Things To Do In Bundi, India: Feel The Royal Breeze

things to do in bundi india
Nikhil
Nikhil 
Updated
| 5 min read

This spellbinding town called Bundi retains the historic heritage of the erstwhile Rajasthan, the land of the kings. Located in the Aravalli Range Mountains in western India, Bundi is situated in the southern part of this historic state that tells stories of great kings. It derives its name from Bunda, one of the great rulers. Bundi is renowned for its splendid palaces, forts, hills, water works, and bazaars and you can’t miss the exquisite royal north Indian cuisine. The structures in Bundi reflect the greatness of the Rajput rulers. As you step into the city, you will feel the gust of the royal lifestyle. Grandeur and life-sized wall paintings on the walls of royal palaces will definitely fascinate you. This is just the beginning. These 10 places will mesmerize you with their charm.

1. Badal Mahal

( MG 0421)View from Badal Mahal
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ramnath1971 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Located atop the Kumbhalgarh Fort, the Badal Mahal which means ‘Cloud Palace’ is the highest of all structures built in Bundi. Built by Rana Fateh Singh in the early 19th-century, the Badal Mahal is a classic example of Rajput architecture, the whole palace is embellished beautifully with intricate wall paintings. This place is the main center of attraction for a lot of art lovers. Behind the tall walls of Badal Mahal lies a classic hotel with Jack-arched ceilings. From the roof, you can enjoy the commanding view of the city.

Badal Mahal

Address: Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan 313325

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2. Bhoraji-ka-Kund

High Jump
Source: Photo by user BOMBMAN used under CC BY 2.0

Bhoraji-ka-Kund was built in the 16th-century. This step well was constructed as a source of water for drought-hit areas in Bundi during the hot summers. The word ‘Kund’ means tank or pond. Every year, after the rainy season, a large number and variety of birds migrate to Bhoraji-ka-Kund. Tourists visit here to enjoy the serenity of the place. They sit at the shoreline of the pond and feel the fresh and calm breeze of Bhoraji-ka-Kund. This peaceful place restores composure in the soul and is the best place to relax. Beautiful carvings on the steps of the Kund make it more attractive.

Bhoraji-ka-Kund

Address: Bundi District, Bundi 323001, India

Price: Free

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3. Chaurasi Khambon Ki Chhatri

Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Shakti used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Chaurasi Khambon Ki Chhatri is also called the 84 Pillared Cenotaphs. A Rajput ruler of Bundi named Rao Raja Anirudh Singh built this splendid structure in 1638 AD. This magnificent cenotaph was constructed as a tribute to Deva, the royal wet nurse who had taken special care of the prince in his early childhood. This cenotaph is decorated with engravings depicting dancers, singers and many animals including elephants and deer. This structure has a Shiv lingam located in its center supported by the magnificently adorned eighty-four pillars. In the night, when the decorated lights pass through its pillars, it looks like a magical place. This attraction is a must for people who want a peaceful and refreshing evening.

Chaurasi Khambon Ki Chhatri

Address: 84 Pillared Cenotaph (Chaurasi Khambhon-ki-Chatri), Devpura, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001

Opening Hours: 24 hours

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4. Taragarh Fort

Bundi Palace
Source: Photo by user Arian Zwegers used under CC BY 2.0

Taragarh Fort or the ‘Star Fort’ is an outstanding place for the people who want to experience the architecture of the royal city Bundi. This fort is believed to be the first hill fort in India that has mutely witnessed countless battles and a number of rulers ranging from the Rajputs and Mughals to the British conquerors. When you reach the top of the fort, a splendid bird’s eye view of the entire town welcomes you. Most tourists prefer to visit there during sunset to capture the scenic beauty, and November to March is the best time to visit. This fort also houses the remains of Bhim Burj, a 16th-century Bastion. A huge water reservoir, which is carved out of a single piece of rock, enhances the serene beauty of the place.

Taragarh Fort

Address: Taragarh Fort, Taragarh Rd, Taragarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001

Price: Free Entry

Opening Hours: 9am - 6:30pm. All days of the week

Duration: around 30 minutes required.

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Rajasthan Tour Guide

Rajeev

Rajeev

I am a full-time licensed tour guide living in Agra, India. I received my Regiinal Level Guide certificate in 2007 from the Ministry of Tourism now I have a Pan India license. Before I discovered the tourism industry, I worked in the law, medical and insurance fields. I have a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biology and Organic Chemistry. After achieving my Masters of Science in Organic Chemistry, I went to law school. My passion for history and culture led me to my profession today. I still enjoy learning science. I use it to understand the healing power of plants: mainly herbs, fruits and vegetables. My hobbies include collecting postage stamps, coins, paper money, reading, music, and of course, gardening. I also love photography, which I have become very good at. Many tourists have enjoyed my personal sightseeing tours. I enjoy meeting people and showing them my world. My lifelong experiences here, combined with my studies, allow me to help people get to know the real India. If you enjoy learning about this way of life, I am the one to come to! I work mainly in Agra, but will create tours to places outside of the city. While my tours are mostly walking tours around the city, I can arrange for transportation as well. If you need accommodation services, I can provide that too. Traveling to India is not just a journey, but an experience!

Tours by Rajeev

5. Hathi Pol

Hathi Pol, Taragarh Fort, Bundi Dated: 1354CE

Posted by भारतीय वास्तुकला (Wonderful Indian Architecture) on Friday, 15 March 2013

The Hathi Pol serves as an entrance into the famous Garh Palace of Bundi. It literally translates into ‘The Gate of Elephants’, and you can see a pair of trumpeting elephant statues forming an arc. The building of this entrance was done by Rao Ratan Singh, and also consists of two huge brass cast gates at the start of the steep palace.

Hathi Pol

Address: Sadar Baazar, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001, India

Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm.

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6. Garh Palace

Garh Palace, Bundi Situé dans le fin fond du Rajasthan, la ville est aussi connue pour avoir été la ville où Rudyard...

Posted by ATW Architecture on Friday, 7 November 2014

The Garh Palace is a complex of different palaces located beneath the Taragarh Fort on the northern edge of the Bundi town. This palace was constructed initially in the 16th-century by Maha Rao Balwant Singh and the other palaces were mostly built between the 17th and 18th-century. When seen from the town side, the view of the palace along with the Taragarh Fort makes a beautiful sight to watch. It is a fantastic place to visit which preserves the glory and valor of antique art.

Garh Palace

Address: Sadar Baazar, Teerath, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001, India

Price: Entry fee 50 INR (0.76 USD). Camera fee: Stills - 50 INR (0.76 USD) and Video - 100 INR (1.53 USD)

Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm.

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Contact: +91 7472443697

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7. Rani-Ji-ki-Baori

Rani ji ki Baori ( Queen's stepwell ) Captured by ~ @milowphotography Www.facebook.com/bundicityhd Www.instagram.com/instabundi Www.twitter.com/bundicityhd Bundi city HD

Posted by Bundi City HD on Wednesday, 8 February 2017

Rani-Ji-ki-Baori or the Queen’s Stepwell is a major example of Rajput waterworks. This stepwell was built way back in the year 1699. The Baori is a well, which is 46 meters (150 feet) deep and its pillars are engraved with delicate carvings and sculptures. Its high arched gate and multistoried structure make it one of the most unique structures. At the entrance gate, you will find a stone elephant statue on each of the four pillars which support it.

Rani-Ji-ki-Baori

Address: Gayatri Nagar, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001

Traveler's tips

Good Tip

While people mostly visit Rajhasthan for its magnificent forts, the smaller towns offer the perfect off beat excursion. This is a stepwell in a small town called Bundi. The best part was that there were no tourists. If you are not scared of heights, do visit the temple within the well.

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8. Nawal Sagar Lake

Bundi-Cenotaph on Naval Sagar Lake-20131016
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daniel Villafruela used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Set in the middle of the town, the Nawal Sagar Lake is a popular tourist attraction in Bundi. This lake is the source for all the nearby Baoris. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Varuna, the Hindu God of Rain, in the center of the lake. Local people visit this place to worship Lord Varuna daily. This temple is partly submerged in water and boat services are available for transportation. This lake provides a beautiful reflection of all the palaces and forts nearby. With the lighting at night, the amazing reflections are what attracts the major tourist population.

Nawal Sagar Lake

Address: Nawal Sagar, Teerath, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001

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9. Phool Mahal

Phool Mahal

Posted by A Journey to Discover Life on Monday, 7 December 2015

Phool Mahal, or the Flower Palace, is a contemporary structure built in the year 1945 by the King Bahadur Shah. Also known as the Phool Sagar Palace, this well planned Rajput structure is located near the Phool Sagar Lake. This palace showcases a comparatively modern form of architecture flaunting its structural design. This palace also shows some paintings and artwork done by Italian prisoners who were once housed there. The palace along with the gardens and the lake gives a divine aura.

Phool Mahal

Address: Teerath, Bundi, Rajasthan

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10. Sukh Mahal

Sukh Mahal at the bank of Jait Sagar Lake, #Bundi, #Rajasthan

Posted by Rangeelo Rajasthan on Wednesday, 22 July 2015

Once a magnificent summer palace, this attraction is now a museum surrounded by lush gardens. With the hill behind and surrounded by greenery, the Sukh Mahal is a treat to the eyes. It was built during the reign of Umed Singh, alongside the Lake Jait Sagar. This was initially built for the luxury of the princes who stayed in the palace during their hunting adventures. An important piece of architecture is the marble umbrella, or the Chhatri, located in the second story of the mahal. It also houses beautiful statues and typical Bundi art. These artworks give tourists an insight into the life of the rulers of Bundi and their exploits.

Sukh Mahal

Address: MDR 52, Teerath, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001

Price: 350 INR (5.35 USD) for a ticket covering Rani-Ji-ki-Baori as well.

Contact: +91 18001033500

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Pack your bags now!

What are you waiting for? Leave the hustle and bustle of the cities and feel the cool breeze of this historic town. You will have the most scintillating experience in this land of forts and palaces, Bundi, Rajasthan.

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Nikhil NG is a writer, brand strategic consultant, traveler and the founder of SuccessRider.com. His writing inspires people to travel on a budget. Plus, he helps hospitality dealers achieve...Read more

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