Take the route out of Kota, and 36 kms. later, you'll reach Bundi - unexplored and rich in history. Once a part of Kota, Bundi was ruled by the Hada Chauhans - an offshoot of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.
Turn the clock back to 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Mohammed Ghauri, some of the Chauhan nobles took shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana. Other young warriors of the faction moved towards the Chambal Valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribes and established their own kingdom of Hadoti. Still later, two branches of the Hadas formed the separate states of Kota and Bundi on either side of the Chambal River.
Surrounded by the Aravali Hills on three sides, Bundi is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. What lend charm to the city are the intricate carvings on its monuments, its impressive medieval fort, palaces, havelis, and temples with beautiful stone idols and chhatris with carved pillars with a picturesque lake in the heart of town. Go back in time - come to Bundi.
Places of Interest:-
Taragarh or The Star Fort: Built in 1354 A.D., the fort is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a marvellous fort with huge reservoirs which once supplied water to the palace.
The Palace: This magnificent edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi murals. (Prior permission required for visit)
Chhattar Mahal or Palace of Towers: A steep, paved carriage-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, the Diwaan-e Aam and Throne Room.
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).
Chitrashala: A fascinating pavilion and a gallery of miniature murals embellish the palace. Elaborate colorful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Raga mala' and 'Raaslila' the Radha-Krishna story.
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.
Raniji-ki-Baori: It is 46 m deep stepped well with some superb carving 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.
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.
Phool Sagar: 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 visit).
Shikar Burj: The royal hunting lodge set amidst the lush surroundings. It is a favorite picnic spot.
Keshar Bagh: An ancient garden near the Shikar 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 Cenotaphs: 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 kms): 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 Aravali 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 Shatrusal of Bundi. A famous Jain temple is also here.
Ramgarh (45 kms): 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.
Bijolia (50 kms): An ancient fort and the city of Bijolia are 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.
Menal (70 kms): The Menal River runs over a bed of granite slabs and plunges into a cavernous 122 metres deep gorge. The waterfalls present a picturesque sight in monsoon. 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 kms): 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 a haven for fauna like bear and deer during the monsoon.
Dugari (65 kms): Remnants of ancient wall paintings can be seen in the Ram Mandir within the imposing fort of Dugari.
Indragarh (77 kms): The lndragarh Fort and the nearby palaces are famous for the temples of Mother Goddess Kali and Kamleshwar. The palace is also famous for wall paintings.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO REACH BUNDI
Air- Jaipur 206 km. is the nearest airport.
Rail: Bundi Railway Station-5 kms. Kota 36 kms. is the convenient railhead.
Road: Good road connections link Bundi with important places around.
Local Transport: Un-metered auto¬ rickshaws. The Rates are as per distance.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 56.28 sq. km
Altitude: 515 metres
Climate: Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer: 43.0 °C 35.0 °C
Winter : 30.7 °C 5.0 °C
Rainfall : 75 cms
Best Season : August - February
Clothing: Summer: Light Tropical
Winter : Light Woollen
Languages: Hindi, English & Rajasthani