Bundi

North Indian City Guide - Rajasthan - Bundi

With several old temples around it, the small city of Bundi grabs the name of “Choti Kashi” (Choti - small; Kashi - the sacred city for Hindus). The city of Bundi has its old temples and moreover, the step wells as its trademark, which attracts visitors. There are around 50 old step wells of various types which become the major source of water for the famine prone city.

Bundi - City Guide

The popular “Raniji ki Baori” or the “Queen’s step well”, which has a depth of 46 meters is also found here. Yet, the city with its forts and palaces does not fail to lure tourists to get a cultural and historical experience.

The smaller the place the better it reveals its traditions, and that’s very much true in case of Bundi. Originally it was an abode of various ancient tribes of Rajasthan. The city derives its name from the leader / Sardar of the Meena tribe called Bunda Meena. Despite being taken over by the Hoda Rajput rulers, the name was allowed to continue which keeps its historical significance intact.

Though a lesser known city, Bundi holds some of the best places to visit. Located on a steep hills, is the “Taragarh Fort” or the “Star Fort”, built in 1354 and a standing marvel of Rajput architecture. The unique feature of the Fort is the entrance which welcomes the visitors with three different gateways, tunnels used during battlements and several carving all around.

Though it has been affected with time, the Fort continues to amaze people especially with the view that it offers during sunset when the entire city is filled with a golden hue. Visit to its Chitrashala or Ummed Palace is a treat to people with historical interests.

Moti Mahal is another attraction architectural attraction, which also gives a spectacular view of the Nagar Sagar Lake and a panaromic view of the Aravallis. It is believed that the huge apartment like monument was built with tons of gold and precious stones. Bundi has several such Palaces of various kinds built around the fort and city. Few of them are the Badal Mahal known for its Chinese styles murals, Phool Mahal or the Flower Palace on the banks of Phool Sagar Lake and the Sukh Mahal known for its huge marble Chatri or the umbrella. Hence, Bundi becomes a pool of rich Rajputana architecture and heritage.

Climatic Condition

Bundi experiences dry weather conditions throughout the year, with very less rainfall in July and August. The months with moderate temperatures are November to February when the temperature ranges between 13° C and 27° C, with January as the coldest month. The city remains extremely hot from April to June when temperatures go up to 40° C.