GENERAL INFORMATION

 Bundi and Kota was once a single principality ruled by the Hada Chauhans, an offshoot of the famous clan of Chauhan 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 young 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.

LOCATION

A moment in history frozen in stone. Bundi is a dream remembered – named after Bundi, a Meena chieftan.Bundi nestles in a narrow valley, enclosed by strong walls and fortified by four gateways. In the centre of the township lies a lake. A medieval fortress stands sentinel to this city – a mute witness to history and time. Bundi is famous for its intricate paintings and murals.

WHAT TO SEE

TARAGARH OR THE STAR FORT

This white fort on the top of a thickly wooded hill is one of the most impressive forts in Rajasthan. It has an enormous tank which once supplied the palace with water.

THE PALACE

It was begun by Maharao Balwant Singh and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture.

CHITRASHALA

The palace of Bundi has a beautiful pavilion and a gallery of murals in the miniature style. The walls are covered with elaborate paintings of scenes from the Ragamala and Raslila, the Radha-krishna stay. The colour scheme of all these paintings is strikingly beautiful with all the colours of the rainbow.

CHATTAR MAHAL OR PALACE OF TOWERS

A steep, paved carraife-way leads to this monument. The Hazari Pol or Gate of the Thousand, the naubat Khana, the Hathi Pol with its curious old water clock and the Diwan0I-Am are some places of interest.

RATAN DAULT

This structure is built in such a manner that it forms stables for nine horses and a Hatia Pol. It was built by Rao Raja Ratan Singh Ji.

NAWAL SAGAR

It is an artificial lake, broken up by islets. A temple of Varuna (Vedic God of the Wind) stands half submerged in the middle of it. The position of the lake, reflecting the entire city and palaces gives Bundi its uniqueness.

RANJI-KI-BAORI

Outside the old city walls is a fine specimen of a stepped well. It has a high arched gate, ornated with excellent carvings on its pillars. The well has a depth of 46 metres and was built by a Rani of the Royal House.

SUKH MAHAL

A Summer palace built on Sukh Sagar Lake is set in a beautiful format garden. It is said that an underground tunnel runs from Mahal to the old palace.

PHOOL SAGAR

A palace built in the 20^th century in contemporary style. Presently it is the home of the former ruler. Prior permission of his secretary is to be sought for a visit.

SHIKAR BURJ

This is the royal hunting lodge. Nestling in the woods amidst lush greenery south of Phool Sagar, it makes a beautiful picnic spot.

SHAR BAGH

Near the Shikar burj is an old well-maintained garden where cenotaphs of the kings queens of Bundi stand in all their rich architectural splendour.

EIGHTY FOUR – PILLARED CENOTAPH

This remarkably well constructed memorial erected by Rao Anirudh has 84 pillars in this single cenotaph along with a Shiva-linga.

EXCURSIONS

JAIT SAGAR LAKE

3 kms. Nestled among the hills is a beautiful lake built by Jaita Meena. The fleeting fountain in the lake looks marvelous at night.

RAMESHWARAM

20 kms. Rameshwaram, the cave temple of Lord Shiva is surrounded by ranges of the Aravalli and is an added attraction of the place. It is a beautiful picnic spot set in attractive natural surroundings.

KESHORAIPATAN

45 kms. Temple, on the bank of river Chambal.

RAMGARH

45 kms. On Nainwa road is located the Ramgarh Sanctuary. Permission of the State Forest Department is essential to visit the sanctuary.

BIJOLIA

50 kms. On the Bundi-Chittaurgarh road is the old fort and city of Bijolla. By its side stands a high paved courtyard with a large temple of Shiva in the centre. An archway with many carvings leads to this temple with a fine image of Ganesh as guardian of the entrance.

MENAL

70 kms. On the road from Chittaurgarh to Bundi lies Menal. Menal river rund over a bed of granite slabs and plunges into a carernous over 122 metres deep garage.

On the other side of a broken wall is the temple complex. The fascinating carvings on the walls of the shrine depict various Hindu deities.

TALWAS

53 kms. A fort built by the ruler. Ajit Singh Adjacent to it is the temple of Dhooleshwar Mahadev and a wonderful waterfall that makes the place worth a visit. Apart from this is the beautiful Ratna Sagar Lake. During the rainy season, animals like, bear and deer could be spotted.

DUNGARI

65 kms. Within the imposing fort of Dugari is Ram Mandir containing vestiges of old wall paintings.

INDRAGARH

77 kms. The fort of Indragarh and the nearby places is famous for the renowned temples of Mother Goddess and Kamleshwar.

MAJOR FESTIVAL

Kajli Teej (July-August)

The celebration of Kajli Teej in Bundi is different from the Teej festival celebrated elsewhere in the state. At other places Teej is celebrated on the third day of the month of Sravana but in Bundi it is celebrated on the third day of the month of Bhadra.

The festival starts with the procession of Teej in a decorated palanquin from picturesque Naval Sagar and passes through the market culminating at Azad Park.

Cultural programmes are organized in the evening in which local artistes and those from the Hadoti region perform.

Though the Teej procession is carried out only on two days, celebrations continue upto the 8^th day culminating on Janmashtami, birthday of Lord Krishna.

HOW TO GET THERE

AIR

Jaipur 206 km is the nearest airport.

RAIL

Kota 36 km is the convenient railhead.

ROAD

Bundi is well connected by road from Kota, Ajmer, Jaipur and Udaipur.