Bundi - A Step By Step Entry to Rajput Heritage

A City Of Paintings - Steping Into The Ancient Bundi !!!
Bundi is a remarkable town, much acclaimed for its beautiful paintings and murals. To witness its history and perspective is just like stepping back into the ancient time. This splendid town of Bundi is located 36 km from Kota and lies 206 km far from Jaipur. The city dwell near a narrow gorge, and is surrounded by the Aravalli Ranges from three sides. A substantial wall with four gateways encircle the beauty of this remarkable city. In the centre of the township lies a mesmerizing lake and a medieval fortress that stand tough on the ravages of time.

The Hadoti Region !!!
The Hadoti region in which Bundi stands takes its name after the Hada Rajputs, which were the powerful offshoot of the Chauhan clans. The Hadas settled in the region around 12th century and relentlessly dominated the area for several centuries to quench their thirst for land. Bundi was later conquered by them in the year 1241 and nearby areas of Kota in 1264 A.D. At one time, the Hada-ruled state of Bundi encompassed the present-day districts of Baran, Bundi, Kota, and Jhalawar.

The importance of Bundi state diminished over the period of time, as early as in 1579, it was deprived of the region which became Kota state, the alienated area included all of what later became Jhalawar state in 1838. However, Bundi state did remain an independent entity, if only nominally, up to and during the British Raj. After the independence of India in 1947, it later became the authority of India (later the Union of India).

A Noteworthy Town "Bundi"
Bundi is major tourist tampering grounds for those who love to indulge themselves back into the time. Here one can witness grand legacy of Rajputs, which is well preserved in the form of massive Taragarh Fort, tucked over a town in a narrow valley below. The captivating valley supported by Taragarh Fort is notable for its antique murals, whereas if you visit the old city of Bundi, their you will see number of blue coloured houses, similar to those found in Jodhpur. Bundi is blessed with the rare contributions of royal families in the form of beautiful forts, palaces, lakes and gardens. A tourist must pay a visit to one of the most outstanding site in the solid gold of Rajasthan

Getting There !!!
Airways : The nearest airport to Bundi District is Jaipur's "Sanganer Airport", lying at a distance of 202 km. Jaipur Airlines are well connected to cities like Udaipur, Jodhpur, Delhi, Aurangabad, Ahmadabad and Mumbai. It takes an hours to reach Jaipur from Delhi. From where the tourist can take RSTC buses or even hire taxis to access Bundi District

Railways : The has its own Rail trek connected to major cities of Rajasthan and India, main railway station is at Bundi road. There are two main rail routes, that pass through the Bundi district are Delhi-Bombay and Kota-Chittorgarh route on a broad gauge. The total railway line in the district is 126 km long and has train links with Kota, Agra and other major cities

Roadways : Bundi is well connected to National Highway No.12 (Jaipur-Jabalpur) passes through Hadoti tehsil in the north and Bundi tehsil in the south. The tourist can also take other routes to approach Bundi like from Kota it is 40 km drive and from Jaipur it is 202 km drive. Some of the important distanves from Bundi are Jaipur is 202 km, Delhi is 483 km, Ahmedabad is 827 km, Mumbai is 1,378 km.

Kota junction 35 km / 45min. On the Delhi- Mumbai rail route, is the nearest railhead. From Delhi, the Dehradun Express does an overnight run to Kota, it leaves 9.45ppm, arrives 7am. More quickereday trains are from Mumbai, the August Kranai Rajdhani is the best - leaves Mumbai Center at 5.40 am, arrives Koata 5.25am.

... Step wells

Taragarh Fort
The Taragarh Fort or the 'Star Fort' is one of the most impressive structures ever build in Bundi. It was originally constructed in the year 1354 upon a steep hillside. At around 16th century a need was felt to build a strong ramparts over the fort with regular gaps for firing arrows and guns, known as the Bhim Burj, which was once mounted a particularly large cannon known as Garbh Gunjam.

The fort is one of the prime source of attraction for tourist in Bundi. Inside the fort, one can see three shallow tanks, that never dry up even in summers. These tanks are build right on the top fort. The technique used in the fort depicts the advanced methods of construction and engineering even in medieval India. Another most fabulous attraction within the city is Bundi Palace, lying on the hillside adjacent to the Taragarh Fort. This alluring Bundi Palace is noteworthy for its interesting gallery "Chitrashala" which still preserved the rare collection lavish traditional murals and colourful play of bright paintings. Photography is strictly prohibited here, The Bundi Palace looks more dazzling when it is illuminated in the night. The tourist are open to visit this gallery from late morning to early evening.

Baoris or Water Tanks
Another extremely enchanting location to visit in Bundi is Baoris or Water Tanks, Bundi has scores of bewitching Baoris and some of them are build right in the centre of the town. Above all the most impressive Baoris is Rani-ki-Baoris, which is 46 meter deep and has superb carving. It was originally built by Rani Nathavatji in the year1699 .

The Nager Sager Kund is a pair of matching Baoris outside the Chogan Gate to the old Bundi City, located in the centre of the town. Also worth a look is the Bhora-Ji-Ka-Kund, which is constructed in the opposite direction of Bundi's oldest Shiva Temple. The Dhab-Hai-Kund is another imposing tank, located little far from the Rani-ki-Baoris. These are some of the prominent tourist spots, that one should not miss while visiting the undiscovered splendor of Rajasthan "Bundi"

Festivals !!!
The beautiful town of Bundi is adored with simple and colourful village life. Number of small and big festivals are celebrated in Bundi, which are full of pomp and trump, that keeps the magnetic charm of the valley always in light. Nearly 10 km in the north-west of Bundi is the little village of Bharodia, where number of festivals are celebrated, but at the top is the prosperous harvest festivals. Hordes of travelers and villagers of the Bundi District converge at the time of October and November to get the glimpse of this colourful ceremony. This attractive festival held in the honor of Ghans Bheru (Hindu God). Though its a unknown festival for most of the tourist, who tour the medieval ambience's of Bundi.