BUNDI
THE
CITY OF STEPWELLS
It is popularly believed that
Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling penned part of his famous novel ‘Kim’ in Bundi.
In fact, so impressed was he by the place, that this is what
he wrote about the Bundi palace:
‘Jaipur Palace may be called the Versailles of India … Jodhpur’s House of
strife, gray towers on red rock, is the work of giants, but the Palace of
Bundi, even in broad daylight, is such a palace as men build for themselves in
uneasy dreams – the work of goblins rather than of men.’
Bundi is a magnificent town located around 36 kilometres from Kota. Dotted with
palaces and forts, the place has a fairy tale quality about it. Bundi’s charm
lies in its location –surrounded by orchards of orange, guava, pomegranate and
mango trees, flanked by the Aravalli range and rivers and lined by fields of
cotton, barley and wheat. Situated far from the crowds, it is the simple rural
folk that lend Bundi its allure.Bundi was once ruled by the Hada Chauhans. Many historians claim that it was
once the capital of the great Hadoti Kingdom, which was renowned for its art
and sculpture. However, in 1624, Kota separated and became an independent state
and this marked the beginning of the downfall of Bundi. Whether that may be, Bundi
still retains its charismatic medieval grandeur. And just like Jodhpur and
Rajput, the architecture of Bundi also possesses a noticeable bluish hue,
designed to keep houses cool during hot summer, in the intricately carved
brackets and pillars.
TARAGARH FORT
Built
in 1345, Taragarh is one of the most impressive structures in Bundi. While it
may be a bit ramshackle and strewn with overgrown vegetation, the palace
grounds are a great place for a leisurely stroll. With its curved roofs topping
pavilions, excess of temple columns and elephant and lotus motifs, the palace
is a tribute to Rajput style. SUKH MAHAL
Sukh
Mahal, a small, two-storied palace was a summer retreat of past rulers. Today,
it is quite famous for being the place where Kipling wrote ‘Kim’. Many credit
the palace as a having played muse to the renowned novel. In fact, part of a
movie based on the novel was even shot here. KSHAR BAG
Located near the Chhatra Vilas
Garden, Kshar Bag, sometimes known as Saar Bagh, houses the memorial cenotaphs
of the royal family of the Bundi state. It is located on the Shikar Burgh Jait
Sagar Road.
RANI JI KI BAORI
Raniji
ki Baori, also known as 'Queen's Stepwell', is a famous stepwell built in 1699
by Rani Nathavati Ji, the younger queen of the ruling king Rao Raja Anirudh
Singh of Bundi. This multi-storied stepwell displays excellent carvings of
Gajraj with his trunk turned inwards, giving the impression of having drunk
from the baori on its pillars. Its high arched gate gives it an inviting
appearance. DABHAI KUND
Shaped
like an inverted pyramid, the Dabhai Kund, also known as Jail Kund, is the
largest of its kind in Bundi. The fantastic carvings on the steps that lead to
the water alone are reason enough to warrant a visit. NAGAR SAGAR KUND
Located
outside the Chauhan Gate, the Nagar Sagar Kund, a set of twin step wells, was
constructed to provide water during times of famine. 84 PILLARED CENOTAPH
As
the name suggests, the 84 Pillared Cenotaph is a structure supported by 84
columns. Commissioned by Rao Anirudh, the Maharaja of Bundi, this cenotaph is a
tribute to his beloved wet nurse, Deva, who he loved dearly. A popular tourist
attraction, this impressive structure is decorated with carvings of deer,
elephants and apsaras. LAKE JAIT SAGAR
Located
close to the Taragarh Fort, this picturesque lake is surrounded by hills and
covered with pretty lotus flowers that bloom during winter and monsoon. LAKE NAWAL SAGAR
Nawal
Sagar Lake is an artificial lake that is a major tourist attraction and can
even be seen from the Taragarh Fort. There is a half-submerged temple dedicated
to Lord Varun Dev in its centre. What makes the lake unique is that one can see
the reflection of nearby palaces and forts in its waters. RAMGARH VISHDHARI
SANCTUARY
Ramgarh
Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary is located 45 kilometres from Bundi on the
Bundi-Nainwa road. Covering an area of 252 sq. km., this sanctuary is home to a
variety of flora and fauna. Established in 1982, it forms a buffer for
Ranthambore National Park. The best time to visit is between September and May.
PHOOL SAGAR
A
personal property of the descendants of the royal family, this artificial lake
gets its name from the palace on its banks. This palace houses an exclusive
collection of paintings created by Italian prisoners. Beautiful gardens
surround it and the lake. Make sure you obtain special permissions required to
explore the palace and its grounds. GARH PALACE BUNDI
The
Garh Palace in Bundi is counted among the largest palaces in India, even if it
is a little less known. Inside, the palace is a collection a number of palaces
that were built by different rulers over the span of 3 centuries. Garh Palace
is known for its Rajput architecture, which is easily noticeable in the
jharokhas and pillars, many of which sport elephant carvings. Some of the
famous palaces here include Chhatra Mahal, Phool Mahal and Badal Mahal, but one
of the most famous ones has to be the Chitrashala, which has a fascinating
pavilion and gallery of miniature murals. The palace is open to visitors from
8.00 am in the morning till 5.00 pm in the evening. There is a small entry fee
that has to be paid, and one has the option to hire a guide who can take you
through the stories and history of this beautiful palace. BADAL MAHAL
The
Badal Mahal, also known as the Palace of Clouds, is located within the Garh
Palace. The majestic palace’s walls are covered in exquisite paintings which
are engaging in their mien, and depict an early influence of the Chinese
culture. The royal residence was built in two diverse time periods. In the
first stage, the verandah and ground floor was built by Maharawal Gopinath, and
the rest of the construction was done in 1609 – 1657 AD by Marahawal Punjraj.
Made of Dawra stone, all three arches of the Mahal sport one half-ready lotus,
with the longest vault of the Mahal having three half-ready lotuses. When
visiting the Mahal, you get entrancing views of the inside and outside of the
fortifications, making the palace a must-visit destination in Bundi. HATHI POLE
The
steep climb to the Garh Palace in Bundi ends at two main gates that are used
for entrance. Of these two gates, the most popular is the Hathi Pole. This gate
is a huge architectural feat that evokes a sense of grandeur. The gate has two
elephants depicting blowing bugles, and was commissioned by Rao Ratan Singh.
Marking the entrance of the Garh Palace, the Hathi Pole forms a major point of
attraction in Bundi. CHITRA MAHAL
The
Chitra Mahal in Bundi was once a spectacular garden palace that teemed with
numerous fountains as well as pools that housed exotic fish. Chitra means
painting, and this palace’s name stems from the beautiful murals that adorn its
walls. In older times, during the 18 th century, Bundi was a beehive for
miniatures, and miniature paintings were highly encouraged. From gods and
goddesses, battle scenes, and elephants to images of Radha and Krishna, these
paintings depict a special delicacy that is known only in the region. There’s
also a Chitrashala in the Chitra Mahal that was made under orders from Umed
Singh. Being the innermost chamber of the Mahal, sunlight and moisture hasn’t
affected the paintings here, making the art glow with the originality of their
painters. In its totality, the walls and ceilings of the Chitra Mahal form a
dramatic panaroma that is always worth a visit. SHIKAR BURJ
Shikar
Burj happens to be one of the more well-known tourist destinations located in
the city of Bundi. The Shikar Burj is actually an old hunting cottage that was
built and owned by the rulers of Bundi, and is located at a little distance
from Sukh Mahal. Shikar Burj is nestled amidst the sun dappled forests of Bundi
and was the place to which Umed Singh, the ruler of Bundi in the 18th century,
withdrew to after he had renounced the throne. Near Sarbagh, Shikar Burj has
now been converted into a popular picnic spot and is a great place to spend an
evening, relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
The
Garh Palace in Bundi is counted among the largest palaces in India, even if it
is a little less known. Inside, the palace is a collection a number of palaces
that were built by different rulers over the span of 3 centuries. Garh Palace
is known for its Rajput architecture, which is easily noticeable in the
jharokhas and pillars, many of which sport elephant carvings. Some of the
famous palaces here include Chhatra Mahal, Phool Mahal and Badal Mahal, but one
of the most famous ones has to be the Chitrashala, which has a fascinating
pavilion and gallery of miniature murals. The palace is open to visitors from
8.00 am in the morning till 5.00 pm in the evening. There is a small entry fee
that has to be paid, and one has the option to hire a guide who can take you
through the stories and history of this beautiful palace.
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