Bundi

Famous among the places to visit in Bundi as the first hillside fort in the country, this extensive bastion was built in 1354. This massive 1426-foot high construction has three entrances marked by imposing gateways engraved with elephants.Inside, you can explore gigantic reservoirs carved out of the rock and the Rani Mahal dedicated to queens. The largest battlement called Bhim Burj features a huge cannon seat called 'Garbha Gunjan' or the 'Thunder from the Womb'. The fort also contains several tunnels used to escape from enemies in the ancient times.Location: Nahar ka Chauhatta,15 minutes from Bundi.Entry fee: Rs. 100/-Timings: 9 am – 5 pm.

Bundi is the cradle of a distinct style of painting with elements of Mughal, Deccan, and Mewar-style art. And the best specimens of this school of painting can be seen at Chitrashala, a UNESCO World Heritage site among the places to visit in Bundi.Located inside the Bundi Palace, this palace contains murals featuring green backgrounds, white human bodies, and traditional attires in jewel shades of red, blue, and black. The paintings transport you to the ancient courts of Rajputana and also depict the life of Lord Krishna, like his cosmic dance rasamandala with gopis.Location: Garh Palace complex.Entry fee: Rs. 100/-Timings: 8 am – 5 pm.

Bundi is a paradise for ardent shoppers offering exquisite pieces of art. You can find miniature paintings in the distinctive Bundi style, comfortable Kota sarees, and cotton carpets with intricate detailing.Such mementoes can elevate your home décor, or you can use them as gifts. And the place to buy some of the best specimens of Bundi's art is the Sadar Bazaar. This market is especially noteworthy for shopping for cotton carpets with charming paintings. Some other merchandise on sale includes lac bangles, metal-wares, silver jewellery, wooden toys, and colourful cotton stoles called odhnis.

Offering one of the most tranquil ambiences among the places to visit in Bundi, this lake is a popular excursion among the locals and tourists alike. The Sukh Mahal, a royal summer residence with terraced gardens is situated beside this lake.Flanked by towering walls with four entryways, this 1.5km-long stretch of water body gets filled with lotuses in the rainy season and winter, creating an attractive sight. On the eastern fringes of the lake is the Kshar Bag featuring cenotaphs of previous Bundi rulers and their consorts. The structures feature intricate carvings.Location: 2km from the town centre.

Another superb specimen of stepped wells, the most striking feature of the places to visit in Bundi, Dhabhai Kund is a dramatic piece of architecture. The symmetric steps, counting more than 700, are an engineering marvel.The geometric construction has elaborate carvings, typical of ancient Rajasthan's structural design. If you climb down the staircase, you can reach the water level below. Outside the Chauhan Gate, the twin stepwells of Nagar Sagar Kund are located.Location: Gayatri Nagar.Timings: 8 am – 7 pm.

Situated at the heart of the town, this lake is a unique attraction among Bundi tourist places and shows the reflection of the entire city. Tourists flock to this lake for this unmatched view.At its centre, the square, artificial lake has a half-submerged temple dedicated to Lord Varuna, the Hindu God of water. Several stepwells surround the lake, and it was the primary source of water for those wells. Today, it offers a peaceful ambience to spend quality time with loved ones.Location: Balchand Para, Bundi.

Standing tall against the ravages of time, the palace is noted for the delicate turquoise-and-gold murals and a Chinese-inspired ceiling. Inside the palace, constructed by Rao Raja Ratan Singh, you can view the Ratan Daulat or Diwan-i-Am.The white marble coronation throne and beautifully carved coaches in the stable are significant attractions. The architecture shows incredible innovations in design. The palace houses some of the notable tourist places in Bundi, Rajasthan including Phool Mahal, Badal Mahal, Hathi Pol, and more.Location: Bundi, adjacent to Taragarh Fort.Entry fee: Rs. 80/-Timings: 8 am – 6 pm.

One of the incomparable places to visit in Bundi is the sprawling complex of Garh Palace. Once you enter through the renowned Hathi Pol, you can explore the delightful Rajputana architecture and the Bundi school of paintings.The exquisite Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace) is inlaid with mirrors. The Chhatra Mahal contains a collection of awe-inspiring pictures. A gallery in this complex displays the formal attires of the illustrious kings, arms and ammunitions used in battles, and other interesting artefacts. Chitrashala and Badal Mahal are other places of interest here.Location: Sadar Bazar, Teerath, Bundi.Entry fee: Rs. 100/-Timings: 8 am – 6 pm.