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Bundi is quite closer to Kota with a rich historical wealth. It was ruled by the Had Chauhans- an offshoots of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.
In 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors move towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals-thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separates states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the river Chambal.
Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bound is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.
Festival Fun
Kajli Teej (July/Aug): The celebrations of the festival are different than the usual Teej festivities. Unlike Teej, which is celebrated on the third day of the month of Shravana, Kajli Teej is celebrated on the third day of the month of Bhadra.
An exeberant procession of Teej in a decorated planquin, starts from the beautiful Naval Sagar and culminates at the Azad Park. Cultural performances by the local artistes as well as by artistes from Hadoti region are part of the celebrations. Though the Teej procession is carried our for only two days, the festivities continue till the eighth day, finally ending on Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.
General Information
Area : 5628 sq. km.
Altitude: 515 metres
Climate Summer : 43.0 degree C(Max.) 35.0 degree C(Min) Winter : 30.7 degree C(Max.) 5.0 degree C(Min)
Rainfall 75 cms.
Clothing Summer: light tropical Winter : light woolen
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English
Best Season August-February.
Major Attractions:
Taragarh or The Star Fort: Built in 1354 A.D., the fort is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a marvelloous white fort with a huge reservoir which once supplied water to the palace.
The Palace: This magnificient edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi murals.
Chhattar Mahal or Palace or Towers: A steep, paved carafe-way is the only way to reach the monument. Of special interest in the palace is the Hazari Pol or Gate of the thousand, the Naubat Khana, the Hathi Pol with its old water clock and the Diwann-e- Aam.
Ratan Daulat: Built by Rao Raja Ratan Singh,, it is a very interesting structure forming a stable for nine horses and a Hatia Pol. (Prior permission required for visit.)
Chitrashala: A fascinating pavilion and a gallery of minature murals embellish the palace. Elaborate colourful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the ‘Ragmala’ and ‘Raaslila’-the Radha-Krishna story.
Nawal Sagar: Visible from the fort is the square artificial lake of Nawal Sagar,broken up by islets. A temple dedicated to Varuna, the Aryan god of water,stands half submerged in the centre of the lake. The reflection of the entire city and its palaces can be seen in the lake -making it a unique attraction of Bundi.
Raniji-ki-Baori: It is 46 m. deep stepped dwell with some superb carvings on its pillars and a high arched gate built in 1699 A.D. by Rani Nathavatji. This well is one of the largest of its kind.
Sukh Mahal: A magnificient summer palace on the Sukh Mahal Lake amid the lush surroundings of a beautiful garden. An underground tunnel is believed to run from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace.
Phool Sagar: The 20th century palace with an artificial tank and picturesque gardens. Presently, it is the residence of the former ruler (Prior permission of Secretary is required for a visit.)
Shikar Burj: The royal hunting lodge set amidst thel lush surroundings. It is a favorite picnic spot.
Kshar Bagh: An ancient garden near the Shika Burj with beautiful chhatris of the Bundi rulers and their queens all examples of the town’s rich architecture. (Prior permission required for visit.)
Eighty Four Pillared Cenotaph: An amazingly magnificent memorial with 84 pillars in a single cenotaph along with a Shiva lingam. It was erected by Rao
Anirudh. |