Location
Bundi is spectraly embraced by hills, the capital of the Hada
Rajputs who established their craggy stronghold in these forested hills, but
fate and the forces of power created Kotah, a breakaway part of Bundi that
went on to become larger and more powerful than its parent state.
The heaven of creativity !
Bundi, renown for its intricate paintings and murals, made a perfect
capital of a major princely state during the heyday of the Rajputs.
According
to legend, back in the 12th century, restless young nobles of the warrior
Chauhan clan conquered the Bhil and Meena tribals of these lands. One group
chose the neighbouring area of Kota, the other settled in Bundi. Kota was a
part of Bundi until its separation in 1624 at the instigation of the Moghul
emperor, Jehangir.
Places of Tourist 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 marvelloous white fort with
a huge reservoir which once supplied water to the palace.
» The Palace : This magnificient edifice is a fine
example of the Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi murals.
» 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.)
» Chhattar Mahal or Palace or Towers : 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.
» 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.
» Chitrashala : A fascinating pavilion and a gallery
of minature murals embellish the palace.Elaborate colourful paintings on the
walls depict scenes from the 'Ragmala' and 'Raaslila'-the Radha-Krishna
story.
» Raniji-ki-Baori : 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.
» Sukh Mahal : A magnificient summer palace on the
Sukh Mahal 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 a visit.)
» Shikar Burj : The royal hunting lodge set amidst
thel lush surroundings. It is a favorite picnic spot.
» Kshar 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.
» 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.
How To Get There
» By Air : Jaipur 206 km is the nearest airport.
» By Rail : Bundi railway Station - 5 km, Kota 36 km
is the convenient railhead.
» By Road : Good road connections link Bundi with
important places around.
» By Local Transport : Unmetered auto-rickshaws.
