North India
Tourist Places
Bundi Guide

Bundi
is the undiscovered splendour, 36 Kms from Kota ruled by the Hada Chauhans.
First destination is HADOTI. Set in a narrow inclining gorge. The palaces and
forts have fairy tale quality about them. Isolated and independent, this picturesque
location has much to offer. Rajput architecture shines and in the intricately
carved brackets, pillars etc. Interesting places are Diwan-e- aam, Hati Pol,
and Naubat Khana.
The small sleepy town of Bundi, a rather unexplored city with rich historical
wealth, is surrounded by the Aravali hills on three sides and is circumscribed
by a massive wall with four gateways. Impressive medieval forts, palaces and
temples with beautiful stone idols and chhatris(Cenotaphs) with carved pillars
along with a scenic lake in the heart of the town that add to its charm.
Places of Interest in Bundi
Taragarh Fort
It was built in 1345 and is great ramble around at leisure. This is rather a
ramshackle fort, with its overgrown vegetation.
The view over the town and surrounding countryside from the top are magical,
especially at sun set. Inside the ramparts are huge reservoirs carved out of
solid rock, and the Bhim Burj, the largest of the battle- fields, on which there
is mounted a famous cannon. Taragarh is reached by steep road leading up the
hillside to its enormous gateway. Take a path up behind the chitra Shala, go
east along the inside of the ramparts then left up the steep stone ramp just
before the Dudha Mahal, a small disused building 200m from the palace.
Sukh Niwas Palaces
Sukh Niwas Palaces evokes memories of RUDYARD KIPLING who not only stayed here
but found inspiration for his famous work KIM.
Sar Bagh
SAR BAGH has 66 royal cenotaphs. Step wells (Bawari) are another prominent highlights
of Bundi, these served as water reservoirs in the months of summers, there were
over 50 wells but many of them had to suffer the ravages of the time. The CHHATAR
MAHAL is adorned with beautiful wall paintings of the famous Bundi School. And
so are the ZANANA MAHAL (palace for the queens) and BADAL MAHAL.
Phool Sagar
The PHOOL SAGAR is an excellent and well-planned structure as also the decoration
of this Rajput edifice, and the same beauty lies in the massive TARAGARH. This
little town has yet retained a medieval atmosphere. Bundi is not exactly a tourist
tramping ground but never the less, this adds on to its appeal with a curiosity
to explore it. The look of the town has a Bluish hue same as that of Jodhpur.
With no renovating desire, the art is in a crumbling state of disrepair. The
original history claims that Bundi was once the capital of the great HADOTI
KINGDOM. But then KOTA in 1624 was separated as an independent state and thus
the journey of Bundi downfall started. A prominent author approached BUNDI,
He came, He saw and He created RUDYARD KIPLING's inspiration took birth in the
state of Bundi and so inspired was he by the enchanting set up that he captured
its images and applied them to his works.