BUNDI - It is one of the unexplored cities of Rajasthan 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. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravali 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. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.
An amazingly magnificent memorial with 84 pillars in a single cenotaph along with a Shiva lingam. It was erected by Rao Anirudh.
Kesar Bagh gives you ample scope to go through 66 of the most famous cenotaphs of the royal families of Bundi. The first of these were constructed in 1581 and the last in 1821. A chronological order has been maintained so that the visitors are able to make out the time period of each of the royal members. The garden is in a derelict condition. But the cenotaphs still bear testimony to the royal blood of Rajasthan who were much responsible for the reigning popularity of Kota and Bundi.
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.
Sukh Mahals evoke memories of Rudyard Kipling who not only stayed here but found inspiration for his famous work 'Kim'.
It was built in the year 1699, built by Rani Nathavatji. Even after the passage of so many years, one cannot but stare and admire this step well that reaches a depth of 46 meters. It served two purposes. Apart from being the private swimming pool of the royal Rajput ladies, it was of much benefit to the common mass in the summer months. The high arched gate of this step well is as impressive as the exquisite carvings on its pillars. It is indeed a very fine embodiment of the remarkable architectural and sculptural skills of Rajasthani craftsmen.
This imposing fort was raised at a height of 500 meters atop a hill by Rao Bar Singh in the 13th century. Strong bastions the biggest being Bhim Burj, rise above the chain of palaces built by different rulers over a period of time. Striking features of the fort are the Chhatra Mahal, Badal Mahal and Ratan Daulat - Diwan-I-Aam, built by Rao Raja Ratan Singh (1607-31). The famous Chitrashala, built by Rao Raja Umed Singh (1739-70) has open galleries running around it and have the best of Bundi wall painting depicting the Raas Leela, court life and beautiful women.
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