36 km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town, Bundi. One of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans- an offshoots of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.

In 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors move towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals-thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separates states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the river Chambal.

Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the 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.

Fair & Festivals in Bundi

Kajli Teej
The celebrations of the festival are different than the usual Teej festivities. Unlike Teej, which is celebrated on the third day of the month of Shravana, Kajli Teej is celebrated on the third day of the month of Bhadra. An exeberant procession of Teej in a decorated planquin, starts from the beautiful Naval Sagar and culminates at the Azad Park.

Cultural performances by the local artistes as well as by artistes from Hadoti region are part of the celebrations. Though the Teej procession is carried our for only two days, the festivities continue till the eighth day, finally ending on Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.

Places to See in Bundi

Taragarh or The Star Fort
Built in 1354 A.D., the fort is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a marvelloous white fort with a huge reservoir which once supplied water to the palace.

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

Chhattar Mahal or Palace or Towers
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.

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.)

Chitrashala
A fascinating pavilion and a gallery of minature murals embellish the palace. Elaborate colourful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the ‘Ragmala’ and ‘Raaslila’-the Radha-Krishna story.

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.

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
A magnificient summer palace on the Sukh Mahal Lake amid the lush surroundings of a beautiful garden. An underground tunnel is believed to run from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace.

Phool Sagar Palace
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.)

Shikar Burj
The royal hunting lodge set amidst thel lush surroundings. It is a favorite picnic spot.

Kshar Bagh
An ancient garden near the Shika Burj with beautiful chhatris of the Bundi rulers and their queens all examples of the town’s rich architecture. (Prior permission required for visit.)

Eighty Four Pillared Cenotaph
An amazingly magnificent memorial with 84 pillars in a single cenotaph along with a Shiva lingam. It was erected by Rao Anirudh.

Excursions near Bundi

Jait Sagar Lake (3 km)
A picturesque lake cradled in the hills, built by Jaita Meena. The swirling fountain at night a visual delight.

Rameshwaram (20 km)
The cave temple of Lord Shiva surrounded by the Aravalli ranges. An ideal picnic spot as well.

Ramgarh (45 km)
The Ramgarh Sanctuary is located on the Nainwa road. One needs to take permission of the State Forest Department prior to a visit to the sanctuary.

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

Bijolia (50 km)
An ancient fort and the city of Bijolia is situated on the Bundi- Chittaurgarh road. 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.

Menal (70 km)
The menal River runs over a bed of granite slabs and plunges into a cavernous 122 metres deep gorge. On the other side of the broken wall is the temple complex with fascinating carvings on the walls of the shrine that depict various Hindu deities. It is located on the Chittaurgarh- Bundi road.

Talwas (53 km)
A magnificent for 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)
Remnants of ancient wall paintings can be seen in the Ram Mandir within the imposing fort of Dugari.

Indragarh (77 km)
The Indragarh Fort and the nearby palaces are famous for the temples of Mother Goddess Kali and Kamleshwar. The Palace is also famous for wall paintings.

How to Reach Bundi

Air: Jaipur (205 km) is the nearest airport from Bundi. Jaipur connects Bundi with Delhi, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur by regular flights.
Rail: Bundi has a small railway station. Kota (36 km) is the major railhead, connecting Bundi to all the major cities of Rajasthan and North India. Direct trains are available for Jaipur, Kota and Agra.
Road: Bundi has a good road networks and is well connected with important cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Kota, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur and Ajmer. There are frequent bus and taxi services to and from Bundi to other cities.

Shopping in Bundi

The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in redding-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner and interesting experience.

Hotels in Bundi

- Hotel Brij Bhushanji

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