

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.

Taragarh -Bundi
Built in 1354 AD, the fort is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a marvellous white fort, with a huge reservoir, which once supplied water to the palace. 

LOCATION 

36-km From Kota, Rajasthan.

How to Reach

By Air

Nearest airport is Jaipur.

By Rail

train links are from Kota, Agra and many other cities.

By Road

Bundi is approchable by road from Kota (40 km), jaipur(206) and many other cities. 

CLIMATE

In Summer: 43 C (Max) - 35 C (Min)
In winter: 37.5 C (Max) - 5 C (Min)
Rainy Season : July to Mid Sept, and very humid (upto 90%)
Our suggestion: Best time to come: Oct to March

BUNDI Sightseeing

Rameshwaram

The cave temple of Lord Shiva is surrounded by the Aravalli ranges. It is an idyllic picnic spot. 

Taragarh Fort

Taragarh fort was built in 1354 and is great palace to ramble around at leisure. Set within the horse-shoe shaped fold of the hills, and with the lakes and water reservoirs below, the fort straddles the crest and offers invincible battlements that must have proved difficult to scale.

Taragarh is reached by a steep road leading up the hillside to its enormous gateway. The views over the town and surrounding countryside from the top are magical, especially at sunset. The huge reservoirs within the fort were carved out of solid rock and the Bhim Burj, the largest of the battlements, on which there is mounted a famous cannon. 

Ramgarh

The Ramgarh sanctuary is situated on Nainwa road. Permission of the forest department is essential to visit this sanctuary.

Bundi Palace

The palace is reached from the north - western end of the bazaar, through a huge wooden gateway and up a steep cobbled ramp. Only one part of the outer perimeter of the palace, known as the Chittra Shala, is officially open to public. It is a fascinating pavilion and has a gallery of miniature murals that embellish the palace. Elaborate colourful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Raga mala' 'Raslila' -- the Radha-Krishna story. You can see the renowned Bundi murals at the Chattar Mahal and Badal Mahal within the palace complex.

Chattar Mahal is a steep, paved carafe-way is the only way to reach the monument. Of special interest in the palace is the Hazari Pol or Gate of the thousand, the Naubat Khana, the Hathi Pol with its old water clock and the Diwann-e- Aam. Flash photography is officially prohibited. The palace looks beautiful, from a distance and when illuminated at night. 

84 pillared cenotaph

The stunning 84 pillared cenotaph(Chaurasi Khambhon-ki-Chatri), set among the well maintained gardens, is a treat to watch when it is lit up at night.

Menal

Menal, 48 km from Bundi, is a complex of Shiva temples built in Gupta period. After a good monsoon, there is an impressive waterfall in this area that is also a big attraction.

Ratan Daulat

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

Nawal Sagar 

Visible from the Taragarh for in Bundi is the magnificent artificial lake, Nawal Sagar. In the center is the temple of Varuna, the Aryan god of water. The reflection of the entire city and its palaces can be seen in the lake - making it a unique attraction of Bundi.

Rani Ji - Ki Baori

The very impressive Rani Ji-Ki-Baori is 46m deep and has some superb carving. One of the largest of its kind; it was built in 1699 by Rani Nathavatji.

Phool Sagar Palace

To the west of Bundi is a modern palace known as the Phool Sagar Palace. There is a charming artificial tank in the gardens that is a good place for bird watching, especially from November to February.

Sar Bagh 

Situated on the opposite side of Jait Sagar, Sar Bagh has a beautiful collection of royal cenotaphs, with some of them having beautifully carved statues.

Shikar Burj 

Nearby Sarbagh in Bundi, Sahkar Burj is a small erstwhile hunting lounge and picnic spot. 

 Famous Markets in Bundi are:

• Main Bazar – Bundi is widely known for cotton carpets, designed beautifully. The main bazaar of Bundi town is filled with many shops which sells uniquely designed cotton carpets.
  Some of the shops even date back to the 17th century. Wooden toys and stone statue art are also sold here. Women may purchase Kota sarees and lac bangles from Main bazaar.
• The Sadar Bazar – The Sadar Bazar is another important market area of the Bundi town, Rajasthan.
  You can find some Shopping Malls and local shops in this market. Cotton carpet is also one of the selling items in the Sarad Bazar.
• Chaumaukh Bazaar– Jewelleries and Cotton carpets are common items found in the Chaumaukh Bazaar.

 RESTAURANTS

Dev Niwas Restaurant

Indian, Asian, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan OptionsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lake View Garden Restaurant

Indian, Asian, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan OptionsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Tom & Jerrys Restaurant 

Italian, Indian, Pizza, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Brunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks, Late Night

Morgan's Italian Restaurant 

Italian, Pizza, Indian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan OptionsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Ringo Star Restaurant 

Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan OptionsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch