BUNDI IN RAJASTHAN

Bundi is a magnificent town, 36 Kms from Kota, once ruled by the Hada Chauhans. First destination is Hadoti set in a narrow inclining gorge. The palaces and forts have a fairy tale quality about them. Isolated and independent, this picturesque location has much to offer. Rajput architecture shines in the intricately carved brackets and pillars. Interesting places are Diwan-e-aam, Hathia Pol, and Naubat Khana.


Details about Bundi
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 Hada Chauhans – an offset the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.
In 1193 A.D when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Gauri,some Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved 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 separate states Of Kota and Bundi ,on either side of the river Chambal.
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.

The Chitra Shala has a colourful glimpse of history painted on ceilings and walls, making it an open art gallery.


The paintings of Bundi School are famous for their festivals, animals and bird scenes portrayed beautifully. During the State time, Bundi was popular for hunting. Equally popular were the hunting lodges like Phool Sagar Palace, Sukh Mahal and Shikar Burj.


PRIME SITES

Taragarh or The Star Fort : Built in 1345 A.D,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.
The Palace : This magnificent edifice is a fine example of 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 Pol or Gate of the thousand,the Naubat Khana ,the Hathi Pol with its old water clock and Diwaan-e-Aam.
Ratan Daulat : Built by Rao Raja Ram Singh ,its very interesting structure forming a stable for nine horses and a Hatia Pol.(Prior permission required for visit)

Sukh Mahal : A magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Sagar Lake amid the lush surroundings of the beautiful garden. An under ground tunnel is believed to run from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace.
Nawal Sagar : Visible form 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 a 46 m deep stepped well 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.
Chitrashala : A fascinating pavilion and a gallery of miniature murals embellish the palace. Elaborate colorful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the ‘Ragamala’ and ‘Raaslila’ –the Radha Krishna story.
Phool Sagar : The 20 th century palace with the artificial tank and the picturesque gardens. Presently,it is the residence of the former ruler (Prior permission of the Secretary is required for the visit)

Shikhar Burj : The royal hunting lodge set amidst the lush surroundings. It is a favorite picnic spot.
Kshar Bagh : An ancient garden near the Shikhar 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

Jait Sagar Lake(3 Km) A picturesque lake cradled in the hills; built by Jaita Meena.The swirling fountain at night is a visual delight.
Rameshwaram(20 Km) :The cave temple of Lord Shiva surrounded by the Aravalli ranges. An ideal picnic spot as well.
Keshavraipattan(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 Shatrusal of Bundi.A famous Jain temple is also there.
Ramgarh(45 Km) :The Ramgarh Sanctuary is located on the Nainwa road. One needs to take permission of the State Forest Department prior to visit to the sanctuary.
Bijolia(50 Km) :An ancient fort and the city of Bijolia is situated on the Bundi-Chittaurgarh road. A high paved courtyarn 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 fort 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 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 Kamleashwar.The palace is also famous for wall paintings.

FESTIVE FUN

Kajli Teej(July/Aug) :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 exuberant procession of Teej in a decorated palanquin starts from the beautiful Naval Sagar and culminates at the Azad Park.
Cultural performances by the local artistes as well as by the artistes from Hadoti region are part of the celebrations. Though the Teej procession is carried out for only two days, the festivities continue till the eight day, finally ending on Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Air : Jaipur 206 Km is the nearest airport.
Rail : Bundi Railway Station - 5 Km ,Kota 36 Km is the convenient railhead.
Road : Good road connections link Bundi with important places around .
Local Transport : Unmetered auto-rickshaws.

WHERE TO STAY

RTDC hotel Vrindavati.A wide choice of other accommodation. Paying Guest accommodation available.
Dining

• RTDC Diamond
  
• Punjab Hotel
  
• Shere Punjab Hotel
  
• Royal Retreat.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Telegraph Office :

Near Raniji Ki Baori.
Post Office :Main post office, Nainwa Road.
Health Clinic :General Hospital(Near Bus Stand)
Club :District Club,Near Circuit House.
Photo Studios :

• Kumar Studio
• Ruby Studio
• Krishna Studio
• Sartaj Studio
• Ajanta Studio

Guide ServicesGuide Services are available in Bundi.
Approved guides may be hired through the Tourist Officer, Tourist Information Bureau, Bundi, Tel: 22697

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area	5628 Km
Altitude	515 metres
Climate	Mean Max	Mean Min
Summer	43.0 0 C	35.0 0 C
Winter	30.7 0 C	5.0 0 C
Rainfall	75 cms
Best Season	August-February
Clothing	Summer Winter	light tropical light woollen
Languages	English,Hindi,Rajasthani