Bundi Travel Guide
Murals, Palaces, Step Wells and Village Life
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Lying just 36kms from Kota the traditional Rajasthani town of Bundi is an undiscovered gem dominated by its Brahmin-blue houses, narrow streets, palace and fort with a picturesque location only adding to its charms. If you are looking for an out of the way spot to spend a few days, Bundi, famous for its school of painting, may just suit.
Ruled by the 12th century Hada Chauhans of Kota the small state of Hadoti was established. Never powerful it was always of minor importance in military terms and yet given the status of the Hada Chauhans was well respected. As with any Rajasthani state it has a fort and palace together with in Bundi’s case a warren of interesting backstreets. The countryside is ripe for exploration and the associations with its school of painting will interest art lovers.
Attractions in Bundi
The town’s palace is easily found as you wander through the bazaar. Recently opened to the public you enter through a large elephant gate and from here can head to the murals of the Chatra Mahal. Other notables are the Phool Mahal and Badal Mahal with its Chinese-style ceiling. In the Chitrasala, built by Rao Umed Singh in the 18th century, the story of Krishna and Radha is told in beautiful paintings.
Above the town the fort, Taragarh, provides spectacular views once the difficult climb up has been negotiated. Badly decaying the height above the town reveals the tanks below whilst inside the largest bastion - the Bhim Burj - is home to a big cannon.
Bundi is also famous for its baoris, step-wells, of which it has around 60. The best is the Raniji-ki-Baori, some 46m deep and profusely decorated when it was built in 1699 by Rani Nathavatji. Other wells and tanks include Nagar Sagar Kund Baori, the Nawal Sagar tank, and Bhora-Ji-Ka-Kund.
The atmosphere of Bundi town itself should not be overlooked. Narrow, twisting streets in the stunning blue associated with Brahmin houses are decorated in Rajput style with ornate brackets and doorways.
There are many temples to discover in the area, whilst at Sar Bagh a little out of town magnificent cenotaphs can be found. The villages and countryside of the region provide many opportunities for exploration on foot or by bike.
Activities in Bundi
Bundi deserves at least a couple of days to explore all its sights and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town.
Relaxing
There are some nice restored havelis in town providing comfortable accommodation in atmospheric and historic surroundings and several owners have information about the history of the region. Nightlife is, as you would expect, almost non-existent.
Getting Around
The town can be explored on foot as distances are short however for a wider exploration of the countryside around the town transport will be needed. This will provide no problem: if you arrived with your own vehicle you can use this, alternatively there are taxi and rickshaws and auto-rickshaws in town.
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