| Bundi |
| Population 4387 Altitude 268m Area 5628 square km Languages English, Hindi, Rajasthani and Marwari |
| Bundi is located in the southern part of the state of Rajastha. 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. The town of Bundi was once the capital of one of the erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan. It is known for its palaces, forts, baolis (step wells) and water tanks. The monuments and their architecture reflect the splendor of the local Rajput chiefs. The walls of the palaces at Bundi are decorated with life-size frescoes depicting the glory of its rulers. Sights The Taragarh Fort, or 'Star Fort', is the most impressive of the city's structures. It was constructed in AD 1354 on the top of steep hillside overlooking the city. The largest of its battlements is the 16th century bastion known as the Bhim Burj, on which was once mounted a particularly large cannon called Garbh Gunjam, or 'Thunder from the Womb'. The fort contains three tanks which never dry up. The technique with which they were built has been long since lost but the tanks survive as a testament to the advanced methods of construction and engineering in medieval India. The Bundi Palace is situated on the hillside next to the Taragarh Fort and is notable for its lavish traditional murals and frescoes. These murals give a glimpse of the splendid lifestyle of the rulers of Bundi. Though most of the palace walls are decorated with traditional murals, only the Chitra Shala area is open for the visitors. Bundi is famous for its waterworks. It has a number of impressive baolis or step wells. The largest is the intricately carved Raniji ki Baori, or "Queen's Step Well". It was built in 1699 by Queen Nathavatji and is 46 m deep. The steps built into the sides of the water well made the water accessible even at a very low level. The baori is one of the largest examples of its kind in Rajasthan. The Nawal Sagar is a large square-shaped artificial lake in the centre of Bundi containing many small islets. A temple dedicated to Varuna, the vedic god of water, stands half submerged in the middle of the lake. the lake feeds the numerous bavdis in the old city by creating an artificial water table. The Nagar Sagar two identical step wells on either side of the main spine of Bundi town. However, they are often full of rubbish from the vegetable market nearby. The Dabhai Kund, also known as the jail kund, is the largest of the kunds (pools) in Bundi. Though slightly overgrown, it is worth a visit for the spectacular carvings on the numerous steps leading down to the water level. Accommodation There is plenty of budget accommodation in Bundi, mostly located around the Nawal Sagar lake. Prices start from around Rs 150 for a room. Most hotels also have their own restaurant. Banks Internet There is an international ATM and money changing facilities in Bundi as well as several internet cafes. |
| Transport The nearest train station to Bundi is at Kota, 38 km away, where trains run to Delhi, Agra and Mumbai. For other destinations it is usually easier to take the bus. Bundi to Kota Rs 20, 38 km Departs every half hour Journey time 1 hour Bundi to Jaipur Rs 100, Departs every hour Journey time 5 hours Bundi to Pushkar Rs 100 Departs once daily Journey time 5 hours Bundi - Ajmer - Pushkar Bundi to Udaipur Rs 150, Departs several times daily Journet time 9 hours Around Bundi There are many tourist attractions near the town. Phool Sagar Palace, a modern palace built in the 20th century, with its well-laid gardens and artificial tanks, is several kilometers from the town, on the way to Ajmer. The Sar Bagh, with its royal cenotaphs and intricate carvings is another nearby place to visit. Garardha village, 32 km south of Bundi, is known for its ancient rock paintings that are about 15,000 years old. |