Bundi
is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is circumscribed
by a massive wall with four gateways.
Bundi The Capital of
Chauhans The small, rustic town of Bundi was the capital of one of the
erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan. It is known for its palaces,
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.
History
of BundiThe area of Bundi came under the Chauhan rulers in the
12th century. The descendents of the Chauhans set up their center at
Bundi and ruled from here. Bundi got its name from Bunda, one of its
former rulers. It was an important state at the peak of Rajput glory in
medieval times. The association with the Mughals led to the decline of
Bundi. In 1624, Emperor Jahangir pressurized the local rulers and split
the erstwhile state into two parts-Bundi and Kota. Although the state
lost its glory, it continued to be an independent state within the
British rule and became a part of India when it gained independence in
1947.
LocationBundi is located in the southern
part of the state of Rajasthan, in the north western part of India. It
is located amidst a hilly terrain, near a gorge.
Nearby
Places
- Ishwari Niwas
Ishwari Niwas in Bundi was built during
the reign of Maharao Ishwari Singh to house the Dewan of Bundi. It
was later turned into a guest house and today it is the residence of
Maharao's brother-Maharaj Kesri Singh. A seventy years old building,
is a combination of Indian as well as European style of
architecture.The rooms inside it have been furnished comfortably and
provide the guests with all modern amenties.
- Haveli Braj Bhushanji
Haveli Brij Bhushanji was built
150 years ago. The haveli is situated on the road to the palace and
the terraces of this building allow one a magnificient view of the
city palace, the fort as well as the city. Built in traditional
rajasthani style, this four storeyed haveli has a lot of open spaces
and courtyards and the rooms too are large and airy. Haveli location
make it very convenient for tourists to visit other places of
interest in the city and even those located a little distance away.
- Chhattar Mahal / Palace of Towers
A steep, paved
carraife-way is the only way to reach the monument. Of special
interest in the palace is the 'Hazari Pole' or 'Gate of the
thousand', the Naubat Khana, the Hathi Pole with its old water clock
and the Diwaan-e-Aam.
- Ratan Daulat
Built by Rao Raja Ratan Singh, it is a
very interesting structure forming a stable for nine horses and a
HatiaPoi. (Prior permission required for visit.)
- Chitrashala
A fascinating pavilion and a gallery of
miniature murals embellish the palace. Ellaborate colourful
paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Ragamala' and
'Raaslila' - the Radha-Krishna story.
- Ranlji-Ki-Baori
It
is 46 m deep stepped well with some superb carvings on its pillars
and a high arched gate built in 1699 AD by Rani Nathavatji. This
well is one of the largest of its kind.
- Sukh Mahal
A magnificent summer palace on the Sukh
Sagar Lake amid the lush surroundings of a beautiful garden. An
underground tunnel is believed to run from the Sukh Mahal to the old
palace.
- Phool Sagar
The 20th century palace, with an
artificial tank and picturesque gardens. Presently, it is the
residence of the former ruler (Prior permission of Secretary is
required for a visit.)
- Shikar Buri
The royal hunting lodge set amidst the
lush surroundings. It is a favourite picnic spot.
- Eighty Four
Pillared Cenotaph An amazingly
magnificent memorial with 84 pillars in a single cenotaph along with
a Shivlingam. It was erected by Rao Anirudh.
Climate of Bundi :Climate of Bundi is
extreme: summers are quiet hot (April-June) and winters are cool
(October-February). It experiences scant rainfall between June and
August.
Fair and Festivals :Bundi is famous for
its Kajli-teej festival. This annual festival is held in July-August.
Travelers must make it a point to visit Bundi during this festival.
How
to Reach Bundi
- Air
Jaipur 206 km is the nearest airport
- Rail
Bundi railway Station - 5 km, Kota 36 km is the
convenient railhead.
- Road
Good road connections link Bundi with important
places around.