Bundi

Bundi is a small town which is yet waiting to be discovered by tourists. It is located 36 Kms from Kota. Bundi is bordered by Aravali mountain range on three sides giving it a picturesque look. It was established in1193 AD. Meena tribes were the dwellers here and Bundi derived its name from the tribe's head's name - Bunda Meena. It was a princely town ruled by the famous warrior Prithviraj Chauhan. Later it came under the Mughal rule and finally became an independent state.

Bundi makes its presence felt in Rajasthan because of its 'baolis', meaning waterworks or step wells, palaces, havelis, temples, chhatris (cenotaphs) and intricate carvings on stone. The palaces, forts and temples, monuments with amazing Rajput architecture style and wall paintings are a testimony to its glorious past. A serene lake adds flavor to their beauty.

The Bundi Palace is an amazing piece of architecture located near the Taragarh Fort. Inside the palace complex is an art gallery called Chitrashala which boasts of colorful and classy miniature paintings depicting scenes from the Ragmala and Raaslila - the celestial love story of Radha-Krishna.

Taragarh Fort is one of the oldest hill forts on the world map. The fort provides a wonderful view of the town. The fort has thick walls pierced with six gates in all, a massive battlement called Bhim Burj and big stone water reservoirs that once served the people residing there. Miran Saheb ki Dargah (tomb) inside the fort is devoted to the heroic warrior who gave his life defending Taragarh during an enemy attack.

Other places worth a visit are Chhattar Mahal or Palace of Towers, Ratan Daulat, Sukh Mahal, Eighty Four Pillared Cenotaph, Nawal Sagar, Bhora-ji-ka-Kund, Kshar Bagh and Phool Sagar.

Kajli Teej is one of the most important festivals of Bundi marking the advent of monsoon.

Bundi is easily accessible and is an interesting destination, together with its twin city Kota.