History and Architectural Splendors of Bundi Rajasthan
Bundi Rajasthan
Bundi Rajasthan is a city located in the Hadoti region of the state of Rajasthan, India. It is situated in the northwest part of the country and is known for its rich history, architectural marvels, and natural beauty. Bundi has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. It was established by Rao Deva, a Chauhan Rajput prince. The city gained prominence under the rule of Rao Raja Rao Ratan Singh and later became the capital of the princely state of Bundi. The city has preserved its traditional charm and showcases magnificent palaces, forts, and step wells.
Bundi Geography
Bundi City is situated in the southeast of Rajasthan north of Tonk district and west of Bhilwara and southwest of Chittorgarh District. The river Chambal forms the eastern boundaries, separating Bundi and Kota territories. The southern part of Bundi forms a wedge between Bhilwara and Kota and also touches the Chittorgarh district. The total geographical area of the district is 581938 hectares. Bundi’s charm lies in its location surrounded by orchards of orange, guava, pomegranate, and mango trees, flanked by the Aravalli range and rivers, and lined by fields of cotton, barley, and wheat.
Bundi weather
The weather in Bundi Rajasthan can be characterized as hot and semi-arid, with distinct seasons.
Summer (April to June): Summers in Bundi are scorching hot and dry. Temperatures can soar as high as 45°C (113°F) during the daytime, especially in May and June. Nights provide some relief with relatively cooler temperatures, but it can still be quite warm.
Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon season brings some relief from the heat as the region receives moderate to heavy rainfall. The temperature drops during this time, ranging between 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F). However, humidity levels can be high, and occasional thunderstorms are common.
Post-Monsoon (October to November): After the monsoon season, the weather gradually starts becoming more pleasant. Temperatures start to drop, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 35°C (95°F), and the humidity decreases. October and November are considered relatively comfortable months to visit Bundi.
Winter (December to February): Winters in Bundi are mild and comfortable. The temperature ranges from 10°C (50°F) to 25°C (77°F), making it the most pleasant time to visit. However, nights and early mornings can be chilly, with temperatures occasionally dropping to single digits.
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Places to see in Bundi Rajasthan
Taragarh Fort Bundi
The Taragarh Fort is one of the main attractions in Bundi. It is located on a hilltop and offers breathtaking views of the city. The fort is renowned for its intricate architecture, beautiful murals, and impressive gateway.
Bundi Palace
The Bundi Palace, also known as the Garh Palace, is situated next to the Taragarh Fort. It is a magnificent structure with stunning Rajput architecture. The palace features various chambers, halls, and balconies adorned with murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, Rajput court life, and hunting expeditions.
Step Wells
Bundi Rajasthan is famous for its step wells, also known as Baoris. These ancient structures served as a water source and were built with intricate carvings and beautiful architecture. The most famous step wells in Bundi are Raniji ki Baori and Nagar Sagar Kund.
The Garh Palace
The Garh Palace in Bundi is counted among the largest palaces in India, even if it is a little less known. Inside, the palace is a collection of a number of palaces that were built by different rulers over the span of 3 centuries. Garh Palace is known for its Rajput architecture, which is easily noticeable in the jharokhas and pillars, many of which sport elephant carvings. Some of the famous palaces here include the Chhatra Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Badal Mahal, but one of the most famous ones has to be the Chitrashala. Chitrashala is an art gallery, that houses a vast collection of Rajput miniature paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. The intricate artwork depicts various themes such as mythology, court life, and religious stories.
Sukh Mahal
Sukh Mahal, a small, two-storied palace was a summer retreat of past rulers. It is quite famous for being the place where Kipling wrote ‘Kim’. Many credits the palace as having played muse to the renowned novel. In fact, part of a movie based on the novel was even shot here.
Hadoti Palace Bundi
Hadoti Palace Bundi is a heritage hotel situated near the Bundi Palace and offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. Hadoti Palace Bundi is a converted heritage property that offers a blend of traditional Rajasthani architecture and modern amenities. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Bundi, near major attractions such as Bundi Palace, Taragarh Fort, and step wells. Hadoti Palace Bundi Rajasthan offers a range of facilities and services to enhance the guest experience. These may include a swimming pool, spa or wellness center, travel assistance, car rental, laundry service, and 24-hour front desk.
Badal Mahal
The Badal Mahal, also known as the Palace of Clouds, is located within the Garh Palace. The majestic palace’s walls are covered in exquisite paintings which are engaging in their mien and depict an early influence of Chinese culture. The royal residence was built in two diverse time periods. In the first stage, the verandah and the ground floor was built by Maharawal Gopinath, and the rest of the construction was done in 1609 – 1657 AD by Marahawal Punjraj.
Lake Jait Sagar
Located close to the Taragarh Fort, this picturesque lake is surrounded by hills and covered with pretty lotus flowers that bloom during winter and monsoon.
Dev Niwas Bundi
Dev Niwas, a late 17th century ‘Haveli’ (mansion), is situated in the center of the quaint, poetic city of Bundi. This unique cluster of houses is surrounded by ancient havelis and temples. The rooms have been restored back to their old charisma and are situated around a central courtyard which is approached through a narrow archway.
How to Reach Bundi Rajasthan
The nearest airport to Bundi is Jaipur International Airport, located approximately 206 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bundi. Jaipur Airport is well-connected to major Indian cities and also has international flights.
Bundi Rajasthan has its own railway station called Bundi Junction, which is well-connected to various cities in Rajasthan and other parts of the country. Trains from major cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad have direct services to Bundi.
Bundi Rajasthan has good road connectivity, and you can reach the city by bus or private car. National Highway 52 passes through Bundi, connecting it to major cities in Rajasthan and neighboring states. You can opt for state-run buses, or private buses, or hire a taxi to reach Bundi from nearby cities like Jaipur, Kota, Udaipur, and Ajmer.
Sources-tourism.rajasthan.gov.in, Wikipedia.org, bundi.rajasthan.gov.in
