Entry

Tourism in Bundi.

Apr 4th, 2008 23:26
kumar gaurav, http://www.rajasthantravelguide.co.in/

Bundi is the undiscovered splendour, 36 Kms from Kota ruled by the Hada
Chauhans. First destination is HADOTI. Set in a narrow inclining gorge.
The palaces and forts have fairy tale quality about them. Isolated and
independent, this picturesque location has much to offer. Rajput
architecture shines and in the intricately carved brackets, pillars etc.
Interesting places are Diwan-e- aam, Hati Pol, and Naubat Khana.
Bundi came under the Chauhan rulers in the 12th century and was an
important state at the peak of Rajput glory in medieval times. The
association with the Mughals led to the decline of Bundi. Although the
state lost its glory, it continued to be an independent state within the
British rule and became a part of India when it gained independence in 1947.
Tourism in Bundi opens a world of monumental marvels, especially the
Taragarh Fort. The Taragarh Fort, built in 1354, with its imposing
structure of stone, is situated on a steep hill and has massive
battlements and ramparts. The fort welcomes vacationers through an
enormous gateway. Once inside the fort, visitors can see the Bhim Burj,
the largest battlement, and a huge water reservoir carved out of solid
rock. From the fort, one can see the entire town.
The Taragarh Fort also is a magnificent point to see the sunset over the
Rajasthan horizon. Bundi Palace, which is situated on a hill, adjacent
to the Taragarh Fort, is known for its traditional murals. These murals
give the traveler a glimpse of the splendor and lifestyle of the rulers
of Bundi and their exploits. Though most parts of the palace walls are
decorated with traditional murals, only the Chitra Shala area is open
for tourists.
Bundi is famous for its waterworks. It has a number of impressive baolis
or step wells. Raniji-ki-Baoli, (Queen’s step well) is an important
place to visit. It is a 46-m-deep step well, built in 1699 by Queen
Nathavatji, and is known for its carvings. The Nagar Sagar Kund, a pair
of identical, step wells is near Raniji-ki-Baoli, in the center of the
town. Nawal Sagar, the artificial lake near the palace is a good tourist
spot and one can see a shrine at the center of this lake. Other
waterworks worth visiting are Dhabhai Kund and Bhora-ji-ka-Kund.
One of the major attractions in Bundi is the Teej Festival. This annual
festival is held in during July-August. Tourists must make it a point to
travel to Bundi during the Teej Festival.
The Chitra SHALA has a colourful glimpse of history painted on ceilings
and walls, making it an open art gallery. The paintings of Bundi School
are famous for its festivals, animals and birds scenes portrayed
beautifully. During the state time Bundi was popular for hunting’s and
so are the hunting lodges like Phool Sagar Palace, Sukh Mahal and Shikar
Burj.
Bundi Attractions :
Taragarh Fort
Built in the 14th century, the Taragarh Fort is the star attraction in
Bundi. With the entry being free and souvenir shops fortunately absent,
the fort provides an option of peaceful ramble round its premises.
Inside the instant eye-catchers include the Bhim Burj, a large
battlement with a cannon placed on it and a large reservoir carved out
of single piece of rock. The views from the fort are exceptional,
specially during the sunset when the rays seems to lend a lovely grace
to the entire area.
Bundi Palace
Adjacent to the fort and past the bazaar, a wooden gate leads to the
beautiful Bundi Palace. The highlight of this palace is the beautiful
murals that carry the spectators back into the time of Bundi royalty.
The murals cover almost entire palace walls, however, all these areas
are not open for public viewing barring the Chitrashala. For visiting
other areas, special permission needs to be obtained from the secretary
of the Maharaja of Bundi. Photography is not allowed otherwise Bundi
palace, illuminated with lights during night, presents a glowing beauty
to be captured on camera.
Baoris & Tanks
Bundi is renowned for its baoris or stepwells. There are 50 step wells
in Bundi out of which only few have been maintained till date. Most
prominent among these are the Raniji ki Baori, Nagar Sagar Kund and
Nawal Sagar. The first one was built by Rani Nathavatji and is known for
its exquisite carvings. The stepwell was built in the year 1699 and is
46 metre deep. The second one is a pair of identical stepwells close to
the Queen’s step well while the Nawal Sagar is close to the palace
containing many small islets. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord
Varuna, half submerged in the water of the lake. This temple can be
reached only by a boat.
Sukh Mahal
The palace was constructed during the reigns of Umed Singh on the banks
of Sukh Sagar or the Jait Sagar. The palace was meant for providing the
princes a free hand to do what they liked away from the supervision of
the Rao. The highlight of the palace is the white marble chhatri that
stands in the centre of the roof of the second storey. The palace, that
serves as the Irrigation Rest House today, holds the honour of playing
host to the famous writer, Rudyard Kipling.
84 Pillared Cenotaphs
The Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri is located south of the town and is a
pavilion supported by 84 pillars. The pavilion was constructed in the
year 1683 by Rao Anirudh Singh to honour the services of Deva, his wet
nurse. The two storeyed structure serves as a cenotaph as well as a
temple though the importance of the cenotaph seems to have deteriorated
with the passage of time. On the other hand the temple with Shiva Linga
still commands respect from the devotees. The ceilings on both the
floors are decorated with paintings of Rajput battles and fish symbols.
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