Bundi

The Rajputana of yore, set amidst the great Thar, the only desert of the sub-continent, is known not only for the sizzling heat and the dunes but also for the warmth in the hearts of the people. Considered as the most colourful region of India, this exotic land of valiance and chivalry has an unusual diversity in all its forms, people, customs, culture, costumes, music, manners, dialects, and cuisine etc. It is the land of superlatives, everything here is breathtakingly beautiful, impressive and fascinating. Rajasthan is endowed with invincible forts, magnificent Palaces and Haveli. We will confine ourselves only with the southern Rajasthan - The Hadoti region that is BUNDI, the least explored land of Rajasthan.

Visiting Bundi is like stepping into a time warp. It seems Bundi have successfully halted the ruthless march of time retaining its medieval flavor.

Kajli Teej
The onset of the monsoon is celebrated in Bundi, where it is observed on the third day of the month of bhadra. Apalanquin bearing the goddess teej is carried through the streets.The celebrations merge with the festival of Janamashtami ,Krishna's birthday.

Taragarh (The Star Fort)
Taragarh fort was built in 1354 and is great palace to ramble around at leisure. Set within the horse-shoe shaped fold of the hills, and with the lakes and water reservoirs below, the fort straddles the crest and offers invincible battlements that must have proved difficult to scale.

Taragarh is reached by a steep road leading up the hillside to its enormous gateway. The views over the town and surrounding countryside from the top are magical, especially at sunset. The huge reservoirs within the fort were carved out of solid rock and the Bhim Burj, the largest of the battlements, on which there is mounted a famous cannon.

The Palace
The palace is reached from the north - western end of the bazaar, through a huge wooden gateway and up a steep cobbled ramp. Only one part of the outer perimeter of the palace, known as the Chittra Shala, is officially open to public. It is a fascinating pavilion and has a gallery of miniature murals that embellish the palace. Elaborate colourful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Raga mala' 'Raslila' -- the Radha-Krishna story. You can see the renowned Bundi murals at the Chattar Mahal and Badal Mahal within the palace complex.

Chattar Mahal is 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. Flash photography is officially prohibited. The palace looks beautiful, from a distance and when illuminated at night.

84 Pillared Cenotaph
The stunning 84 pillared cenotaph(Chaurasi Khambhon-ki-Chatri), set among the well maintained gardens, is a treat to watch when it is lit up at night.

Nawal Sagar
Visible from the Taragarh for in Bundi is the magnificent artificial lake, Nawal Sagar. In the center is the temple of Varuna, the Aryan god of water. The reflection of the entire city and its palaces can be seen in the lake - making it a unique attraction of Bundi.

Jait Sagar Lake
Jait Sagar, in the north of Bundi, is a picturesque lake flanked by hills and strewn with pretty lotus flowers during the monsoon and winter months.

By Air
Nearest airport is Jaipur.

By Rail
Train links are from Kota, Agra and many other cities.

By Road
Bundi is approchable by road from Kota (40 km), jaipur(206) and many other cities.