BUNDI: THE UNDISCOVERED SPLENDOUR
36 km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town, Bundi. One of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Hada Chauhans - an offshoot of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer
In 1193 A.D., when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved 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 separate states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the River Chambal.
Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on 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 pillar, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.
PRIME SITES
Taragrah or the Star Fort: Built in 1354 A.D., the fot is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a marvellous white fort with a huge reservoir which once supplied water to the palace.
The Palace: This magnificent edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi murals.
Chhattar Mahal (Palace of Towers): A steep, paved carraife-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 Diwan-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).
Shikar Burj:
The royal hunting lodge set amidst the lush surroundings. It is a favourite picnic spot.
Kshar Bagh:
An ancient garden near the Shikhar 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.
EXCURSIONS
Jait
Sagar
Lake (3 km):
A picturesque lake cradled in the hills, built by Jaita Meena. The swirling fountain at night is a visual delight.
Rameshwaram (20 km):
The cave temple of
Lord Shiva
surrounded by the Arvalli ranges. An ideal picnic spot as well.
Keshavraipatan (45 km): It is an ancient city famous for the temple of
Keshavraiji
(Vishnu). The architecture and sculpture at this temple is unique.
It was constructed in the year 1601 A.D. by Maharaja Shatrusal of Bundi. A famous Jain temple is also there.
Ramgarh (45 km):
The Ramgarh Sanctuary is located on the Nainwa road. One needs to take permission of the State Forest Department prior to a visit to the sanctuary.
Bijolia (50 km):
An ancient fort and the city of Bijolia is situated on the Bundi-Chittaurgarh road. A high paved courtyan on the side of the fort has a large temple of
Lord Shiva
in its centre with a fine image of Lord Ganesha standing as a guardian at the entrance. A carved archway leads to the temple.
Menal ()70 km):
The Menal River runs over a bed of granite slabs and plunges into a cavemous 122 metres deep gorge.
On the other side of the broken wall is the temple complex with fascinating carvings on the walls of the shrine that depict various Hindu deities. It is located on the Chittaurgarh-Bundi road.
Talwas (53 km):
A magnificent fort built by the ruler Ajit Singh. A temple of
Dhooleshwar Mahadev
and a picturesque waterfall adjoining the fort are worth a visit. The beautiful Ratna
Sagar
Lake is close by and is a haven for fauna like bear and deer during the monsoon.
Dugari (65 km):
Remnants of ancient wall paintings can be seen in the Ram Mandir within the imposing fort of Dugari.
Indragarh (77 km):
The Indragarh Fort and the nearby palaces are famous for the temples of Mother Goddess Kali and Kamleshwar. The palace is also famous for wall paintings. |
