Bundi

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.

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.

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.

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 is alone the reason enough to warrant a visit.

Located outside the Chauhan Gate, the Nagar Sagar Kund, a set of twin step wells, was constructed to provide water during times of famine.

As the name suggests, the 84 Pillared Cenotaph is a structure supported by 84 columns or pillars. Commissioned by Rao Anirudh, the Maharaja of Bundi, this cenotaph is a tribute to his beloved wet nurse, Deva, whom he loved dearly. A popular tourist attraction, this impressive structure is decorated with carvings of deer, elephants and apsaras.

Located close to the Taragarh Fort, this pictorial lake is surrounded by hills and covered with pretty lotus flowers that bloom during winter and monsoon.

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 lake unique is that one can see the reflection of nearby palaces and forts in its waters.

About 48 kilometres from the town of Bundi lies this wonderful flat lake. There is also a town named after the lake. One can spot several migratory birds here such as bar headed goose and Demoille cranes all through the year

Ramgarh Vishdhari Wild-life Sanctuary is located 45 kilometres away from Bundi on the way from Bundi to Nainwa. 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 this place is between September and May.

A personal property of the descendants of the royal family, this artificial lake gets its name from the palace on its banks. The place situated above it houses an exclusive collection of paintings created by Italian prisoners. Beautiful gardens surround and the Lake. Make sure you obtain special permissions required to explore the palace and its grounds.

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 of 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.

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 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 captivating views of the inside and outside of the fortifications. Making the palace a must-visit destination in Bundi.

The steep climb to the Garh Palace in Bundi ends at two main gates that are used for entrance. Out 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.

The Chhatr Mahal in Bundi was once a spectacular garden palace that teemed with numerous fountains as well as pools that housed exotic fish. ‘Chhatr’ means painting, and this palace’s name stems from the beautiful murals that adorn its walls. In older times, during the 18th century, Bundi was a beehive for miniatures, and these 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 is also a ‘Chitrashala’ (painting house) in the Chhatra Mahal that was made following the orders of king Umed Singh. Being the innermost chamber of the Palace, sunlight and moisture has not affected the paintings here, making the art glow with the originality of their painters. In its totality, the walls, and ceilings of the Chhatr Mahal form a dramatic panorama that is always worth a visit.

Shikar Burj happens to be one of the most 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.

A famous picnic spot that has a beautiful landscape with old Shiva Temple and 140 feet high waterfall.