Bundi

Best Tourist Season (September – March)
Airport: Nearest Airport is Jaipur 206 km.
Railway: Kota is linked by rail with Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai
Road: Ajmer 167 km, Chittaurgarh 140 km, Jaipur 210 km, Kota 40 km, Ranthambhore 190 km, Udaipur 250 km

Introduction
Bundi and Kota were once a single principality ruled by the Hada Chauhans, who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. After the defeat of Prithvi Raj Chauhan by Sultan Mohammed Gori in 1193, the Chauhan nobles sought sanctuary in Mewar. They were welcomed and proved allies to the Rana.
Yet some warriors ventured on their own, overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals of the Chambal valley and established the kingdom of Hadavati or Hadoti. Later two branches of the Hadas formed two separate states on either side of the Chambal. These were Kota and Bundi.

Geography
Bundi located at 25.44° N 75.64° E
Average elevation 268 mtrs (879 feet)
Bundi – the city lies near a narrow gorge, and is surrounded on three sides by hills of the Aravalli Range. A substantial wall with four gateways encircles the city.

Area
Bundi is 5628 sq km (104 sq m)

Climate
Bundi is situated in the middle of the Thar Desert with very little rainfall and extreme temperatures.
Summer maximum of 43°C and minimum 35°C
Winters maximum 30.7°C and minimum 11°C
Railfall 75 cm (annual)

Demographics
Population 88,313 (as of 2001 India census)
Males 53%
Females 47%
Bikaner has an average literacy rate of 67%, higher than the national average of 59.5%.
Male literacy is 75%, and female literacy is 57%.
In Bikaner, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Sightseeing in Bundi
Taragarh or The Star Fort : Taragarh Fort was built in 1345, also known as Taragarh Fort. Taragarh is one of the most impressive structures in Bundi. This Taragarh Fort is popularly known as the ‘Star Fort’, the attraction is located on a steep hill which offers a panoramic view of the entire Bundi city situated on the Nagpahari of Aravalli ranges. This fort was described by the famous author Rudyard Kipling as “more the work of Goblins than of men”. sadly, most of the majestic nad fascinating architecture of the fort is now in ruins.

The entrance of Taragarh Fort is marked by three gateways – Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak, followed by tunnels and many battlements along with ramparts. This is of great interest to the tourists, such as the famous Grand Canyon or the Garpha Gunjan.

84 Pillared Cenotaph : A beautiful structure supported by 84 columns, commissioned by Rao Anirudh, the Maharaja of Bundi. This 84 pillared cenotaph is a tribute to his beloved wet nurse, Deva, who he loved dearly. This impressive structure is decorated with carvings of deer, elephants and apsaras, a popular tourist attraction.

Lake Nawal Sagar : Nawal Sagar Lake is an artificial lake, a major tourist attraction and can even be seen from the Taragarh Fort. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Varun Dev in its centre, half submerged. One can see the reflection of nearby palaces and forts in its waters, That make this lake unique.

Garh Palace Bundi : The Garh Palace of Bundi is among the largest palaces in India, but less known. The Garh Palace is collection of a number of palaces that were built by different rulers over the span of 3 centuries, and known for its Rajput architecture, which is easily noticeable in the Jharokhas and pillars, many of which sport elephant carvings. One of the most famous palace is Chitrashala, which has a fascinating pavilion and gallery of miniature murals. 

The Garh Palace is open to visitors from 8 am to 5 pm.

The Badal Mahal : The Badal Mahal is located within the Garh Palace and also known as Palace of Clouds. The wall of this majestic palace’s are covered in exquisite paintings which are engaging in their mien, and depict an early influence of the Chinese culture. The royal residence was built in two diverse time periods. The varandah and ground floor was built by Maharawal Gopinath in first stage, and rest of the construction was done between 1609 – 1657 AD by Maharawal Punjraj.

Hathi Pole : A steep climb to the Garh Palace in Bundi ends at two main gates that are used for entrance. Hathi Pole is the most popular of these two gates. This Hathi Gate is a huge architectural feat that evokes a sense of grandeur. The Hathi Gate has two elephants depicting blowing bugles, and was commissioned by Rao Ratan Singh.

Chitra Mahal : The Chitra Mahal was once a spectacular garden palace teemed with numerous fountains as well as pools that housed exotic fish. Chitra means painting, in older times during the 18th century, Bundi was a beehive for miniatures, and miniature paintings were highly encouraged. From gods and goddesses, battle scenes, and elephants to images of Radha & Krishna, these paintings depict a special delicacy that is known only in the region. In the Chitra Mahal, there is a Chitrashala that was made under orders from Umed Singh.

Shikar Burj : The Shikar Burj was actually an old hunting cottage, built and owned by the rulers of Bundi, located little far from Sukh Mahal. Shikhar Burj is nestled amidst the sun dappled forests of Bundi and was the place to which Umed Singh, the ruler of Bundi in the 18th century, withdrew to after he had renounced the throne. Now Shikar Burj is converted into a popular picnic spot and is great place to spend an evening after a day of sightseeing.

Raniji-ki-Baori : Also known as ‘Queen’s Stepwell’, a famous and the largest stepwell built in 1699 by Rani Nathavati Ji, the younger queen of the ruling king Rao Raja Anirudh Singh of Bundi. This beautiful multi-storied stepwell displays an excellent carvings of Gajraj with his trunk turned inwards, giving the impression of having drunk from the Baori on its pillars. Its high arched gate gives it an inviting appearance.

Sukh Mahal : Sukh Mahal, a small two storied palace, was a summer retreat of past rulers. Sukh Mahal was built during the reign of Umed Singh, is positioned by the Lake Jait Sagar. A white marble Chhatri or an umbrella, an amazing Umbrella at the terrace of the second storey of Sukh Mahal, is prime attraction of Sukh Mahal.

Kshar Bag : Kshar Bag is located near Chhatra Vilas Garden, sometimes known as Saar Bagh, houses the memorial cenotaphs of the royal family of the Bundi State. 

Dabhai Kund : Dabhai Kund is shaped like an inverted pyramid, also known as Jail Kund and the largest of its kind in Bundi. The fantastic carvings on the steps of Dabhai Kund attracts tourists.

Nagar Sagar Kund : Nagar Sagar Kund is located just outside the Chauhan Gate, a set of twin step wells. This Nagar Sagar Kund was constructed to provide water during times of famine.

Phool Sagar : Phool Sagar is a personal property of the descendants of the Royal Family. This palace houses an exclusive collection of paintings created by Italian prisoners. Special permission is required to explore the palace and its grounds.

Excursions Trips from Bundi:

Lake Jait Sagar : (4 km) Lake Jait Sagar is located near Taragarh Fort. A picturesque lake surrounded by hills and covered with pretty lotus flowers that bloom during winter and monsoon.

Lake Kanak Sagar : (44 km) Kanak Sagar, a wonderful flat lake, is about 67 km from Bundi town. There is also a town named after the lake. One can spot several migratory birds such as bar headed goose and Demoille cranes round the year.

Kota (38 km) Kota is a city on the Chambal River in the southern part of Rajasthan, India. Kota is 3rd largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur and Jodhpur and covers an area of 527 km. The Kota city was once the part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom of Bundi. It became a separate princely state in the 17th century. Inside the Ctiy Palace (Kota Garh), Maharao Madho Singh Museum exhibits miniature paintings and antique weapons.  

Wildlife around Bundi:

Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary :

Ramgarh Vishdhari wildlife Sactuary is located 45 km from Bundi on the Bundi – Nainwa road. This sactuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, covering an area of 252 sq. km.  Established in 1982, it forms a buffer for Ranthambhore National Park. 

Ranthambhore National Park & Tiger Reserve (150 km)

The best place to see Tiger in wild…

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is one of the world’s best known wilderness areas, once a private game reserve of the Royal House of Jaipur. Located 150 km from Bundi and 14 km from Sawai Madhopur. Ranthambhore National Park is located at the junction of some of the geologically oldest mountain ranges – the Aravallis and Vindyas. Ranthambhore offers the finest opportunities for sighting the magnificent tiger in the wild. This dry-deciduous forest system is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Apart from tiger, one can spot sloth bear, leopard, caracal, jackal, fox, hyena and mongoose at Ranthambhore National Park.