The Rajput legacy is well preserved in the shape of the massive fort at Taragarh which broods through the narrow valleys of the town of Bundi. People thronging the colourful and bustling markets through the town's smaller lanes gives it a vivid picture. Bundi was conquered by Rao Deva Hara in the year 1241 and was a major princely state during the rule of the Rajputs. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans- an offshoots of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. Bundi is famous for its interesting monuments, impressive forts, palaces and havelis, temples with beautiful stone carvings of idols along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town.

The small town cuddled at the bottom of a large rocky hill and dominated by Taragarh Fort and Garh Palace is lavishly decorated with the finest murals in the history of Rajput Art. Crafted in the Hara style of the Kota-Bundi school of miniatures with vivid characteristic shades of blue, green and maroon, they reflect the natural greenery of the region.


Location
Bundi is located in the southern part of the state of Rajasthan amidst a hilly terrain. The town of Bundi is at a distance of 206 km from Jaipur and 36 km from Kota.

Climate
The climate of Bundi is extreme. Summers are very hot starting from April to June while winters are too cold from October to February. The best time to visit the place is between August to February


Major Attractions
Taragarh Fort - The Taragarh Fort, also known as the Star Fort was built in the year 1354. The fort can be reached by a steep road leading up the hillside to an enormous gateway topped by rampart elephants. Inside this ramshackle fort are huge reservoirs carved out of solid rocks and the Bhim Burj which is one of the largest battlements mounted on a famous cannon.

Bundi Palace - The palace can be reached towards the northwestern end of the bazaar, through a wooden gateway. Only one part, the Chittra Shala is open to the public. The renowned Bundi murals are found in the Chattra Mahal and the Badal Mahal. The construction of the palace was done by Maharao Balwant Singh. The Naubat Khana and the Hathi Pol are some interesting sites inside the palace.

Baoris & Water Tanks - Bundi has scores of beautiful baoris or step wells and so it is popular as the city of stepwells. The impressive Raniji ki Baoris has superb carvings on it and is 46 m deep. It was built in 1699 by the then Rani Nathavatji. The Nagar Sagar Kund is a pair of matching stepwell outside the Choban Gate towards the old city. The artificial lake of Nawal Sagar has a temple of Varuna, the god of water.

Phool Sagar Place - The Phool Sagar Palace has a charming artificial tank and garden and is a good place for bird watching. There is another palace, the Sukh Mahal nearby on the edge of the Jait Sagar.

Chattra Mahal - Built by Maharao Shatrusal Singh, the palace is well known for the murals in the miniature style. The colour given to these paintings are in red, golden and blue. Apart from this a courtyard with a beautiful small pool and Hathiya Sal pillars with four wooden elephants are notable. There are many interesting structures inside the palace complex including the Hazari Pol or Gate of the Thousand, the Naubat Khana and Diwan-i- Aam.

Chaurashi Khambon ki Chatri - The stunning 84 pillared Cenotaph is set amidst well maintained gardens and this architectural monuments is worth looking at the night when it is lit up. The rock paintings at the nearby villages and on the boulders in the river gives a curious depiction of hunting scenes.


Nearby Attractions
Bijolia - At a distance of 50 km from the town of Bundi lies another ancient fort city, Bijolia which is situated on the Bundi- Chittaurgarh road. On the high paved courtyard to the side of the fort, it has a large temple of Lord Shiva at the center with a fine image of Lord Ganesha standing as a guardian at the entrance. Fine carved archway leads to the temple.