Explore Bundi

Bundi is a city in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan which is emerging as a hot new tourist destination. It is particularly noted for its architecture: ornate forts, regal palaces, and amazingly built stepwell reservoirs known as baoris. This rustic, little town was the capital of one of the erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan and its glory was known far and wide.

History of Bundi

The Chauhan rulers established their rule in Bundi in the 12^th century AD. The descendants of the Chauhans set up their center at Bundi and ruled from here. Bundi derives its names from one of the former rulers named Bunda. The area was the perfect example of perfect Rajput glory in those times. After the advent of Mughals, its glory started declining. In 1624, Emperor Jahangir pressurized the local rulers and divided the erstwhile state into two parts: Bundi and Kota. The state of Bundi continued to be an independent state within the British rule and finally merged into India post-independence.

Major Tourist Attractions

Bundi is very famous for its majestic monuments and stately forts which have preserved the glorious legacy of its erstwhile Rajput rulers.

1. The Taragarh Fort

The Taragarh Fort or ‘Start Fort’ is the most impressive of all the structures in Bundi. It is built on a steep hillside overlooking the city. The fort houses three tanks which never dry up. These tanks were built using ancient Indian techniques which now seem to be lost. The tanks are a testament to the super-advanced methods of construction and civil engineering in medieval India. A famous canon is mounted in Bhim Burj, the largest battlement of the fort.

2. The Bundi Palace

Situated on the hillside right next to the Taragarh Fort, the Bundi Palace is notable for its lavish traditional murals and frescoes.  There is a beautiful picture galley, ‘Chitrashala’ in the palace which is accessible by the public.

3. Raniji ki Baori

This is an intricately-carved stepwell which is the largest in Bundi. It was built by Rani Nathavati ji in 1699. The baori is 46 metres deep and is an excellent example of stepwell-building techniques of era.

4. The Nawal Sagar

This is a large square-shaped manmade lake in the centre of the town. A temple dedicated to Varuna, the God of water, stands half-submerged in the middle of the lake. It is amazing to note how the lake feeds numerous baoris in the city by creating an artificial water table.

The Nagar Sagar twin step wells standing on either side of the main spine of Bundi town are two indistinguishable step wells which exemplify immaculate masonry

Travelling to Bundi

By Rail

Bundi can be easily reached by train via Agra and Kota. The town has a small railway station in is southern part. It is 36 km away from Kota which is an important railhead.

By Road

Bundi is very well connected by bus with Ajmer (5 hours), Jaipur (5 hours), Kota (1 hour), and Udaipur (9 hours). The bus stand is situated 1 km north of the railway station.
Once in Bundi, you can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis. Bikes are also available on hire.