Bundi

Bundi is one of the erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan, India. A must-visit tourist destination during your Rajasthan travel, Bundi, a small rustic town, 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.

Bundi came under the Chauhan rulers in the 12th century and was an important state at the peak of Rajput glory in medieval times. The association with the Mughals led to the decline of Bundi. 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.

Tourism in Bundi opens a world of monumental marvels, especially the Taragarh Fort. The Taragarh Fort, built in 1354, with its imposing structure of stone, is situated on a steep hill and has massive battlements and ramparts. The fort welcomes vacationers through an enormous gateway. Once inside the fort, visitors can see the Bhim Burj, the largest battlement, and a huge water reservoir carved out of solid rock. From the fort, one can see the entire town.

The Taragarh Fort also is a magnificent point to see the sunset over the Rajasthan horizon. Bundi Palace, which is situated on a hill, adjacent to the Taragarh Fort, is known for its traditional murals. These murals give the traveler a glimpse of the splendor and lifestyle of the rulers of Bundi and their exploits. Though most parts of the palace walls are decorated with traditional murals, only the Chitra Shala area is open for tourists.

Bundi is also famous for its waterworks (baolis). It has a number of impressive baolis or step wells. Raniji-ki-Baoli, (Queen's step well) is an important place to visit. It is a 46-m-deep step well, built in 1699 by Queen Nathavatji, and is known for its carvings. The Nagar Sagar Kund, a pair of identical, step wells is near Raniji-ki-Baoli, in the center of the town. Nawal Sagar, the artificial lake near the palace is a good tourist spot and one can see a shrine at the center of this lake. Other waterworks worth exploring are the Dhabhai Kund and the Bhora-ji-ka-Kund.