Bundi

A small town near Kota, capital of ancient Hadoti region.

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.

Excursion
The Palace
The palace is reached from the north - western end of the bazaar, through a huge wooden gateway and up a steepcobbled ramp. Only one part of the outer perimeter of the palace, known as the Chittra Shala, is officially open to public. It is a fascinating pavilion and has a gallery of miniature murals that embellish the palace. Elaborate colourful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Ragamala' 'Raaslila' -- the Radha-Krishna story. You can see the renowned Bundi murals at the Chattar Mahal and Badal Mahal within the palace complex.

Chattar Mahal is 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. Flash photography is officially prohibited. The palace looks beautiful, from a distance and when illuminated at night.

Taragarh (The Star Fort)
Taragarh fort was built in 1354 and is great palace to ramble around at leisure. Set within the horse-shoe shaped fold of the hills, and with the lakes and water reservoirs below, the fort straddles the crest and offers invincible battlements that must have proved difficult to scale.

Taragarh is reached by a steep road leading up the hillside to its enormous gateway. The views over the town and surrounding countryside from the top are magical, especially at sunset. The huge reservoirs within the fort were carved out of solid rock and the Bhim Burj, the largest of the battlements, on which there is mounted a famous cannon.

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

Menal (48 km)
The Menal river runs over a bed of granite slabs and plunges into 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 depicts various Hindu deities. It is located on the Chittaurgarh - Bundi road.

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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.)

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.

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.

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.

Sar 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.

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.

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.

The temple of Keshav Raj Ji Maharaj (God Vishnu), standing on a huge platform at the bank of river Chambal, has a unique and wonderful architecture and sculpture. It is important pilgrim center for Hindus. The ancient Jain Tirthankar temple has made Keshoraipatan an important Jain pilgrim centre also. Famous writer Nemi Chandra wrote the renowned and holy granth (Vrahed Dravaya Sangrah) in this temple. The Mratunjaya Mahadev temple is one of the oldest temple of Rajasthan. Keshoraipatan is one of the oldest towns in India and was named as Ashram Nagar in the ancient times

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.

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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.

50 kms. on the Bundi-Chittaurgarh road, in Bhilwara district, is the old fort and city of Bijolia. In ancient times it was known as Vindhyavali. During the Chauhan period, it became a famous centre for art and architecture. Several beautiful Shiva temples were constructed by the Chauhan rulers on this place. Most of the temples have either disappeared or are in ruins today. On the eastern side of the town near the city wall, there are three beautiful temples. Prominent amongst them is Hajaresvara Mahadeva temple. It has a high linga surrounded by hundreds of small lingas and hence called Hajaresvara or Sahastralinga. The temples of Mahakala and Baijnath are also well known. The temple of Undeshwar Mahadeva is also well known. Near by Mandakini Kund is a holy water tank. Bijolia inscription dating back V.E. 1226 is very important because it through a new light on the early history of the Chauhan dynasty.

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.

Established during the reign of Solanki Rajputs this village has a beautiful and lovely lake which is covers an area of 36 kms. Constructed in the 10th century, this magnificent lake is home to hundreds of migratory birds during the winter months.

The fort is situated on the bank of the lake. It is famous for the wall paintings which are based on Bundi style; the paintings are still beautiful and attractive.

The walls of the palace are covered with elaborate paintings depicting scenes from the Raslila, the Radha Krishna story. Charming spotted deer, peacocks, lions and elephants are also painted on the walls. Ram Mandi of Dugari is very famous; it has remnants of 200 year old wall paintings. The garden of Dugari is famous for chandan (sandalwood) trees.

The place holds natural and scenic beauty which attracts many visitors.

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.

Nestled in a narrow valley fortified by huge walls with four gates, the beautiful and charming Indragarh town was established by Inder Saal Singh Rao Raja of Bundi state. The fort of Indragarh holds an extraordinary architecture and sculpture.

The town of Indragarh and the nearby places are famous for the renowned temples of Mother Goddess Kali and Kamleshwar. The tank of Indargarh is considered as one of the most attractive places in the Bundi district especially during the rainy season.

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Getting There
By Air
Jaipur Flight Schedule
Nearest airport is Jaipur.

By Bus
Bundi is approchable by road from Kota (40 km)
jaipur(206) and many other cities.

By Train
train links are from Kota, Agra and many other cities.

Getting around
Cycle - rickshaw and tongas are available

Best time to come: Sep to March

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