You may also create your personal Bundi trip itinerary according to your time and interest:
SIGHT SEEING
Welcome To Bundi
Bundi is a small captivating town of narrow lanes of blue houses with a temple at every turn. Fascinating Chitrashala notable miniature wall paintings from the "Bundi
School". In town there are more than 55 step-wells, reflective lakes and colourful bazaars. Bundi is flanked by the Aravalli Range where many rivers and even tigers
can be found and the area is dotted with fields of Mustard, Cotton, Sugarcane, Rice and Wheat.
Bundi was conquered in 1241 by Rao Deva Singh from the meena tribe. This was the first step in the establishment of Hadaoti region, when the Hada moved down from the
Pathar to Bambaoda.
Famous visitors to Bundi include Her Majesty Queen Mary of Great Britian, Rudyard Kipling, Rabindra Nath Tagore, Lord Mountbatten, Lord Curzon, Countess of Shaftesbury,
Duchess of Devonshire, James Tod, Fred Bear, Film maker MGM America, Satyajit Ray and many more.
Suggested Itinerary for Bundi
Arrive in Bundi to explore the contrasts and charm of old Bundi which includes the enormous murals & miniature wall paintings of Chitrashala from which you can walk through the bazaars and narrow streets - a great way to absorb the sights and sounds of Bundi. See the monumental buildings set along wide numerous Stepwell‘s, including Sukhmahal a summer retreat, Hunting Lodge and 84 pillard cenotaph.
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How to Reach
Bundi does not have an airport at the moment. The nearest airport is Sanganer Airport in Jaipur which is about 200 kms away and other in Udaipur 250 kms.
Buses to Bundi are available at regular intervals from Delhi, Ajmer, Bikaner, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Sawai Madhopur and Udaipur.
The railway station is located about 4 kilometres south of the old city. There are railway connections between Delhi, Agra, Kota, Udaipur, Ranthambhore,Varanasi and Chittorgarh. One can also catch trains from Kota, which is 35 kms from Bundi to reach major cities of India.
CHITRASHALA
The 18th Century Chitashala at City Palace in Bundi was described by Rudyard Kiplling as “The work of goblins rather than of men”. It is nothing less than a mesmerising result of art and creative imagination, a most striking reminder of the rare art. It has a spectacular garden that teemed with numerous fountains as well as pools, a fascinating pavilion and gallery of miniature murals, walls completely covered in exquisite paintings with stunning views of Blue city making the palace a must-visit destination in Bundi. From gods and goddesses, battle scenes, room with inlaid glass, Raslila of Radha and Krishna, these paintings depict a special delicacy that is known only in the region. These splendid paintings in the Chitrashala are par excellence and can be compared with probably the best anywhere in the world.
SUKH MAHAL
A summer retreat of erstwhile rulers of Bundi and royal guest house, a small two-storied palace on picturesque lake Jait Sagar is surrounded by Aravali hills and covered with pretty lotus flowers that bloom during winter and monsoon. Today, it is quite famous for being the place where famous writer Rudyard 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. Queen Mary, Rudyard Kipling many rich and famous stayed here.
RANI JI KI BAORI
The town of Bundi is renowned for its baoris, or stepwells. Raniji ki Baori (Queen's stepwell) is the largest among the over 55 baoris that dot the town. Baoris were commissioned by the ruling royalty to take care of water needs during the months of drought. This baori was constructed in 1699 by Rani Nathavati Ji, the younger queen of the ruling Maharao Raja Anirudh Singh of Bundi. 46 metre deep, this stepped well is a multi-storeyed structure decorated with brilliantly-carved pillars and a high-arched gate. The baori is a medieval marvel of construction and design. Baoris also worked as social assembly areas in those times since local townsfolk gathered here often.
RAMGARH TIGER RESERVE
Ramgarh Tiger Reserve, established in 1982, is located 35 kilometres from Bundi on the Ranthambhore road. Covering an area of 252 sq.km. this reserve is home to a famous Bengal Tiger with other animal’s like Leopard, Sambhar, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Indian Wolf, Hyena, Jackal and Fox with variety of flora and fauna.
EIGHTY FOUR PILLARD CENOTAPH
As the name suggests, the 84 Pillared Cenotaph is a structure supported by 84 columns. Commissioned by Rao Anirudh in 1683 AD. the Maharaja of Bundi, this cenotaph is a tribute to his beloved wet nurse, Deva, who he loved dearly. A impressive structure is decorated with carvings of Indian God, deer, elephants and apsaras.
ROCK PAINTINGS
Gardhda village, located 35 km South of Bundi, is witness to early man through rock paintings, transporting us back into the ancient past. Bundi has one of the largest rock painting sites in India. Rock paintings are a particular form of paintings done on the walls and ceilings of the cave shelter of ancient man. Its tail at Mandal dam, Bhilwara district and head at Banki village in Garadhda village. The paintings have images of human beings and animals such as tigers, panthers and antelopes . There are also images of various antique tools and hunting scenes depicting the daily life of the Mesolithic, Chalcolothic and Neolithic historical periods The paintings are estimated to be 15000 years.
CHAMBAL RIVER BOAT CRUISE
The Chambal Boat Safari at National Chambal Sanctuary was founded in 1978 and is part of a large area of 5,400 kms. The ancient name of the Chambal was Charmanvati, meaning the river on whose banks leather is dried. The Chambal remains one of India's most pristine and sacred rivers. The Sanctuary contains the rare River Dolphins the other inhabitants including Crocodiles, Vultures and Migratory Birds from Siberia forming its rich avian fauna. Take a Safari on the Chambal River and experience the magnificent ravines on one side of the bank and high cliffs on the other. The Safari is for one hour and your boat escort takes you quite far upriver to experience the natural habitat of Ghariyals, Crocodiles, Turtles and close to 250 species of resident and migratory birds.
POTTERY VILLAGE
Fantastic excursions from Bundi north of the town are Thikarda, Badodiya & Akoda villages which has various potteries and rural life. One can witness Bagpiper musician here with spectacular Ghans Bheru festival one day after Diwali.
SHIKAR BURJ
A Former royal hunting lodge of the Bundi family built in the 18th century which once hosted shooting parties of the Royals who would come to camp here. It is also where Maharaja Umed Singh of Bundi, withdrew to in the 18th century after he had renounced the throne There is an overgrown vegetable garden (Char Bagh) with a central well and irrigation system, and beyond that a Monkey god temple garden and a swimming pool.
DHABHAI KUND
Shaped like an inverted pyramid, the Dabhai Kund is the largest of its kind in Bundi. The fantastic carvings on the steps that lead to the water alone are reason enough to warrant a visit.
NAGAR SAGAR KUND
Located outside the Chauhan Gate, the Nagar Sagar Kund, a set of twin step wells, was constructed to provide water during times of famine.
BHIMLAT WATERFALL
The falls can easily be called an oasis in the heart of the desert Located 30 kms from Bundi It is a great weekend getaway. The water falling from a height of 60 meters and making its way into the sea green lake on the foothills of fall, Bhimlat has 13 shelters with rock paintings in a jungle-clad gorge. Bhimlat falls was created by Bhim to quench the thirst of Pandavas while on Vanvas.
RAMESHWAR WATERFALL
The waterfall is located around 15 km north of Bundi. In this beautiful area you will find a Lord Shiva Temple located in a cave close by the natural Rameshwar Waterfall which was discovered by a priest 500 years ago. Since that time devotees have been visiting the area for prayers and to make offerings.
MENAL WATERFALL & TEMPLE
70 km beyond Bundi towards Chittorgarh and Udaipur, is a temple complex built way back in the Gupta period (4th to 6th centuries AD). The main Shiva temple, still in good condition, has a wealth of carvings of Shiva, Parvati, animals, dancers, musicians and sexual positions on its exterior. Outside the temple compound the Menal River tumbles over a 100m cliff, forming a spectacular waterfall when enough water is released from a dam upstream.
RURAL VILLAGES
The countryside village life of India showcases a completely different world. A walk on the rough trails of Indian villages will allow you to encounter various ancient communities within the rural villages of India like those to be found in Rajasthan. On our tours of Indian village life you will experience the culture, the excitement and the beauty of the rural village. You will see how the farmers live and we will visit the local markets where their produce is sold. Along the way you will enjoy seeing articles hand crafted by the locals from the village.
CITY PALACE & TARAGARH FORT
At the current time, we do not offer tours to the City Place and Taragarh Fort. The road up to the City Palace entrance is very steep and the buildings in some places are damaged, awaiting restoration. As soon as refurbishment work is completed, we will resume our tours to this interesting and ancient complex.