Discover Bundi: Stepwells, Fort and Lake

Those looking for a hotel in Bundi can plan their trip around its historic buildings, landscapes or festivals. Stepwells and memorials showcase different forms of architecture; Taragarh Fort offers a different perspective on the city and Nawal Sagar.

Stepwells and Architecture

The multi-storey Raniji ki Baori is distinguished by Gajraj carvings on its pillars. The elephants’ trunks, turned inward, make them appear to have drunk from the well. At Dhabhai Kund, the steps themselves take center stage: the stepwell is shaped like an inverted pyramid and is considered the largest of its kind in Bundi. Its details include a carved torana gateway and sculptures of gods, goddesses and royal figures. The richly decorated steps are also an impressive focal point.

The 84 Pillared Cenotaph is supported by 84 pillars. Rao Anirudh commissioned it in honor of his nurse, Deva. The structure thus combines a clearly countable pillar architecture with a personal story of remembrance. Chitrashala in Bundi’s palace complex offers a different perspective on art: the complex includes a pavilion and a gallery of miniature murals.

Taragarh Fort and Nawal Sagar

Taragarh Fort was built in 1354. It stands on a steep hill and offers impressive views. From there, you can see the man-made Nawal Sagar, a lake in the center of Bundi. In its middle stands a partly submerged temple dedicated to Lord Varun Dev. The two places therefore offer different perspectives: the lake is visible from the fort, while the temple takes center stage at Nawal Sagar.

Festivals and their dates

The Kajli Teej festival lasts two days; its dates follow the Hindi calendar. In the wider Bundi destination, Kajli Teej takes place each year in the Hindi month of Bhadra, which falls between July and August. The Bundi Festival is celebrated three days after Kartik Purnima. Kartik Purnima falls between October and November, and the festival includes a handicrafts fair. As festival dates are tied to the calendar, check the specific dates before planning your trip around them.

More to explore in the wider Bundi destination

The wider Bundi destination also offers landscape and cultural attractions that differ from the buildings in the center. Jait Sagar Lake is surrounded by green hills and lined with magnificent palaces. Sukh Mahal was a summer retreat for former rulers; the Government Museum in Bundi was established on the grounds of the protected monument. Chhatra Mahal in Bundi is an example of Rajput architecture. Its painted facades depict stories from Indian mythology, history and culture. Shikar Burj lies in Bundi’s dappled forests, near Sarbagh, and has been converted into a picnic spot.

The wider Bundi destination has regular bus connections from Ajmer, Bijolia, Bikaner, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Sawai Madhopur and Udaipur; there is also a rail connection with Chittorgarh. Check bus and train connections before traveling, as schedules may change.

For the overview of the wider destination: Bundi.