The town of Bundi is snuggled in the split of the Aravali hills and has a special ancient flavour quite untouched by time. During medieval period of India, it was inhabited by local tribes, which were ruled by Hindu Kings. Parihar Meenas were the most popular of all these tribes. It is said that Bundi got its name from a preceding King Bunda Meena. In 1342, Bundi was taken over by Rao Deva Hada who ruled the region; he also renamed the surrounding area as Hadoti. The Hada Rajputs governed the region for around 200 years. In 1533 Mughal Emperor Akbar took over it. The locals of Bundi are mostly Rajputs and are known for their courage and audacity. Most of residents of Bundi are old fashioned and follow the distinctive Rajasthani culture and rituals. Music and painting have always remained an intrinsic part of the Bundi culture, hence the region is inhabited by many vocalists and musicians. Known as the blue city of the Eastern Rajasthan, Bundi is a must-visit tourist place in Rajasthan.
How to reach Bundi
Bundi is a district, situated in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan. It is well connected through a network of roads and trains to some major cities of India such as Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi and Delhi. Bundi railway station is the nearest rail head located at south of the old city. One can easily reach here from any part of the country, many trains pass through the station. From Delhi there is direct train, so you can plan a weekend trip to explore the hidden gems of this region. Within Rajasthan, one can use express bus service to reach Bundi or hire a private car. If you are already in Jaipur, plan same day trip to Bundi, it takes approximate 3 hours by drive (one way). It is also an ideal stopover if traveling to Udaipur.
Best time to visit Bundi
Summer period is quite hot and dry in whole Rajasthan, which is not advisable to plan a trip to Bundi. The maximum temperature during daytime reaches up to 35 to 43 degrees Celsius. The rainfalls in Bundi are expected in the months of July till mid-September. During monsoon the days are quite humid. In Winter temperature drop down to 5 degree Celsius. The winter is an absolute delight for Bundi and rest of Rajasthan. It is the perfect time to visit Bundi.
Best places to visit in Bundi
There are a lot of distinctive places to see in Bundi that will surely delight you. You get the imperial vibe at these places as they belong to the times of kings and queens who ruled the region for ages. Bundi has regal heritage like most places in Rajasthan. It is a home to fancy forts, opulent palaces and Rajput architecture, beautifully engraved in brackets and pillars, narrow streets, blue-painted houses, quainted lakes, unspoiled rural villages and bustling bazaars, make it a must-visit place in Rajasthan.
Bundi Palace
Bundi Palace is the lofty building, overlooking the entire city. The tactical location of the palace and its fort blend with its beaming architecture is enough to influence anyone. Still the palace confines more surprises. It has some of the most charming murals painted on its walls and also, when you walk up to the palace the sight that awaits you is like nothing you could have expected. From here you exactly understand why Bundi is often mentioned as the blue city. But be caution as the fort is home to a lot of bats and is haunted by hoops of monkeys. The Chitrasala is one of the most impressive rooms in this palace. The room houses some very beautiful paintings, all painted in blue and golden, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Undoubtedly, it is one of the notable sites to visit in Bundi, especially for history lovers.
Raniji Ki Baori
Raniji Ki Baori is the biggest baori in Bundi and is ideal for relish some harmony in the front of nature & heritage. The wells are mostly quite deep and in summer when there is no water, it is amazing to catch the sight. The well is housed within an enormous complex and has almost 200 steps directing all the way to the bottom of the well. Exploring the well could be one of the most eccentric things to do in Bundi.
Taragarh Fort
Taragarh Fort built in 1354 AD is widely known as Star fort, is part of the Palace complex, but there will be extra fee for a tour of this fort. A steep walk up from the palace will take you to the fort, maximum of it is in ruins, yet what remains is splendid. The three gates with elephants carved onto them take into the massive fort. There are tour guides available but they do charge extra, however, they are well worth it as they provide insight into the history and its numerous structures. The Fort is situated on a sharp hillside and gives a beautiful lookout of the city. It surrounds three water tanks which never dry up. These tanks are the supreme examples of the sophisticated and advanced method of construction and engineering during those days.
Sadar Bazaar
Bundi is the right place for an art enthusiast, a shopaholic or an explorer. However there are many other markets but Sadar Bazaar is one place where you can find all the famous antiques such as hand-painted items, metal-wares, stone statues, lac bangles, murals, silver jewellery etc.
Sukh Mahal
One of the most beautiful construction in Bundi, it is made from local mining stones of Bundi. The palace is a specimen of premium representation of Rajput structural design. Maharaja Vishnu Singh built it in 1773 and used it as a summer palace. The palace has gracefully carved brackets, pillars and balconies. All the walls of the palace are decorated with typical Bundi-type murals using red, blue and green colors. Also elephant sculptures have been used in different spots in the palace.
Conclusion:
Bundi, is a hidden gem of Royal Rajasthan. If you are looking for offbeat destinations or heritage tour of Rajasthan we must suggest the travelers don’t overlook it. It offers a unique opportunity for seeking an authentic and enriching experience. Bundi is undoubtedly a destination that lingers in the heart long after the journey ends, leaving me with cherished memories and a desire to return someday. For any customized tour of Bundi, please contact our expert at [email protected]
