Nestled in the Arvalli Hills, Bundi is a hidden gem that has retained its charm for centuries. The stunning temples, majestic forts, vibrant markets, beautiful Havelis, and picturesque landscapes—all of them add grandeur to the charm of this off-beat destination of Rajasthan. The city has a stunning architecture that is perfectly reminiscent of its graceful past. However, besides its architecture, Bundi offers a serene atmosphere to the tourists who come here to experience its tranquility. It attracts everyone, from an avid history buff to a nature lover looking for solace in its peaceful surroundings. Bundi is named after a Meena tribal chief, Bunda Meena, and its existence dates back to the 13th century. The historical legacy of this town is quite evident in its mesmerizing step-wells, majestic forts, and royal palaces. The people of Bundi celebrate festivals with great pomp and show.
Adding to its allure are the local festivals celebrated with vibrant energy—Bundi Utsav and Kajali Teej stand out as perfect showcases of Rajasthani culture, folk traditions, and hospitality. In a state renowned for destinations like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer, Bundi offers an offbeat yet equally enriching experience, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the cultural and historical riches of Rajasthan tourism.
Best Places to Visit in Bundi
Bundi has no dearth of wonderful attractions to explore. Some of the best places to visit in Bundi include the following: -
Rani Ji Ki Baori
An architectural marvel, Rani Ji Ki Baori was constructed by Rani Nathvati Ji in the 17th century. The stunning architecture of this stepwell speaks about the rich opulence of that era. The 46-meter stepwell consists of the stairs that lead one to a water tank. This tank was used to supply water for the residents at that time. Now, it is one of the important attractions of the Baori and gives you a sneak peek into the rich cultural tapestry of Bundi. The stepwell is the epitome of the architectural brilliance of Rajputana architecture. The sculptures and intricate carvings here depict the rich history of Bundi. The roof of the entrance gates is decorated with murals, and the stepwell has 100 steps in total. This place is one of the unique attractions of Bundi, and people come from far and wide to visit it.
Taragarh Fort
Known as Star Fort in Bundi, Taragarh Fort is a testament to the architectural skills of Rajputana architecture. Perched on a steep hill, this fort was built in the 14th century and has been a witness to many battles. Visitors experience incredible scenic views of the Aravalli range and the city from the fort. The fort also provides you with an opportunity to see breathtaking sunsets. This fort attracts a large number of tourists from all around the country. Taragarh Fort has a network of underground tunnels that connect it with different areas of Bundi. These tunnels were once used as secret passageways for royal people and also as escape routes during the wars. Now, these passageways are the topic of discussion among the people who come here. The fort is divided into 5 sections, such as Hathia Pol, Chhattar Mahal, Ratan Daulat, Badal Mahal, Chitrashala, etc.
Nawal Sagar
It is a man-made lake which is a perfect testament to the glorious history of Bundi town. Nawal Sagar is an iconic landmark that is extremely popular among tourists. Constructed by Maharaja Ummed Singh, this rectangular lake is 983 feet long and 229 feet wide. One of the striking features of the lake is a temple which is dedicated to Lord Varuna. Tourists can visit the temple via boat. The temple has a floating circular platform surrounding it, which gives it an exotic look. A large number of tourists come to visit the temple in the Nawal Sagar Lake. The intricately carved steps of the lake are adorned with beautiful sculptures and carvings and showcase the architectural brilliance of that time. There are small pavilions on the banks of the lake which offer shade and shelter to the tourists.
Chitrashala
Located in Bundi, Chitrashala is a beautiful art gallery that is known for its stunning wall paintings as well as murals. This art gallery showcases the rich cultural heritage of Bundi. A large number of tourists come here from all around the world to explore its beauty as well as grandeur. This gallery has a great collection of beautiful miniature paintings that offer valuable insights into the traditions of Bundi. Once made as a private retreat for Bundi’s royal family, the gallery is now a popular place among the artists for exchanging their ideas with each other. Paintings available in Chitrashala are a combination of Mughal and Hindu influences. This showcases the fusion of the Hindu and Islamic cultures of that time. People who visit Chitrashala see a variety of paintings here that depict scenes from the Mahabharata or Ramayana. Also, you will get to see the paintings related to courtly life and royal processions here. You will be awe-struck to see these beautiful paintings here.
Eighty-Four Pillared Cenotaph
Built-in the year 1683 by Rao Raja Anirudh Singh, the Eighty-Four Pillared Cenotaph is an architectural marvel. Raja Aniruddh built it in memory of Deva, who was his foster brother. This place features 84 pillars, each of which is adorned with a unique design. The artistry done on each pillar is remarkable and showcases the artwork related to Hindu mythology. You will find a beautiful dome at the top of the Cenotaph, which adds grace to the structure. The cenotaph is also known as Chaurasi Khambo ki Chhatri, and it is a popular place among visitors. It is in the middle of a garden, which adds serenity to it. Once you are here, you can take a guided tour, which will let you know important details about this site.
Shikar Burj
Constructed in the 17th century, Shikar Burj was used to monitor the movement of the enemies. This beautiful tower is one of the most important tourist destinations due to its glorious history and beautiful artwork. The structure offers panoramic views of Bundi to nature enthusiasts and professional photographers. It is a perfect mixture of Mughal and Rajasthani styles. Located on a hill, Shikar Burj offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The structure, once a hunting lodge for the royal people, is now home to the monkeys. The architecture of this place features jharokhas and carved stone walls. It has a vegetable garden, named Char Bagh, a swimming pool, and a temple garden that adds more grace to this beautiful place.
Best Things to Do in Bundi
Right from its stunning architecture to its beautiful old paintings, Bundi offers a variety of things to do for visitors. Here are a few things that you must do on your visit to Bundi: -
Visit the Step Wells
Bundi is very popular among tourists due to its step wells. These structures were used for storing water in ancient times. Local people used to get the supply of water in the summer through these baoris only. Many baoris or step wells in Bundi are worth exploring. Some of them include Raniji Ki Baori, Bhawaldi Baori, Dabhai Kund Stepwell, Shri Abhaynath Mahadev Ki Baori, etc. However, the most famous Baori among all is Raniji ki Baori. It is 150 feet 150-foot-deep well and has beautiful carvings on its stairs and walls. These baoris reflect the culture and heritage of ancient Bundi. They are extremely popular among tourists because of their unique designs and architecture.
Admire the Beautiful Paintings at Chitrashala
You can visit Chitrashala and admire the stunning paintings here. These paintings depict beautiful scenes from Hindu mythology, love, war, and royal life. You will find many beautiful paintings here that are from the 16th century. Besides, the paintings here also depict the court life of the ancient era as well as the natural surroundings of Rajasthan. The vibrant colors used in these paintings add more grace to them. The Archaeological Survey of India is making sincere attempts to preserve these paintings.
Explore the Local Markets
If you are a shopaholic, you can explore the local markets while you are in Bundi. The town is full of vibrant markets to explore. The bustling markets of Bundi are a feast for your senses due to the rich aroma of the spices. You will find many shops here that sell beautiful jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts. You will also find shops that sell silver jewelry and block-printed fabrics. However, don't forget to buy famous traditional Rajasthani sweets here, such as ghevar and balushahi. Some of the famous markets of Bundi are Sadar Bazar and Choumukha Bazar. While the former is known for its malls as well as markets, the latter is the right destination to buy beautiful ornaments at the best prices.
Visit Sukh Mahal
Situated on the banks of Jait Sagar Lake, Sukh Mahal is one of the important sites in Bundi. Once you are here, you will forget the hustle and bustle of city life. It provides a serene atmosphere to the tourists, which is the reason why more and more people visit this place. You will find the reflection of Mughal art in the paintings that decorate the walls of this palace. The palace is said to be connected with the old palace via an underground tunnel. This tunnel was used as an escape passage for the King and other people in his kingdom.
Enjoy a Boat Ride at Jait Sagar Lake
Jait Sagar Lake is another unique tourist attraction that is visited by a large number of tourists. When you are here, you will be in love with the lush greenery of this place. You can take a boat in Bundi and enjoy a peaceful ride across this beautiful lake. You can also enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills as well as the Bundi Palace. If you are a birdwatcher, you will love to be here. Many people come here for bird-watching as a lot of migratory birds visit this region during the winter. You can also capture the photos here if you want to.
Attend the Bundi Utsav
You can attend Bundi Utsav if you are visiting Bundi in March or April. This is the most important festival in Bundi, which celebrates its cultural heritage. The festival is celebrated with full pomp and show. On the festival day, many cultural activities are organized here, such as folk-art exhibitions, dance performances, music performances, etc. You will enjoy your heart out in Bundi Utsav as the whole atmosphere is lively and colorful. A grand procession winds through the streets of Bundi with decorated elephants, camels, and horse-drawn carts. The whole scene of the festival is worth enjoying.
Best Time to Visit Bundi
Winter (October to March)
The ideal time to visit Bundi is the winter season, as the weather is great during this time. Also, it is the best time for visitors to enjoy many tourist attractions such as Dabhai Kund, Nawal Sagar, Kshar Bagh, Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri, etc. You can also take part in the Bundi Mahotsav during this time, as it is held in November only. The temperature during this time is in the range of 5°C- 30°. Thus, you can explore Bundi during these months without worrying about the extreme heat. Most people visit Bundi during this season as it is much easier to explore it during this time.
Summers (April to June)
This is not a good time to visit Bundi as it is extremely hot outside. In the summer months, i.e., from April to June, the temperature range is between 35°C and 44°C. Thus, it is impossible to go outside during this time and explore Bundi. Also, the tourists need to trek to the forts to explore them. So, it is too exhausting to explore the forts during this season.
Monsoon (July to September)
The temperature range in this season is from 24°C to 32°C. During the monsoon, humidity levels reach over 90%. This makes the human body dehydrated. Thus, you shouldn't visit Bundi during this time. However, if you want to travel affordably, you can choose this season and get attractive discounts from the travel operators.
How to Reach Bundi?
Bundi is well-connected to all the cities of the country. Thus, you can come here irrespective of the city you are living in. Here are a few ways through which you can reach Bundi: -
By Air
Bundi doesn't have its own airport. However, you can step down at Kota airport and proceed with your journey to Bundi. It is 40 km away from Kota. The nearest international airport, which is close to Bundi, is Jaipur. If you are coming from Delhi, you will get a flight to Bundi easily. There are regular flights from Delhi to Kota. From Kota, you can hire a cab and reach Bundi.
By Rail
Bundi railway station is well connected to most of the regions of Rajasthan and also a few other regions of the country. However, not many trains come here. But a lot of trains pass through this town, which helps people to reach here. Most of the trains stop at the Kota railway station, which is approximately 39 km from Bundi. This town is directly connected with other major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Meerut, Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, Nagpur, Mumbai, Dehradun, and Goa etc. Bundi railway station is approx. 4 km away from the main town. Once you reach here, you can take a taxi to reach your destination.
By Road
Bundi is also well-connected to the major cities of the country by road. It is quite accessible to the people due to the good condition of the roads. Bundi town is situated in the south of Rajasthan. It is approx. 40 km from Kota, approx. 220 km from Jaipur, and approx. 475 km away from Delhi. There is a good bus service to Bundi for the visitors. You can take a bus from all the cities of Rajasthan. However, the price of your journey will depend on the type of bus service you choose. You can also take cabs from many places in Rajasthan and reach Bundi.
Accommodation in Bundi
Your stay in Bundi will be a rewarding experience as the town has no dearth of excellent locations to explore. There are many accommodation options in Bundi. You will find a variety of budget hotels that are completely in sync with your needs as well as your budget. A few budget hotels in Bundi that provide you with an affordable stay include Kasara Heritage View Hotel, Kasera Paradise, Pratapgarh Havel, etc. Many heritage buildings are turned into hotels and offer accommodation to tourists. So, there are many accommodation options to choose from. However, you must be aware of your requirements before deciding on any accommodation.
People who do not want to compromise their comfort can opt for a luxury stay in Bundi. There are many places where you can enjoy a lavish and comfortable stay. Some of these places include Umaid Bagh Resort, The Hadoti Palace, Dev Niwas, Haveli Braj Bhushanjee, Nawal Sagar Palace, etc. These hotels offer you the desired comfort and luxury you are looking for during your Bundi tour. You will find spacious rooms, decorated rooms, and exceptional services in each of these hotels. These hotels and havelis offer a great experience to the visitors during their stay and make it much more comfortable. Thus, if you are interested in experiencing the tranquil life of Bundi, you can visit here and book any of the available accommodations in Bundi.
Food and Dining in Bundi
Like accommodation, there is no dearth of food and dining options in Bundi. When you are here, you can enjoy delicious meals. There are many budget-friendly hotels here that you can book according to your requirements and preferences. Whether you are looking for traditional local cuisine or international cuisine, you can enjoy both of them easily in this town. You can enjoy delicious food without spending much on it. Some of the economical dining options in Bundi town are: -
- Street Food and Local Eateries: - If you love street food, you can enjoy being in Bundi. The town has local eateries as well as street food vendors that offer tasty and authentic dishes at the best prices. You can try famous street food items here, such as vada pav, pakoras, samosas, etc.
- Affordable Restaurants: - You will find many affordable restaurants here that offer tasty food at the best rates.
- Food Delivery Services: - You can also order food online from your favorite restaurants. There are many other affordable food and dining options in Bundi that will help you enjoy your food at the best rates.
Getting Around Bundi
When you are in Bundi, getting around the city is not tough. Auto rickshaws are the primary mode of transport here. However, walking is much more feasible if you want to explore Bundi. You can also take bicycles or motorbikes for rent if you want to go for longer distances.
- By Foot: - Walking is the best way to explore Bundi. This allows you to explore the narrow streets of the city, which will provide you with a great, valuable insight into the culture of the city. Also, you can easily explore the city’s attractions on foot.
- By Auto-rickshaws: - You can take an auto rickshaw to any place in Bundi as they are readily available for the visitors. They are the common transport that you will find here.
- By Bicycle/Motorbike: - If you are on a solo trip to Bundi, you will love to explore the town by bicycle or motorbike. You can take them on rent easily in Bundi. They are the best to explore the attractions of Bundi at your own pace. Most people rent bicycles or motorbikes during their Bundi tour.
