Bundi The Capital of Chauhans The small, rustic town of Bundi was the capital of one of the erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan. It is known for its palaces, baolis (step wells) and water tanks. The monuments and their architecture reflect the splendor of the local Rajput chiefs. The walls of the palaces at Bundi are decorated with life-size frescoes depicting the glory of its rulers. In 1193 AD, when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles sought shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved towards the Chambal Valley and over powered the Meena and Bhil tribals - thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separate states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the River Chambal.

Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.

History Of Bundi
The area of Bundi came under the Chauhan rulers in the 12th century. The descendents of the Chauhans set up their center at Bundi and ruled from here. Bundi got its name from Bunda, one of its former rulers. It was an important state at the peak of Rajput glory in medieval times. The association with the Mughals led to the decline of Bundi. In 1624, Emperor Jahangir pressurized the local rulers and split the erstwhile state into two parts—Bundi and Kota. 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.

Location
Bundi is located in the southern part of the state of Rajasthan, in the northwestern part of India. It is located amidst a hilly terrain, near a gorge. It is 206 km from Jaipur and 36 km from Kota. The climate of Bundi is extreme: summers are quiet hot (April–June) and winters are cool (October–February). It experiences scant rainfall between June and August.

Nearby Places ( Bundi)

Ishwari Niwas
Ishwari Niwas in Bundi was built during the reign of Maharao Ishwari Singh to house the Dewan of Bundi. It was later turned into a guest house and today it is the residence of Maharao's brother-Maharaj Kesri Singh. A seventy years old building, is a combination of Indian as well as European style of architecture.The rooms inside it have been furnished comfortably and provide the guests with all modern amenties.

Haveli Braj Bhushanji
Haveli Brij Bhushanji was built 150 years ago. The haveli is situated on the road to the palace and the terraces of this building allow one a magnificient view of the city palace, the fort as well as the city. Built in traditional rajasthani style, this four storeyed haveli has a lot of open spaces and courtyards and the rooms too are large and airy. Haveli location make it very convenient for tourists to visit other places of interest in the city and even those located a little distance away.

Chhattar Mahal Or Palace Of Towers
A steep, paved carraife-way is the only way to reach the monument. Of special interest in the palace is the 'Hazari Pole' or 'Gate of the thousand', the Naubat Khana, the Hathi Pole with its old water clock and the Diwaan-e-Aam.

Ratan Daulat
Built by Rao Raja Ratan Singh, it is a very interesting structure forming a stable for nine horses and a HatiaPoi. (Prior permission required for visit.)

Chitrashala A fascinating pavilion and a gallery of miniature murals embellish the palace. Ellaborate colourful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Ragamala' and 'Raaslila' - the Radha-Krishna story. Ranlji-Ki-Baori It is 46 m deep stepped well with some superb carvings on its pillars and a high arched gate built in 1699 AD by Rani Nathavatji. This well is one of the largest of its kind.

Sukh Mahal
A magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Sagar Lake amid the lush surroundings of a beautiful garden. An underground tunnel is believed to run from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace.

Phool Sagar
The 20th century palace, with an artificial tank and picturesque gardens. Presently, it is the residence of the former ruler (Prior permission of Secretary is required for a visit.)

Shikar Buri
The royal hunting lodge set amidst the lush surroundings. It is a favourite picnic spot.

Eighty Four Pillared Cenotaph
An amazingly magnificent memorial with 84 pillars in a single cenotaph along with a Shivlingam. It was erected by Rao Anirudh.

Fair and Festivals :
Bundi is famous for its Kajli-teej festival. This annual festival is held in July–August. Travelers must make it a point to visit Bundi during this festival.

Travel Information( Bundi)

Air : Jaipur 206 km is the nearest airport.
Rail : Bundi railway Station - 5 km, Kota 36 km is the convenient railhead.
Road : Good road connections link Bundi with important places around.