Bundi is a beautiful town and have importance in the History for Rajasthan. 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.
It is located 36 kms from Kota. 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 sought 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.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
TARARGH FORT - 14th CENTURY:
This is one of the most impressive and in days gone by, impregnable forts in Rajasthan. It has four enormous water reservoirs which were built to cater to the water requirements of the fort. The panoramic view of Bundi and surrounding hills is magnificent, an ideal place to sit quietly and watch the sunset. Taragarh means the 'Star Fort' is the most impressive of the city's structures. It was constructed in AD 1354 upon a steep hillside. The largest of its battlements is the 16th century bastion known as the Bhim Burj, on which was once mounted a particularly large cannon called Garbh Gunjam, or 'Thunder from the Womb'. The fort is a popular tourist viewpoint of the city below. the fort has three tanks which never dry up. These tanks are right on top of the fort which sits on top of one of the hills surrounding the city. The technique is long since lost but the tanks survive as a testament to the advanced methods of construction and engineering in medieval India.
KESHARBARGH 16TH CENTURY
This final resting place of Bundi's kings and queens, Kesharbargh is another fine example of Bundi's impressive architecture. The cenotaphs are beautifully crafted from fine yellow sandstone and marble.
Sukh Mahal
The palace was constructed during the reigns of Umed Singh on the banks of Sukh Sagar or the Jait Sagar. The palace was meant for providing the princes a free hand to do what they liked away from the supervision of the Rao. The highlight of the palace is the white marble chhatri that stands in the centre of the roof of the second storey. The palace, that serves as the Irrigation Rest House today, holds the honour of playing host to the famous writer, Rudyard Kipling.
BUNDI UTSAV
A pagent of resplendent heritage of the Hadoti celebrated every year after the Kartik Poornima. The programme includes folk/classical music and dance, arts and crafts, ethnic sports, turban competition and a fireworks display.
THE BUNDI PALACE
It is situated on the hillside adjacent to the Taragarh Fort and is notable for its lavish traditional murals and frescoes. The Chitrashala (picture gallery) of the palace is open to the general public.
The largest of Bundi's baoris or stepwells is the intricately-carved Raniji ki Baori. Some 46 m deep, it was built in 1699 by Rani Nathavatji. The steps built into the sides of the water-well made water accessible even when at a very low level. The baori is one of the largest examples of its kind in Rajasthan.
THE NAWAL SAGAR
It is a large square-shaped artificial lake in the centre of Bundi containing many small islets. A temple dedicated to Varuna, the vedic god of water, stands half-submerged in the middle of the lake. the lake feeds the numerous bavdis in the old city by creating an artificial water table.
Nagar Sagar twin step wells
The twin step wells are identical step wells crafted in pristine masonry on either side of the main spine of Bundi town. The kunds (pools) are currently full of waste from the ancient vegetable market in the vicinity.
RANI JI KI BAORI - 17TH CENTURY
Bundi is known for it's baoris of stepwells. Constructed by royalty and affluent members of society, they served as water reservoirs when there was a scarcity of water. The commisioning of a baori was considered a sacred act and a privillege. More than fifty baoris exist in and around Bundi and are a marvel of craftsmanship and architecture. The finest example being the Rani Ji Ki. Built in 1699 by mother-queen Nthavati Ji during her son Budh Singh's time it is adorned with finely sculpted pillars and arches. It is a multistoreyed atructure with places of worship on each floor.
Whilst in Bundi take the time to wander through the narrow streets, make your way through the bustling markets to the colourfull vegetable marked where an array of fresh local produce can be found, remember to take your camera, Bundi is a photographers delight and most of the locals are more than happy to have their photograph taken, remember it is courtesy to ask first.
THE DABHAI KUND
It is also known as the jail kund, is the largest of the kunds in Bundi. Though slightly overgrown, it is well worth a visit for the spectacular carvings on the numerous steps leading down to the water level.
How To Reach
By Air
The Sanganer Airport at Jaipur is the nearest one from Bundi with a distance of 206 km separating them. Jaipur in turn is connected to all the major destinations of India.
By Rail
Bundi is connected by rail to Agra, Chittor and Kota. Kota, at a distance of 38 km is a more convenient railhead which is connected to both Delhi and Mumbai by August Kranti, Mumbai and Trivandrum Rajdhani. It is connected to Jaipur by Jaipur Kota Fast Passenger and Jaipur Bombay Central Superfast Train.
By Road
Bundi is connected to other destinations in Rajasthan by Express Buses. Some of the destinations connected by road are Ajmer (five hours), Kota (50 minutes), Sawai Madhopur (4 1/2 hours), Udaipur (8 1/2 hours) and Jaipur (five hours). It is on National Highway no - 12 that connects Jaipur to it via Sanganer, Chatsu, Tonk, Mendwas and Devli