1. Taragarh Fort: Carved into a massive hill, Taragarh Fort is an ancient 12th century hillfort. One of the most remarkable places to visit in Bundi, this stunning hillfort was constructed by King Ajayraj Chauhan in 1113AD. With its massive gateways, labyrinthine tunnels and reservoirs, the Fort is a splendid display of the erstwhile glory of the Chauhan Empire.
Three arching gates, called Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak adorn the entrance of the Fort on all sides. Other structures housed within the Fort include the Miran Saheb ki Dargah, Rani Mahal and the 16th century bastion Bhim Burj.
Location: Nahar ka Chauhatta, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
Timings: 08.00AM-05.00PM on all days of the week.
Entry fee: Rs. 25 per person.
2. Sukh Mahal: Once a summer retreat for the erstwhile rulers of Bundi, Sukh Mahal is now best known as the place where Rudyard Kipling composed ‘Kim’. Poised by the stunning Jait Sagar Lake, the picturesque palace was built by Raja Umed Singh. The main attraction at the palace is the stunning white marble Chhatri, that stands tall and proud on the second storey of the structure.
Location: MDR 52, Teerath, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
Timings: 09.45AM-05.00PM on all days of the week.
Entry Fee: Rs. 75 for Indians; Rs. 350 for foreign tourists.
3. Raniji ki Baori: Also known as the ‘Queen’s Stepwell’, Raniji ki Baori is an ancient stepwell by Rani Nathavati ji in the year 1699. Travelling downwards for 46 meters, this stunning stepwell is divided into several storeys, each adorned with well-carved marble pillars and an overarching gate.
Each floor at the Baori has a separate shrine, where visitors can stop to pay homage. Lifelike statues of the Gajraj, with their trunk turned inwards, flank two sides of the inviting gate here, giving the impression of having drunk from the Baori.
Location: Bundi Rd, near k. N, Adisal Singh Colony, Gayatri Nagar, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
Timings: 10.00AM-04.00PM on all days of the week.
4. Dabhai Kund: The largest structure of its kind in Bundi, Dabhai Kund is probably the most popular tourist attraction in the town. The kund was built in the 18th century, under the rule of Rao Raja Ram Singh.
The massive stepwell stands testament to the art and architectural styles that flourished under the Chauhan dynasty. The steps leading to the water at the bottom boast of fantastic carvings, making them the primary attraction of the Kund.
Location: Gayatri Nagar, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
5. Chaurasi Khambon ki Chatri: Its name literally translates to ‘the 84 pillared cenotaph’, the Chaurasi Khambon in Chhatri is an ancient Chhatri located at the very heart of the Bundi town. It is said that no person can ever count the 84 pillars of the Chhatri at a time.
The structure was erected in 1683 by the then ruler of Bundi, Raja Rao Anirudh, as a tribute to his beloved wet nurse, Deva. The walls of the cenotaph are lavishly decorated by splendid carvings of deer and elephants. The interior section of the cenotaphs houses an idol of the Shiva Linga, making it a popular tourist spot among Shaivites.
Location: Devpura, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
Timings: 09.00AM-05.00PM on all days of the week.
6. Garh Palace: One of the grandest palaces in the country, Bundi’s Garh Palace is a collection of several stunning Rajput monuments built across several centuries. The palace is known for its resplendent Rajput architecture, made evident in its pillars and jharokhas, each sporting elaborate carvings. Some of the best known structures located within Garh Palace include the Chhatra Mahal, Phool Mahal and Badal Mahal.
Location: Sadar Bazar, Teerath, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
Timings: 08.00AM-07.00PM on all days of the week.
Entry Fee: Starting from Rs.20 per person.
7. Badal Mahal: Its name meaning ‘The Palace of Clouds’, Badal Mahal is an ancient palace housed within Garh. The Palace is known for its unique architectural style, which is heavily influenced by the Chinese art forms and culture. Three arches flank the Palace on all sides, each sporting an image of a half-ready lotus.
Location: Garh Palace, Sadar Bazar, Teerath, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.
8. Chitra Mahal: Known as the art hub of Bundi, the Chitra Mahal stands testament to the artisan culture flourishing in the town’s past. Literally translating to the ‘Palace of Pictures’, Chitra Mahal derives its name from the resplendent murals that adorn its walls.
Housed within the Chitra Mahal is the Chitrashala, a museum commissioned by Raja Umed Singh, that now houses some of the best miniature paintings and murals that were ever produced in Bundi. Located on an elevated podium by the courtyard, the gallery is home to historical paintings depicting scenes from folklore and mythology. Being the innermost chamber in the Palace, the Chitrashala is hardly penetrated by moisture and sunlight, thus retaining the original splendor of the paintings.
Location: Garh Palace,Sadar Bazar, Teerath, Bundi, Rajasthan 323001.