Recreation
You can visit various palaces and other historic places as picnic
spots. For all the bustle of the city, there is a timeless,
trapped-in-amber, atmosphere about Bundi which, for many visitors, is oddly
reassuring in a fast changing world.
It
is better to visit during the Kajli Teej (July- August) festival time. You
can also play tennis , billiards or swim your passions in the beautiful
swimming pool located in the Haveli premises.
Sightseeing
» Taragarh Fort : The serpentine Taragarh Fort and
its palace is what immediately strike visitors on arrival in Bundi. Rudyard
Kipling who visited here a century ago wrote, "No human hand can create
such a splendour; for only angels have that skill". Taragarh is Bundi's
pride. This imposing fort was raised at a height of 500 meters atop a hill
by Rao Bar Singh in the 13th century.
» The Palace : This magnificent edifice is a fine
example of the Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi murals.
» Chhattar Mahal : 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 and the Diwaan-e-Aam.
» 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 from visit.)
» Chitrashala : A fascinating pavilion and a gallery
of miniature murals embellish the palace. Elaborate colourful paintings on
the walls depicts scenes from the 'Ragmala' and Raasleela' - the
Radha-Krishna story.
» Nawal Sagar : Visible from the fort is the square
artificial lake of Nawal Safar, broken up by islets. A temple dedicated to
Varuna, the Aryan got 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.
» Step-wells of Bundi : For anyone who wants to see
the beauty of different types of stepwells, a visit to the township of Bundi
is recommended.
» Sukh Mahal : A magnificent summer palace on the
Sukh Sagar Lake amid the luch 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 a visit.)
» Shikhar Burj : Located in the sun-dappled forest,
Shikhar Burj was the royal hunting lodge. Wild-life in the Bundi woods
comprised tigers, deer and boar. The royal hunts of Bundi were well
renowned.
» Keshar Bagh : An ancient garden near the Shikhar
Burj with beautiful chhatirs 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 magnificient memorial
with 84 pillars in a single cenotaph along with a Shiva Lingam. It was
erected by Rao Anirudh.
