Bundi is the undiscovered splendour, 36
Kms from Kota ruled by the Hada Chauhans. First destination
is HADOTI. Set in a narrow inclining gorge. The palaces
and forts have fairy tale quality about them. Isolated and
independent, this picturesque location has much to offer.
Rajput architecture shines and in the intricately carved
brackets, pillars etc. Interesting places are Diwan-e- aam,
Hati Pol, and Naubat Khana.
The small sleepy town of Bundi, a rather unexplored city
with rich historical wealth, is surrounded by the Aravali
hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall
with four gateways. Impressive medieval forts, palaces and
temples with beautiful stone idols and chhatris(Cenotaphs)
with carved pillars along with a scenic lake in the heart
of the town that add to its charm
Forts & Palaces in Bundi :
Taragarh Fort
It was built in 1345 and is great ramble around at leisure.
This is rather a ramshackle fort, with its overgrown vegetation.
The view over the town and surrounding countryside from
the top are magical, especially at sun set. Inside the ramparts
are huge reservoirs carved out of solid rock, and the Bhim
Burj, the largest of the battle- fields, on which there
is mounted a famous cannon. Taragarh is reached by steep
road leading up the hillside to its enormous gateway. Take
a path up behind the chitra Shala, go east along the inside
of the ramparts then left up the steep stone ramp just before
the Dudha Mahal, a small disused building 200m from the
palace.
Sukh Niwas Palaces
Sukh Niwas Palaces evokes memories of RUDYARD KIPLING who
not only stayed here but found inspiration for his famous
work KIM.
Sar BaghSAR BAGH has 66 royal cenotaphs. Step wells (Bawari)
are another prominent highlights of Bundi, these served
as water reservoirs in the months of summers, there were
over 50 wells but many of them had to suffer the ravages
of the time. The CHHATAR MAHAL is adorned with beautiful
wall paintings of the famous Bundi School. And so are the
ZANANA MAHAL (palace for the queens) and BADAL MAHAL.
Phool Sagar
The PHOOL SAGAR is an excellent and well-planned structure
as also the decoration of this Rajput edifice, and the same
beauty lies in the massive TARAGARH. This little town has
yet retained a medieval atmosphere. Bundi is not exactly
a tourist tramping ground but never the less, this adds
on to its appeal with a curiosity to explore it. The look
of the town has a Bluish hue same as that of Jodhpur. With
no renovating desire, the art is in a crumbling state of
disrepair. The original history claims that Bundi was once
the capital of the great HADOTI KINGDOM. But then KOTA in
1624 was separated as an independent state and thus the
journey of Bundi downfall started. A prominent author approached
BUNDI, He came, He saw and He created RUDYARD KIPLING's
inspiration took birth in the state of Bundi and so inspired
was he by the enchanting set up that he captured its images
and applied them to his works.
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