Sitting on a narrow gorge in the hills and encircled by walled fortifications with four gateways, Bundi is one of the most picturesque towns in Rajasthan. The kingdom of bundi was founded by the Hada Chauhans, a warrior clan who originally ruled Ajmer and Delhi. But after their last great ruler Prithviraj chauhan was humbled by muhammed ghori in 1193, the haras made their way into mewar and finally settled on the land usurped from Bunda, a chieftain of the bhill tribals of the region. Later, they became one of the closest allies of the mughals and road chhatar sale, the bundi ruler in the 17th century, was so fiercely loyal to the Empror shahjehan that he would not have anything to do with the usurper prince Aurangzeb, in spite of the many temptations offered him. In 1818 Bundi came under the British.
The fine wall paintings and murals done in the distinctive Bundi style are a major attraction of bundi. The town has also been known as a “city of wells”, with a number of ornate step-wells dating back to the 17th century.
This is considered to be one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture, the construction was started by Maharao Balwant Singh. A steep, paved carriage way leads to this palace through the Hazari pol or the gate of the thousand. Inside the palace, the Naubat Khana and the Hathi pol are places of special interest.
This palace was built by Maharao Shatrusal Singh ji. The main attraction of the palace is a room full of murals in the miniature style. The colour schemes of these paintings are golden and blue.
Besides the courtyard, a beautiful small pool and Hathiya sal (with each one of its pillars composed of four wooden elephants) are notable. Glass and ivory work done on the gates is breathtaking.
This square – shaped artificial lake, broken up by islets, can be seen from the fort. A temple of Varuna (Aryan god of wind) stands half submerged in a conner of the lake. The reflection of the entire city and its places can be seen in the lake, making it a unique attraction of bundi. At sunset, the reflection of the rajmahal n the lake is a fascinating sight.
This square – shaped artificial lake, broken up by islets, can be seen from the fort. A temple of Varuna (Aryan god of wind) stands half submerged in a conner of the lake. The reflection of the entire city and its places can be seen in the lake, making it a unique attraction of bundi. At sunset, the reflection of the rajmahal n the lake is a fascinating sight.
Outside the city walls it is a fine specimen of a step-well. It has a high arched gate, ornate with excellent carvings on its pillars. The well has a depth of 46 meters and was built by a rani of the royal house. The architecture of this baori is very typical. The intricate murals on the pillars, torans and gates are wonderful.
This magnificent summer palace was constructed during the reig of raja Vishnu Singh on the Sagar Lake, amid the lush surroundings of a beautiful garden. It is said that an underground tunnel runs from such mahaql to the old palace.
It was the royal hunting lodge. Nestled in the wood, amidst lush greenery, It is a beautiful picnic spot. Near the shikar burj is an ancient well-maintained garden, where cenotaphs of the kings and queens of bundi stand in all their rich architectural splendour.