Bundi: Stepwells, Fort and Lakes

Stepwells, historic buildings and lakes shape the character of Bundi as a travel destination. Raniji ki Baori was built in 1699 by Rani Nathavati Ji. Dabhai Kund is an inverted pyramid-shaped stepwell and the largest of its kind in Bundi. The two wells each have their own distinctive features: Dabhai Kund stands out for its unusual shape, while Raniji ki Baori is also interesting for the history associated with its construction.

Stepwells, a fort and wall art

Taragarh Fort was built in 1354; its grounds are well suited to a leisurely stroll. Chhatra Mahal is an example of Rajput architecture. Its painted façades depict stories from Indian mythology, history and culture. At Chitrashala, an art gallery in Bundi, murals and frescoes are a defining feature. These include depictions from the lives of Krishna and Radha.

Sukh Mahal was a summer residence of former rulers. The Government Museum in Bundi was established on the grounds of the protected monument Sukhmahal and opened to the public in 2016. Together, these places offer different cultural highlights: architectural form and a fort, painted façades, wall art, and the connection between Sukh Mahal and the museum.

Lakes and landscapes

The artificial Nawal-Sagar Lake has a partially submerged temple dedicated to Lord Varun Dev. Jait-Sagar Lake is surrounded by green hills and lined with magnificent palaces. The two lakes bring landscape and culture together in different ways: at Nawal Sagar, the temple shapes the view; at Jait Sagar, it is the combination of hills and palaces.

Shikar Burj lies in Bundi’s dappled forests and has been converted into a picnic spot. Another natural feature in the surrounding area is Kanak-Sagar Lake near Dugari. Migratory birds such as bar-headed geese and demoiselle cranes can be observed there year-round. In the area around Bundi, a safari on the Chambal associated with the destination travels through a river landscape of deep gorges, high clay banks and waterfalls. Alongside lakes and forests, birdwatching and a river landscape therefore offer different nature experiences to choose from.

Festivals and the best time to visit

Kajli Teej takes place every year in the Hindi month of Bhadra, in July or August. If the festival is the reason for your trip, factor this period into your plans and check the specific event dates. The Bundi Festival includes a handicrafts fair. The two occasions have different focuses: Kajli Teej is associated with a specific time of year, while the fair is part of the festival programme.

Getting there and choosing a hotel base

Bundi can be reached by regular buses from Ajmer, Bijolia, Bikaner, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Sawai Madhopur and Udaipur. As schedules can change, check current connections before travelling. There are also rail connections with Chittorgarh; here too, it is worth checking the latest timetable.

When searching for hotels in Bundi, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your stay. Stepwells, the fort, architecture and the museum make for a cultural and historical trip; lakes, forests and birdwatching add a scenic dimension. The Chambal safari, in turn, appeals to travellers who want to include a river landscape in their travel plans. If Kajli Teej is important to your stay, also take the July or August dates into account.

Discover more destinations: Bundi, Baran, Sri Ganganagar, Kota, Jodhpur, Banswara, Bikaner, Barmer

For the main travel overview: Rajasthan.