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FACTS & FIGURES
Population : 77,000
Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi
Best Time to Visit : Winters
STD Codes : 0747
THE CAPITAL OF THE CHAUHANS
The small, rustic town of Bundi was the capital of one
of the erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan. It is
known for its palaces, baolis (step wells) and water
tanks. The monuments and their architecture reflect
the splendor of the local Rajput chiefs. The walls of
the palaces at Bundi are decorated with life-size frescoes
depicting the glory of its rulers.
LOCATION
Bundi is located in the southern part of the
state of Rajasthan, in the northwestern part of India.
It is located amidst a hilly terrain, near a gorge.
It is 206 km from Jaipur and 36 km from Kota. The climate
of Bundi is extreme: summers are quiet hot (April–June)
and winters are cool (October–February). It experiences
scant rainfall between June and August.
VISITING TIME
The best time to visit Bundi is between
the months of October and February, but one might also
visit it in July–August, when the Kajli-teej festival
is celebrated here.
THE PAST
The area of Bundi came under the Chauhan
rulers in the 12th century. The descendents of the Chauhans
set up their center at Bundi and ruled from here. Bundi
got its name from Bunda, one of its former rulers. It
was an important state at the peak of Rajput glory in
medieval times. The association with the Mughals led
to the decline of Bundi. In 1624, Emperor Jahangir pressurized
the local rulers and split the erstwhile state into
two parts—Bundi and Kota. Although the state lost
its glory, it continued to be an independent state within
the British rule and became a part of India when it
gained independence in 1947.
TOURIST SPOTS
Bundi is famous for its monuments and
especially its fort, which preserves the glorious legacy
of its erstwhile Rajput rulers. The Taragarh fort, built
in 1354, with its imposing structure of stone, is situated
on a steep hill and has massive battlements and ramparts.
The fort welcomes the traveler through an enormous gateway.
Once inside the fort, the traveler can see the Bhim
Burj, the largest battlement, and a huge water reservoir
carved out of solid rock. From the fort, one can see
the entire town. Tourists also visit the fort to see
sunsets. Bundi palace, which is situated on a hill,
adjacent to the Taragarh fort, is known for its traditional
murals. These murals give the traveler a glimpse of
the splendor and lifestyle of the rulers of Bundi and
their exploits. Though most parts of the palace walls
are decorated with traditional murals, only the Chitra
Shala area is open for the tourist. Special permission
has to be obtained to see the frescoes in other parts
of the palace. Bundi is famous for its waterworks. It
has a number of impressive baolis or step wells. Raniji-ki-Baoli,
(Queen’s step well) is an important place to visit.
It is a 46-m-deep step well, built in 1699 by Queen
Nathavatji, and is known for its carvings. The Nagar
Sagar Kund, a pair of identical, step wells is near
Raniji-ki-Baoli, in the center of the town. Nawal Sagar,
the artificial lake near the palace is a good tourist
spot and one can see a shrine at the center of this
lake. Other waterworks worth visiting are Dhabhai Kund
and Bhora-ji-ka-Kund. Other places of tourist importance
are the Sabzi Mandi (vegetable market) within the old
town. An 84-pillared cenotaph is situated at the southern
end of the town within a well-laid garden, near the
railway station. It is worth visiting at night when
the monument is lit up.
SITES NEARBY
There are many tourist attractions near
the town. Phool Sagar Palace, a modern palace built
in the 20th century, with its well-laid gardens and
artificial tanks, is several kilometers from the town,
on the way to Ajmer. The Sukh Mahal Palace is 2 km north
of the town near the Jait Sagar Lake. The Sar Bagh,
with its royal cenotaphs and intricate carvings, and
the Shikar Burj, a small royal hunting lodge adjacent
to the Jait Sagar Lake, are other nearby places worth
visiting. Garardha village, 32 km south of Bundi, is
known for its ancient rock paintings that are about
15,000 years old.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Bundi is famous for its Kajli-teej festival.
This annual festival is held in July–August. Travelers
must make it a point to visit Bundi during this festival.
HOW TO REACH
Bundi does not have an airport. It has
a small railway station located to the south of the
town. Bundi is well connected with Agra and Kota by
trains. One can also catch trains from Kota, which is
36 km from Bundi and is an important railhead. Bundi
is also well linked by bus with Ajmer (5 hours), Kota
(1 hour), Udaipur (9 hours) and Jaipur (5 hours). The
main bus stand is 1 km north of the railway station.
One can move around the town using auto-rickshaws and
take taxis to visit places around. Bikes are also available
on hire.
PLACES TO STAY
Most of the hotels in Bundi are mid-range.
The traveler can also find a number of guesthouses.
PLACES TO EAT
Bundi does not offer any special cuisine
to the traveler and food is reasonably priced.
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