Top 12 Attractions to Visit in Bundi was the capital of a major princely state during the succession of Rajputs. The area around this place was previously occupied by the Meena and Bhil tribes. And this is the reason that the region was named after a popular Meena man named Meena. Initially, it was known as “drizzle-ka-nal” for narrow meanings between rugged hills. Large in size and beautiful in size, surrounded by huge Aravali ranges. And Brahmin blue houses lined with jheelos, hills, markets and a temple at every turn. Bundi“s territory is dominated by several kilos and among them, the grandest is the Taragarh Fort, witness to the grand heritage of Rajgarh.
While noticing the cityscapes from the fort, one notices miles of misty purple hills, and its showdown in the Jait-SeaLake. The 4 km long lake, Jai Sagar Lake, is named after Sukh Mahal, which is situated on its banks. Courtsey Bundi tours gather a good crowd. They celebrate the festival with great sincerity and pomp, especially the Kajali Teej and Gangaur Festival.
Major tourist attractions include Bundi Palace, Jait Sagar Lake, Sukh Mahal, Ranji Ki Barori, Phool Sagar, Taragarh Fort, Ishwari Niwas, Ramgarh Visakhapathar Sanctuary, Naval Sagar, Sukh Mahal, Chaurasi Khamban Chhatri and many more. Due to the number of temples, it is also known as “Kashi Kashi”. Kali Teej is the most important festival which is a two-day festival celebrated in the month of Bhadra (August-September).
Chaurasi Khambon Ki Chhatri
Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri or 84-pillared cenotaph is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bundi. As the name suggests, the cenotaph has strong pillars, which are 84 in number. Placed southwards of Bundi, this impressive structure was commissioned in the year 1740 by Rao Anirudh Singh, a Rajput ruler of Bundi. He constructed his magnificent cenotaph to pay honor to Deva, his wet nurse, who take special care of the prince was he was a kid. Rao Anirudh was very attached to Deva and loved her dearly. This splendid cenotaph is lavishly decorated with carvings of deer, elephants, dancers and apsaras.
The two-storyed structure of Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri at Bundi stands on a platform and is visited by a decent number of tourists every year. The interiors of the Chhatri are beautifully designed and festooned with elaborate stylish patterns. On the upper level, 16 pillars support the central cenotaph overpowered by a dome. This chhatri has 4 chhatri on each 4 side. And, on the lower level of the structure, there is a Shiva Linga also. During the course of the history, a part of the structure has been damaged. A must-visit attraction of Bundi, Chaurasi Khambhon ki Chhatri is in Devapura, located on Bundi-Kota road.
Raniji ki Baori
Also known as Queen’s Stepwell, Raniji ki Baori is one of the most popular attractions of Bundi town. This famous stepwell was constructed way back in the year 1699 and was commissioned by Rani Nathavati Ji, one of the queens of the then ruler of Bundi, Rao Raja Anirudh Singh. This baori is a well with steps and is 46 meters deep. It has a towering narrow entrance and its pillars are adorned with delicate carvings. A multi-floored arrangement with nice sculptures and terraces, it also has places for worshiping on every storey.
The narrow entryway of the stepwell stands on 4 pillars and has a stone elephant statue on each of its corner. The archways of Raniji ki Baori are adorned with ogee brackets. Baoris (Baolis) or stepwells were an important construction done during medieval times in Bundi and Raniji ki Baori is one of the most important and probably the largest one of all the other constructed here.
Jait Sagar Lake
Around 2 km from the town, lying adjacent to Taragarh hill, the picturesque Jait Sagar Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bundi. This 1.5 km long lake is encircled by hills and is sprinkled with lotus during monsoon and winter months.
A visit to this lake is one of the most popular excursions from Bundi and is easily accessible through city’s local transport. Placed amidst a serene natural setting of mountains, the lake was commissioned by Jaita Meena. The surroundings of the lake are extremely soothing and peaceful. There is a fountain too near the lake, which looks extremely enchanting at night. The lake is also quite popular as a picnic spot amongst locals as well as tourists.
Jait Sagar Lake has Sukh Mahal on one of its banks. This is a small summer palace with beautiful terraced gardens where Rudyard Kipling stayed when he was writing his novel Kim. One the eastern bank of the lake is Kshar bagh or garden that consists of 66 Chattris or cenotaphs of the kings and the queens of the region. Another attraction of Bundi placed near the lake is Shikhar Burj.
Taragarh Fort
Constructed in the year 1354, the Taragarh Fort is one of the greatest forts in Bundi. It is also known as Star Fort. Positioned on a steep hill, the Taragarh Fort also offers a breathtaking view of the Kota. It looks best during the sunset as the city gets drenched in the fading light of the Sun.
However, the main attraction for the tourists is the fort itself. As you enter the Taragarh Fort, the giant gateway will provide you a grand welcome. There are three gateways to enter the court and each of them has a distinct name. The different names are Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak. The detailed carvings of elephants on the gate will give you an idea about what’s in store inside. Though time have had its effect on the various features of the fort yet these features exhibit the grandeur of Rajput rule.
The tunnels of the fort are also worthy visiting. These tunnels of the fort played a significant role during the war as it provided a secured exit for the king and his deputies in case of looming danger. However, you as a tourist won’t be allowed to enter the tunnel as there is no comprehensive map of the tunnels.
The Taragarh Fort also possesses a number of massive battlements along with ramparts. These exhibits are also a great attraction for the tourists. For instance the famous Grand Canyon, Garbha Gunjan attracts a huge number of tourists.
Bundi Palace
Bundi is one of the most of the popular tourist places in Rajasthan. Blessed with an unending natural beauty, the particular place is great to visit as it boasts a perfect combination of natural beauty and historical significance. Hence, tourists of all kinds get a great experience by visiting the place. Bundi is in fact famous for baolis or step wells and water tanks.
These are great attractions for tourists in Bundi. However, the forts and palaces in Bundi are also a great attraction for tourists. The Bundi Palace of Rajasthan is perfect place to visit in order to witness the extraordinary craftsmanship of Rajasthan. The various exhibits of the palace provide you a great window in to the history of the place.
Located adjacent to the Taragarh Fort, the Bundi Palace is the perfect example to showcase the craftsmanship of the place. The main attraction of the Bundi Palace is the traditional murals. These murals get you an idea about the tradition of the place. The murals reflect the Bundi royalty and cover almost the whole palace. However, as a tourists you won’t be allowed to visit all the aspects of the palace.
Nawal Sagar Lake
Set in the heart of the town, Nawal Sagar Lake is a major tourist attraction of Bundi. The lake is all around surrounded by different baoris. This artificial lake has a famous temple at the center. The temple is dedicated to Lord Varuna and it holds immense religious significance. People from all over visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Varuna.
The star attraction of the lake is the mirror image of the entire city which it offers on its serene water. As the reflection of the Bundi falls on the waters of the lake, the view is unmatched. Tourists from all over visit Bundi to witness this beautiful phenomenon Top 12 Attractions to Visit in Bundi.
Earlier, the lake served as the main source of water for the different step wells in Bundi. Today, it is a major tourist attraction and offers a great ambience to spend some time amid peace, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Sukh Mahal
Having a class of its own, the Sukh Mahal was built during the era of Umed Singh. The main objective behind building this mahal was to provide a facility of free hand activities to the princess. The Mahal allowed the activities free from the control of Rao. Hence, the particular palace makes you aware of the tradition during that era. Located on the banks of Jait Sagar, Sukh Mahal is also known as Sukh Sagar. The value of the place is further enhanced by the fact that during the 19th century, it played the playing host to the celebrated writer, Rudyard Kipling.
With the beauty of being located in the midst of a lush background and a lush garden, the palace is a treat to the eye of he visitors. Moreover, the Sukh Mahal also has a network of underground tunnel that was built in order to provide a safe exit for the king and his deputies in case of threatening enemy attacks. The tunnels that lead from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace are an example of engineering marvel of that era Top 12 Attractions to Visit in Bundi.
Dabhai Kund
Bundi in Rajasthan is a great tourist attraction. In the last few years, Bundi has climbed up the ladder to the top places as a tourist destination. Large number of tourists flock the place every year to witness the beautiful tourist spots in Bundi. The variety of tourist spots in Bundi makes it an even more popular tourist spot as it offers something to tourists of all types. Among the variety of tourist spots in Bundi, the Dabhai Kund is visited by the most number of tourists.
The particular structure portrays the rich art and architecture of the place and makes tourist aware of the history of the place. It offers a great touring experience to tourists, especially to those who are ardent lover of art and architecture. Located in the middle of the city, The Dabhai Kund acts like a window into the magnificent past of the place.
The historical significance of Dabhai Kund adds to the attraction of the structure. It reminds tourists of the valiant king Prithviraj Chauhan who was defeated by Mohammad Ghori in a battle. The kund is a reminiscent of the former glory of the place and is a great historical structure that portrays the glorious past. Hence, tourists visiting this place have a great experience as they not only get to witness the marvelous work of art and architecture of the region but also get a clear picture of the historical significance of the place.
Ratan Daulat
Ratan Daulat is a popular tourist attraction of Bundi, Rajasthan. The monument stands as a symbol of the bravery, loyalty and great achievements of the Rajput Rulers. Ratan Daulat was built by Raja Rao Ratan Singh, who was one of the most noble and bravest Rajput Kings. The structure provides a lot of information related to the bygone era. The monument is uniquely designed, which speaks of the innovation involved in its construction and designing. All the coaches in the stable are beautifully designed and feature intricate carvings. Hatia Pol is also an important attraction of Ratan Daulat Top 12 Attractions to Visit in Bundi.
Bundi Utsav
The Bundi Utsav comes each year in the month of November-December to give a new life to the town of Bundi in Rajasthan state. An extravaganza of customs, traditions, and traditional art forms, the Bundi Utsav has it all for the visitors in terms of representing the cultural richness of the state of Rajasthan in general and that of the town of Bundi in particular Top 12 Attractions to Visit in Bundi.
Traditional folk music and folk dance of the region become central attractions of the festival, whereas household indulges in preparing native handicrafts to be sold installs as a part of the larger celebration. Apart from the rich folk art forms, one can witness jovial events like turban-binding competition, and moustache competitions as parts of the larger extravaganza of Bundi Utsav.
Garh Palace
If you go and ask the locals of Bundi about the famous places to see in the town, the one place that they’ll mention apart from Bundi ka Kila is the Garh Palace. Famed as one of the largest palaces in India that boast a Rajputi structure, this place further comprises of small palaces that were definitely leave you spellbound. Some of the best Rajasthan hotels are located near Garh Palace Top 12 Attractions to Visit in Bundi.
Hathi Pol
The Hathi Pol is an entrance into the Garh Palace of Bundi. Two enormous gates are seen at the end of a steep climb to this palace. Pol, which literally means Door, The Hathi Pol is a massive entrance that has two trumpeting elephants that form an arc.
Rao Ratan Singh built this arc shaped entrance. The elephant statues that form the arc were most likely to be initially cast in brass, but were later reinstated in a concrete form Top 12 Attractions to Visit in Bundi.
