Bundi

Geography

Bundi is the undiscovered splendour, 36 Kms from Kota ruled by the Hada Chauhans. First destination is HADOTI. Set in a narrow inclining gorge. , Bundi in Rajasthan still beholds its old-worldly charm. Located amidst Aravalli hills, the city of Bundi in Rajasthan beckons people to enjoy the much-needed break from their hectic life. Sprinkled with medieval flavor, tours to Bundi allow travelers to get a detailed account of the culture and history of the region.
Bundi was partitioned from Kota and made a separate territory. This historical place is note for its carving and fresco art. Travel to Bundi in Rajasthan to explore the land showcasing the past features and modern developments.

History

Bundi was ruled by the Had Chauhans- an offshoots of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. In 1193 A.D. when Sultan Mohammed Ghauri defeated Prithviraj Chauhan, some Chauhan nobles sought shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved towards the Chambal valley and conquered the Meena and Bhil tribals-thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separates states of Kota and Bundi, (from Bunda, a Meena chieftain), on either side of the river Chambal.
Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis , temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals. Known as the finest in Rajasthan, these are painted in the Hara style of the Kota-Bundi school of miniatures, and known for their brilliant colors, elegant sense of design and their masterful technique. Among favourite subjects were court and hunting scenes and episodes from the Radha-Krishna legends. The most captivating one of these is Bundi maidens, bathing, pining for absent lovers and indulging in the coquetry.

Bundi Attraction

Taragarh Fort : It was built in 1345 and is great ramble around at leisure. This is rather a ramshackle fort, with its overgrown vegetation.The view over the town and surrounding countryside from the top are magical, especially at sun set. Inside the ramparts are huge reservoirs carved out of solid rock, and the Bhim Burj, the largest of the battle- fields, on which there is mounted a famous cannon. Taragarh is reached by steep road leading up the hillside to its enormous gateway. Take a path up behind the chitra Shala, go east along the inside of the ramparts then left up the steep stone ramp just before the Dudha Mahal, a small disused building 200m from the palace. .

Phool Sagar : The PHOOL SAGAR is an excellent and well-planned structure as also the decoration of this Rajput edifice, and the same beauty lies in the massive TARAGARH. This little town has yet retained a medieval atmosphere. Bundi is not exactly a tourist tramping ground but never the less, this adds on to its appeal with a curiosity to explore it. The look of the town has a Bluish hue same as that of Jodhpur . With no renovating desire, the art is in a crumbling state of disrepair. The original history claims that Bundi was once the capital of the great HADOTI KINGDOM . But then KOTA in 1624 was separated as an independent state and thus the journey of Bundi downfall started. A prominent author approached BUNDI, He came, He saw and He created RUDYARD KIPLING's inspiration took birth in the state of Bundi and so inspired was he by the enchanting set up that he captured its images and applied them to his works.

Sar Bagh : Has 66 royal cenotaphs. Step wells (Bawari) are another prominent highlights of Bundi, these served as water reservoirs in the months of summers, there were over 50 wells but many of them had to suffer the ravages of the time. The CHHATAR MAHAL is adorned with beautiful wall paintings of the famous Bundi School . And so are the ZANANA MAHAL (palace for the queens) and BADAL MAHAL.

Nawal Sagar : Nawal Sagar: Visible from the fort is the square artificial lake of Nawal Sagar ,broken up by islets. A temple dedicated to Varuna, the Aryan god of water,stands half submerged in the centre of the lake. The reflection of the entire city and its palaces can be seen in the lake -making it a unique attraction of Bundi.

Bundi Climate

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.

How To Reach Bundi

Flight : Jaipur (206 km) is the nearest airport from Bundi. Regular flights are available for all the major cities of India .

Train : Bundi has a railway station. Kota (36 km) is the major railhead, connecting Bundi to all the major towns and cities of the North and the West India

Road : Bundi has a good road networks and is well connected with important places around.