Welcome to Bundi, Rajasthan – a city filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. Bundi is a hidden gem that is becoming increasingly popular among tourists, and for good reason. With its stunning palaces, forts, and baoris, Bundi is a city that is sure to leave you in awe. This article will provide you with all the necessary information to plan your trip to Bundi, including entry tickets and timing information, the most visited places in Bundi, exclusive discounts and offers, hidden gems to explore, and tips for planning your trip. So, pack your bags, and get ready to embark on a journey to this mesmerizing city in Rajasthan.
Timing: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Ticket price
Ticket price for Bundi, Rajasthan Entry starts from Rs. 80, Book tickets on official website. Check more information.
Ticket portal
Book tickets on official website.
The Most Visited Places in Bundi, Rajasthan
Taragarh Fort
The Taragarh Fort is the most popular tourist attraction in Bundi. The fort was built in the 14th century and is located on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the city. The fort has several palaces, temples, and reservoirs within its walls.
Raniji ki Baori
Raniji ki Baori is a stepwell located in the heart of Bundi. It was built in the 17th century by Rani Nathavati and is known for its intricate carvings and architectural beauty.
Sukh Mahal
Sukh Mahal is a palace located on the banks of Jait Sagar lake. It was built in the 18th century and is known for its beautiful paintings and frescoes.
Nawal Sagar Lake
Nawal Sagar Lake is a beautiful man-made lake located in the center of Bundi. It is surrounded by several temples and palaces and is a popular spot for boating.
What are the best places to visit in Bundi
Taragarh Fort: Carved into a massive hill, Taragarh Fort is an ancient 12th century hillfort. One of the most remarkable places to visit in Bundi, this stunning hillfort was constructed by King Ajayraj Chauhan in 1113AD. With its massive gateways, labyrinthine tunnels and reservoirs, the Fort is a splendid display of the erstwhile glory of the Chauhan Empire.
Three arching gates, called Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak adorn the entrance of the Fort on all sides. Other structures housed within the Fort include the Miran Saheb ki Dargah, Rani Mahal and the 16th century bastion Bhim Burj.
Location: Nahar ka Chauhatta, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
Timings: 08.00AM-05.00PM on all days of the week.
Entry fee: Rs. 25 per person.
2. Sukh Mahal: Once a summer retreat for the erstwhile rulers of Bundi, Sukh Mahal is now best known as the place where Rudyard Kipling composed ‘Kim’. Poised by the stunning Jait Sagar Lake, the picturesque palace was built by Raja Umed Singh. The main attraction at the palace is the stunning white marble Chhatri, that stands tall and proud on the second storey of the structure.
Location: MDR 52, Teerath, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
Timings: 09.45AM-05.00PM on all days of the week.
Entry Fee: Rs. 75 for Indians; Rs. 350 for foreign tourists.
3. Raniji ki Baori: Also known as the ‘Queen’s Stepwell’, Raniji ki Baori is an ancient stepwell by Rani Nathavati ji in the year 1699. Travelling downwards for 46 meters, this stunning stepwell is divided into several storeys, each adorned with well-carved marble pillars and an overarching gate.
Each floor at the Baori has a separate shrine, where visitors can stop to pay homage. Lifelike statues of the Gajraj, with their trunk turned inwards, flank two sides of the inviting gate here, giving the impression of having drunk from the Baori.
Location: Bundi Rd, near k. N, Adisal Singh Colony, Gayatri Nagar, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
Timings: 10.00AM-04.00PM on all days of the week.
4. Dabhai Kund: The largest structure of its kind in Bundi, Dabhai Kund is probably the most popular tourist attraction in the town. The kund was built in the 18th century, under the rule of Rao Raja Ram Singh.
The massive stepwell stands testament to the art and architectural styles that flourished under the Chauhan dynasty. The steps leading to the water at the bottom boast of fantastic carvings, making them the primary attraction of the Kund.
Location: Gayatri Nagar, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
5. Chaurasi Khambon ki Chatri: Its name literally translates to ‘the 84 pillared cenotaph’, the Chaurasi Khambon in Chhatri is an ancient Chhatri located at the very heart of the Bundi town. It is said that no person can ever count the 84 pillars of the Chhatri at a time.
The structure was erected in 1683 by the then ruler of Bundi, Raja Rao Anirudh, as a tribute to his beloved wet nurse, Deva. The walls of the cenotaph are lavishly decorated by splendid carvings of deer and elephants. The interior section of the cenotaphs houses an idol of the Shiva Linga, making it a popular tourist spot among Shaivites.
Location: Devpura, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
Timings: 09.00AM-05.00PM on all days of the week.
6. Garh Palace: One of the grandest palaces in the country, Bundi’s Garh Palace is a collection of several stunning Rajput monuments built across several centuries. The palace is known for its resplendent Rajput architecture, made evident in its pillars and jharokhas, each sporting elaborate carvings. Some of the best known structures located within Garh Palace include the Chhatra Mahal, Phool Mahal and Badal Mahal.
Location: Sadar Bazar, Teerath, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
Timings: 08.00AM-07.00PM on all days of the week.
Entry Fee: Starting from Rs.20 per person.
7. Badal Mahal: Its name meaning ‘The Palace of Clouds’, Badal Mahal is an ancient palace housed within Garh. The Palace is known for its unique architectural style, which is heavily influenced by the Chinese art forms and culture. Three arches flank the Palace on all sides, each sporting an image of a half-ready lotus.
Location: Garh Palace, Sadar Bazar, Teerath, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
8. Chitra Mahal: Known as the art hub of Bundi, the Chitra Mahal stands testament to the artisan culture flourishing in the town’s past. Literally translating to the ‘Palace of Pictures’, Chitra Mahal derives its name from the resplendent murals that adorn its walls.
Housed within the Chitra Mahal is the Chitrashala, a museum commissioned by Raja Umed Singh, that now houses some of the best miniature paintings and murals that were ever produced in Bundi. Located on an elevated podium by the courtyard, the gallery is home to historical paintings depicting scenes from folklore and mythology. Being the innermost chamber in the Palace, the Chitrashala is hardly penetrated by moisture and sunlight, thus retaining the original splendor of the paintings.
Location: Garh Palace,Sadar Bazar, Teerath, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
What are the best things to do in Bundi
1. Explore the miniature paintings at Chitra Mahal: Housed within the Garh Palace, the Chitra Mahal stands testament to the art culture that flourished in the yesteryears of Bundi.
Home to Chitrashala, a magnificent art gallery, the Palace is teeming with fantastic murals and miniature paintings. The colourful miniatures at the gallery depict scenes from ancient folklore and Indian mythology, and are an absolute sight to behold.
Location: Chitrashala, Chitra Mahal, Garh Palace, Sadar Bazar, Teerath, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
2. Thikarda Village Tour: The Thikarda village is located roughly 30 miles outside Bundi city limits. It is the perfect place to experience Rajasthan rural life in its most authentic form. The village is also famous for its residents being expert handicraftsman, excelling in skills like metallurgy, jewellery and pottery. Location: Theekarda, Rajasthan.
3. Explore the stunning stepwells: Bundi is home to some of the most magnificent stepwells in all of Rajasthan. The Dhabhai Kund of Bundi is the largest stepwell in the state, and prides in its magnificent stone carvings and marble work. Closely following is the Raniji ki Baori, an ancient 18th century well that boasts of exquisite statues and stone carvings.
Location: Dhabhai Kund, Raniji ki Baori.
4. Experience the Monsoon Festival here: Monsoon in Bundi are extra special due to the Teej festival that is held during this time. Taking place in August, Teej celebrates the holy union of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The festival finds colourful processions taking to the streets, with decorated camels and elephants, traditional dancers and musicians and chariots making their way through the time.
Location: Bundi.
5. Attend the Bundi Utsav: Held just after Kartik Purnima, Bundi Utsav is an annual cultural festival held for three days every November. A number of playful events are held during the festival, such as kabaddi contests, horse and camel racing, turban tying competitions, and much more.
Location: Bundi.
6. Enjoy a lazy day by the lakes: Apart from its historic monuments, the town of Bundi is also well known for its various lakes, both artificial and natural. Whether it is evening walk by the Nawal Sagar, with its unique half-submerged temple, or a leisurely day spent on the banks of Jait Sagar in April, when its waters are brimming with lotus blossoms, anyone is bound to get carried away by the beauty of the lakes here.
Location: Nawal Sagar, Jait Sagar.
7. Hike along the low hills: One of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Bundi is to take a casual hike along the low hills of the city. One of the best locations to enjoy a short trek in Bundi is the Taragarh Fort.
Dotted with stunning temples and ancient fort ruins, the trek to the Taragarh fort is an easy and scenic one. Once at the top, the Fort commands an excellent view of the surrounding town sprawling around it. The summit commands some fantastic views of the sunset as well.
Location: Taragarh Fort.
Exclusive Discounts and Offers for Visitors
Off-Season Discounts
Tourists visiting Bundi during the off-season months (April to June and September to November) can avail of discounts on entry tickets and hotel stays.
Combo Offers
Many hotels in Bundi offer combo offers that include entry tickets to popular tourist attractions. Tourists can save money by availing of these combo offers.
Group Discounts
Tourists traveling in large groups can avail of group discounts on entry tickets and hotel stays. Many hotels in Bundi offer special rates for groups of 10 or more.
Hidden Gems to Explore in Bundi, Rajasthan
Natural Wonders:
While Bundi is famous for its forts and palaces, there are also some hidden natural wonders that are worth exploring. One of them is the Jait Sagar Lake, a serene and peaceful spot surrounded by lush green trees that offer a picturesque view of the city. Another hidden gem is the Bhimlat Waterfall, which is located around 20 km away from Bundi and is a fantastic spot for hiking and picnicking.
Offbeat Attractions:
Apart from the popular tourist attractions, there are also some offbeat places to visit in Bundi. One such place is the Cave Paintings at Gagron Fort, which are believed to be around 1,400 years old and depict the lifestyle and culture of the ancient era. Another interesting spot is the Stepwells of Bundi, which are architectural wonders and have been used for centuries to store water.
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Bundi, Rajasthan
Best Time to Visit Bundi:
The best time to visit Bundi is during the winter months from October to March, as the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. Summers can be scorching, and it is advisable to avoid visiting during the monsoon season as the city experiences heavy rainfall.
How to Reach Bundi:
Bundi is well-connected to major cities in Rajasthan and India. The nearest airports are located in Jaipur and Udaipur, and the city is also well-connected by road and rail networks. You can take a train or bus from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur to reach Bundi.
Accommodation Options:
Bundi offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious heritage hotels. You can choose to stay in the heart of the city or opt for a more secluded location to enjoy some peace and quiet.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Bundi?
The best time to visit Bundi is during the winter season (October to March), as the weather during this time is pleasant and ideal for exploring the city’s attractions.
2. Are there any off-season discounts available for entry tickets?
Yes, many attractions in Bundi offer off-season discounts on entry tickets. It’s always worth checking with the attraction before planning your visit to Bundi.
3. How can I reach Bundi?
Bundi is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport to Bundi is Jaipur International airport, which is around 210 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bundi. There are also regular trains that run from major cities in India to Bundi.
4. What are some of the hidden gems to explore in Bundi?
Some of the hidden gems in Bundi that are worth exploring include the Jait Sagar Lake, the Chitrashala Palace, and the 84 Pillared Cenotaph. These attractions are less crowded and offer a unique experience of Bundi’s history and culture.
